Chapter 109

The plan to pick up Grace and William from the airport was blown out of the water rather quickly. The plan was for Elizabeth to go to school today to save up her days off for after the babies were born. The less time she took off now would grant her more time with her babies. With that thought, she did not schedule a substitute to step in for her. Jack was supposed to pick them up. While he did not relish that thought, he wanted Elizabeth to have all the time with the babies she could get. So, he took that punch for her. At James and Viola's wedding, he spent no time with William.

Jack woke early. Before heading to the airport, he needed to head to the station early. He wanted to get a couple of things done before he took the time off to head to pick up Grace and William. He gently kissed Elizabeth on the forehead and leaving long before she was awake.

Jack walked into a quiet police station. Emma wasn't even in yet. Jack walked into his office looking at emails on his phone. When he flipped the light switch, he jumped a little at what he saw.

Elizabeth woke up wishing Jack was home. She missed him. Today was a little emotional for her. She was excited to see her mother. The last few months have brought them together and they are closer than ever. While she has spoken with her father every other week, she was still a little guarded with him. She just wasn't sure if things were truly changing or not. Then he was coming with her mother to her and Jack's home. She would welcome him as long as he was behaving himself, but she was willing to physically remove him herself if needed. If nothing else, she had the starting offensive line on the football team that she would have called.

She smiled thinking about her football boys. She couldn't believe how fast the season has gone. She loved each of those boys and they loved her. She would show them each a text with her mom wearing her jersey each Friday nights when her mother wasn't able to be there. That eventually turned into Elizabeth facetiming her mother after the game so she could see her boys too.

Elizabeth laid her hands on her swollen belly. "I love you two Peanuts. I can't wait to see you and hold you two. Take your time in coming to see me because I want you two healthy."

As always when she speaks directly to her children, they kicked her. At first it was cute, and she loved it, now the little Peanuts were getting stronger, and the kicks were beginning to hurt. They also kicked when Jack would speak to them, she would play around with Jack and tell him that they only did because they didn't like the nicknames he gave them. She was never convincing because she couldn't hide the smile or laugh.

Jack jumped back staring at a man that was duck taped to his chair. The man had a handkerchief taped to his mouth. His arms, chest, and legs were taped to the chair. Jack stared a few moments making eye contact with him. Jack stepped out of his office and was listening to see if he was able to see anyone or hear anyone. The place was still very quiet, and he didn't hear anyone or anything. When Jack stepped back into his office, he noticed a piece of paper that was penned to the man's shirt. There was also a large, plain envelope laying in the center of his desk. There was a post it note on the top of the envelope that stated, 'Open first' on it. Jack stood there for a moment to gather himself and to take in the whole scene in front of him.

The man was squirming and mumbling something that Jack couldn't understand due to the handkerchief. Not knowing the situation and not wanting to put himself in unnecessary danger, he picked up the envelope and opened it. There were several papers and pictures. As he pulled them out, there was a handwritten note on top paper clipped to the rest of the pile.

Chief Thorton –

Here is your human trafficker we spoke about weeks ago. Attached are several pieces of evidence: printed emails, printed texts messages, pictures, and the locations of his activities. There are also videos of the abductions from New York. This isn't an exhaustive list, but certainly more than enough to convict him. There is also a list of names of associates, but this guy is your leader. His name is Jacob Palmer.

Enclosed is also a personal gift from me.

Yours,

Miranda

Jack read the letter again to make sure he wasn't missing anything. He thumbed through the evidence quickly glancing at the photos and a thumb drive he suspected held the videos. The last piece of paper was a sketch of him. He was shocked at seeing it. Evidently Miranda was a very talented person.

After looking at the papers and pictures in his hands, he turned his attention back to the gentleman taped to his chair. He pulled out his phone and texted Lee and Emma in a group text.

J – I need you to drop whatever you are doing and be at the police station ASAP! Emma – call forensics and have them here ASAP as well

After a few seconds, he received thumbs up emojis from both Emma and Lee.

Jack was hoping he could get some fingerprints from the papers and/or pictures. He thought Miranda's name was real but didn't think her last name was what she told Elizabeth. He was hoping fingerprints would narrow down his search for her.

Jack walked around his desk and stood in front of this man. He carefully reached down and took hold of one corner of the tape to pull it off this man's face. With any luck, there may be fingerprints of the person who delivered him this morning. "Mr. Jacob Palmer, it is nice to meet you."

Jack excused himself from Jacob to call his wife. He left him taped to the chair as he stepped out of his office.

"Hey handsome. What's up?"

"I'm not sure how to answer that question." His voice trailed off.

"What do you mean? Are you ok?"

"I'm fine."

"Are you still going to pick up my mother and father?"

"That's why I'm calling. I'm not going to be able to pick them up. Something has come up at work."

"Jack, are you just backing out so you don't have to sit in the car with father for an hour."

"That's an interesting thought, but no. That's not why."

"Then what is it?"

Jack looked back at Jacob sitting in his chair. "I'm not sure you would believe me if I told you."

"Try me."

"I think this is something that I need to tell you in person. I'm not too sure I believe it myself."

"I don't understand."

"Sweetheart, I don't either." He stated slowly. She could tell that he was thoughtful in his answers, as if he wasn't too sure himself.

After a few moments of silence, Elizabeth spoke. "How are we going to get my parents here?" Asked a concerned Elizabeth.

"I met a man a few weeks ago that is starting a shuttle service. He will go and pick up people from the airport or other places for a fee. I have already spoken to him, and he is leaving to pick them up soon. Will you please call your mother and let them know that a gentleman named John will pick them up in a van? He will be waiting for them at their gate."

"I will. Thanks Jack. Are you ok?"

"This has to be one of the weirdest mornings in my professional life. I still don't believe it. I better go and get this figured out. I will talk to you later. Have a great day, beautiful."

"I love you, Jack."

"I love you, Elizabeth."

Jack walked back into his office. He sat down across from this man who was taped to his chair. He didn't say anything for a few moments. The two men looked at each other trying to figure each other out. Jack didn't look back when his door opened.

"Good morning, Chief." Emma stopped when she noticed the man sitting in Jack's chair. "I'm sorry, Chief. I didn't know you…" She suddenly stopped when she noticed the man was duck taped sitting in Jack's chair. She didn't move or say anything. She was trying to get her mind to understand what was before her.

"Boss Lady, this is Jacob Palmer. I would like for Chief Avery to come in this morning, and could you please get Superintendent Johnson on the phone for me?"

"Ok…who is Jacob Palmer?" Emma spoke slowly as she was looking at this strange man.

"I'm not too sure, but here is the file that was left on my desk with him. Please look through it and run a background check on this man."

"Sure, Chief. Hum…would you like to take him to interrogation?"

"No, I think we are comfortable enough here."

Elizabeth texted her mother to let her know of the change of plans. Elizabeth wondered what was going on with Jack this morning but knew he would share when he can. It wasn't easy, but she was learning how to trust Jack when she didn't know what was going on. She trusted Jack to handle these types of things.

After getting ready for work, she walked into the kitchen smelling the hot tea Jack had ready for her. She made herself some toast and was texting with her mother. They were at the airport waiting to board their flight. Grace confided with her daughter that she was a little nervous having William coming with her. She was also excited about senior night even though she wasn't sure what that meant.

G – I have to ask…does Jack really have something at work or is he avoiding your father?

E – I asked him that. He said he had something at work, and he will tell me later. He said it was very odd. I trust him. Jack wouldn't lie to me.

Elizabeth walked into her closet to get her shoes so she could leave for work. She laughed when she noticed what Jack did. Her shoes were always on her side of the closet on the floor under her clothes. There was only one pair there. It was her yellow pair. There was a note hanging from a clothes hanger.

Beautiful –

I moved your shoes around so you won't mismatch them anymore. The yellow pair is here in the closet. The red pair is on the right side of the front door. The white pair is on the left side of the front door. Your blue pair is by the French door in the kitchen.

Have a great day!

Your loving husband

Ig and Iggy's daddy

"I love that silly man." She stated to Rip as she patted his head.

"Mr. Palmer, I must ask. How did you get in my office and who taped you to my chair?

"Who are you?"

"I am Jack Thorton. I am the police chief of Hope Valley."

"Jack Thorton. I know that name." Jacob thought for a few moments. "How do I know that name?" He spoke thoughtfully.

"I'm not sure. How did you get here and who taped you to my chair?"

Jacob ignored Jack's question. He was trying to figure out how he knew this man's name. He studied Jack's face. Not only did the name sound familiar, but his face looked familiar too.

"Ah…now I remember. You were an investigator. Investigator Jack Thorton from Oklahoma City." Jacob gave him a look of recognition. "You know, Nat never really told me how you caught him."

"You know Nat Toliver?"

"Sure. A decent guy but could never control his emotions. Boy…does he hate you. I've heard the story about the tablecloths, but I find that hard to believe. Nat may be a little hot headed, but he isn't a dumb man. He wouldn't tell exactly what happened. There are a lot of rumors, but no one really knows what happened."

"I just got lucky. I know you didn't come here voluntarily. Who brought you here?"

"Answer me this question, and I will answer your question."

Jack nodded his approval.

"That con man who stole money from churches and charities. He also bought and sold stolen art. Did you really know what you were doing when you caught him or was it dumb luck?"

"I tracked that man down for a couple of months. He made the mistake of becoming complacent. He made the mistake of developing a pattern. I caught him because I studied him and learn his habits."

"He was always so good at avoiding that type of stuff. So, you must be as good as I have heard."

"I doubt you have heard of me."

"Are you kidding me? You are a well known name in my world. Many of us was relieved when you took this job. We thought you would be in one location, and we could just avoid this place and never see you or hear your name again. We were relieved."

"Enough of this nonsense. I have answered your question, now you said you would answer mine."

"It's not nonsense Chief Thorton. My world knows of you, and we avoid you at all costs."

Jack studied this man's face. "Now, your turn."

"I'm not sure who brought me here. I went out to dinner last night at my favorite restaurant in Oklahoma City and then went to my hotel room at the National. After going to bed, I woke up to three individuals standing over my bed. One placed something over my head like a pillow case or something after they taped a handkerchief in my mouth. Then I heard tape being torn and placed over my hands and feet. I was stuffed into a bag and carried out of my room. I heard road noise, so I am assuming I was in the trunk of a car. Then I heard mumbling between two people. Then I was carried again and was placed on an airplane. I'm not sure how long I was on the plane. After the plane, I was again in a trunk. I was then placed in a chair and taped to it. Then the bag over my head was removed and the person left. He was wearing a ski mask. He was six foot tall and weighed about two hundred and twenty pounds. He was a very strong man."

"You never heard a name?"

"No. These three individuals were professionals. No names or locations. They knew what they were doing."

"Mr. Palmer…"

"Please call me Jacob."

"Why were you in Oklahoma City?"

"Who's not in Oklahoma City now that was there a year ago?"

Jack looked at him very confused.

"You."

Jack sighed. "Jacob, why were you brought here?"

"Jack, that was my next question for you. I have no idea of why I was brought here."

"The envelope consisted of pictures, text messages, and phone conversations. There was a letter that stated you were the human trafficker that the feds were looking for."

"Sir, I'm not sure what you are talking about."

"Well, as of this moment, you are under arrest for the crime of human trafficking." Jack read Jacob his Maranda rights and asked him if he understood.

"I understand. I would like to end this conversation and request to speak to my lawyer."

Let me get you out of my chair and then I will place you into our holding cell.

Lee walked into the station when Jack walked out of his office.

"I'm sorry chief. I got here as quickly as I could."

"No problem Lee."

Jack filled him in on everything. Lee couldn't believe it. "Hollywood should make a movie with this plot. This is crazy."

"Yeah. Inside the envelope was a letter form Miranda. Jacob doesn't know that. Let's keep that information to ourselves."

"Why would she send him here."

"This is the case I brought to her trying to get her to talk to me. The more she talks, the greater the opportunity she makes a mistake."

"Instead of making a mistake, she delivers the person even the feds couldn't name."

"Yes. Would you please take him to holding cell 2. He needs to get out of my office. He has decided to speak to a lawyer. So, no questioning him. I don't want him to walk over some silly technicality."

"I understand."

When Chief Avery arrived, they conferenced called Superintendent Johnson. Jack told both of them everything from the moment he flipped his light switch on. They never thought Miranda would actually follow through with delivering the person responsible for the human trafficking ring.

"Do we know it's him?" Asked Superintendent Johnson.

"Emma is working on copying the contents of the envelope and she will email it to you. If the evidence is true, it's a slam dunk case." Jack stated.

The men spent an hour discussing Miranda and Jacob. Each shared their thoughts and bounced their ideas off of each other. This was just so weird. Neither of them has heard of anything like this. They were dumbfounded.

I'm sorry gentlemen, but I need to run. I have an appointment I cannot miss. Superintendent Johnson, thank you sir for your time this morning. I know we will be talking soon. Chief Avery, thank you for your time too. I know we will be spending some time together."

Grace and William landed and found the gentleman holding their name on a card.

"Why isn't Jack picking us up?" Asked William.

"He had something pop up this morning at work. He couldn't make it and Elizabeth is trying to save her days off."

Grace turned her attention to the gentleman. "We are the Thatchers."

"Great, ma'am. May I help you with your bags?"

"Thank you."

"Mrs. Thatcher. I was instructed by Chief Thorton that you need to be at Mrs. Thorton's classroom just before noon. Would you like to stop and pick up something to eat?"

"Why do I have to be at her classroom?"

"I'm not sure, ma'am. I was just instructed to have you there just before noon."

"Food would be good, maybe snacks instead of a meal. I guess we better go."

Feeling uncomfortable in Jack's and Elizabeth's house by himself, William decided to go with Grace to their daughter's school. As they walked into the office, they saw a smiling Ms. Florence sitting behind the counter.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Thatcher. I hope you are doing well?"

"I am, Mrs. Florence. I am supposed to be here at noon."

"Yes, Jack called and said to be expecting you. Here is a badge and a pass, do you remember where her classroom is?"

"I do. Will I interrupt her class?"

"Probably, but you know the kids won't mind." She gave Grace a smirk.

Ten minutes after Grace left the office, Jack walked into the office followed by ten of their football boys. "Mrs. Florence, you are a sight to behold."

"Chief Thorton, you say the craziest things." Blushed Ms. Florence.

"And please call me Jack. Me and my boys are here to see Mrs. Thorton. May we go back to her classroom?"

"Sure. They will be good as long as they are with you. Mrs. Thatcher is already there."

"Perfect. I have something for you." Jack stated with a huge smile while placing a brown bag on the counter.

"Let me guess, a chocolate cake from Abagail's."

"Yes, along with grilled chicken and a baked potato."

"Jack, thank you." Ms. Florence was touched by his kindness.

As the boys began to follow Jack toward his wife's classroom, Kyle walked up beside Jack and cleared his throat. "Chief, when we are done, may I have a word with you?"

"Sure Kyle. Is everything ok?"

"Yes, I was just wanting to discuss something with you. I would like your advice."

"We'll talk afterwards." Jack stated with a smile and a light tap on his shoulder.

Before reaching Elizabeth's room, the group passed several students who were walking down the hall. Henry's smile grew when he noticed his friends.

"Hey! Henry." Reid stated. "How's my boy?"

Reid gave Henry a high five. As he passed each player, they all gave him a high five except for the last one. He picked him up and whirled him around a couple of times before sitting him back down. Henry's teacher gasped at the action.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. I wasn't thinking and I was just excited to see my buddy."

"That's fine young man."

"Why are you here, mother?"

"I'm not sure. The driver stated that Jack wanted me here before noon. I thought you would know."

"No, I don't know. I'm teaching class."

"I'm sorry for the interruption. Ms. Florence told us to come back to your classroom."

Elizabeth looked at her father but didn't say anything other than hello.

"I didn't want to stay at your home without anyone there. I was just accompanying Grace. I thought we would have lunch following this."

"Yes, we had a snack on the way here, but I'm getting a little hungry for lunch."

As she finished her statement, Jack knocked on Elizabeth's classroom door and then poked his head in.

Elizabeth looked up a little perturbed because of all the interruptions to her class but melted when she saw those silly dimples looking at her. She shook her head at the sight of that smile.

"Jack, what are you all doing here?"

Jack walked into the room without the football players. They remained in the hallway. Jack waved at the students as he walked up to his wife. He leaned in and gave his wife a gentle kiss on the cheek and then whispered in her ear. "I see the shoe thing worked this morning."

She smirked at him. "Yes, thank you for doing that."

"There is someone here who would like to see you and mom." Jack stated and looked at Grace for the first time since walking into the room.

"To see us?" Elizabeth and Grace both asked. Grace stepped beside Elizabeth. "Who would want to see both of us during a school day?" Asked Elizabeth. Her students didn't know what was going on, but they weren't having to do math, so they were very happy with the interruption.

Jack smiled at his mom and then his wife. "Here." He stated as he gave both Elizabeth and Grace a small travel bag of tissues. "You will need these."

As Jack turned to walk back to the door, the two ladies watched him walk away and then looked at each other. Their eyes were drawn back to Jack when they heard the door open.

James walked into Viola's office with a bag of food in his hand.

"Well, I do believe my wife gets more beautiful with each day."

Her face blushed instantly at his words. She wasn't used to the compliments, but she loved them.

"I always heard a woman shines when she is happy." Flirted Viola.

"I hope it's true and I hope I am a small part of that happiness."

"You are the reason for my happiness." She returned his smile. "So, what do I owe this pleasure?"

"First, I wanted to have lunch with my wife."

"That sounds nice. So…"

"Secondly, here is the papers on the property we looked at yesterday." James stated as he handed over the papers about the property.

Vi snatched them out of his hand. Her and James loved the piece of property and wanted to get all the information they could on it.

"James, this is very reasonable and doable. It's what we talked about."

"It is. I love the wooded area and with fifteen acres, we won't have people building right on us."

"Yes. That is a major plus. They have already had a soil test on it a few months ago and everything came back good."

"Yes, those results are good for a year."

"What do you think?" She asked without looking up from the paper.

"Here." James stated.

Viola looked up after a few seconds to see James' outstretched arm holding his cell phone. She could see that it was calling a number. When she placed it to her ear, she heard a woman on the other line.

"Sunset Properties, my name is Amanda, how may I help you today."

Her face grew when she looked into her husband's eyes. It only took her a moment for her brain to engage.

"Yes, my husband and I would like to inquire about the fifteen acres of land on Jackson St."

Charlette and Adam sat on their bench in the park watching the water fountain. They had just dropped off a small project for an older gentleman and talked with him for an hour. The man was a little lonely and enjoyed the company and conversation. While each person was grateful for the projects Charlette and Adam did for them, many was just as happy to sit and talk for a while.

At the second sigh from Charlette, Adam spoke. "What's up, Charlie? That's twice you let out a deep breath."

"Adam, our life is great. I don't think I would change a thing since I meet you."

"Me either. I love you."

"I love you. I have never thought I would enjoy this type of work, but I love doing these projects. I love talking with the people."

"Yes, that's a great part of this."

"It is, but it's not the best part."

"Yeah…what's the best part?" He noticed Charlette's little mischievous grin.

"Doing this with you."

Adam tightened his hold on Charlette's hand. He loved this woman more than he could have imagined. He loved his first wife and loved her with everything he had. This love with Charlette was different but no less in his heart. Both realized their love for each other was complete and all encompassing without nullifying their previous spouses. Their retirement life was better than they could have ever imagined.

Elizabeth's and Grace's confusion only grew worse when they watched their football boys walk into the classroom. A couple of Elizabeth's students smiled at a couple of the young men who they knew from the mentorship program they were part of. The young men formed a single line against the side wall. Elizabeth and Grace were standing beside her desk on the opposite side.

After the initial shock wore off, Elizabeth's teacher and mother side came to the surface.

"Young men." She started off in a mother's tone. "Why aren't you all in school. It's school hours and you should be in class." She stated with her hand on her hip.

The young men just smiled back at her. They were accustomed to this tone and stance. Klye, who was standing in front of the single file line began to speak. He was chosen from the group to be the speaker.

"Mrs. Thorton, Mrs. Thatcher, thank you for everything you do for us." He waved his hand toward the group. "You two have become our loudest cheerleaders on game night."

"We can even hear you on the field." Reid stated with laughter.

Everyone, including Elizabeth and Grace laughed at his comment. They knew they were loud, and the mom tribe was up to twenty six moms and grandmas now.

"But more than that, you have become our biggest and loudest cheerleaders off the field. We would like to say thank you in our own way."

Elizabeth and Grace began to open the little bags of tissues that Jack previously handed them. They had a feeling they were going to need them.

Kyle continued. "It's tradition on senior night for a football player to give away his game jersey to the person who is their biggest blessing and supporter." Kyle's eyes began to water, and a small tear fell down his cheek. Several of the other players were having the same problem. "Mrs. Thorton and Mrs. Thatcher…you two have been our biggest blessing in life. We wouldn't know what to do without you two." All the other players say "Yes." Kyle stepped forward with his jersey in his hand. "Mrs. Thorton…Mrs. Thatcher…I would be honored if you accepted my game jersey."

Kyle laid his number fifty five on top of her desk. He gave Elizabeth a hug and kissed her on her cheek and whispered thank you. Then he stepped to Grace and did the same thing. Once he finished, the next player stepped forward. "I would be honored if you accepted my game jersey." And repeated the same act as Kyle.

Elizabeth and Grace stood humbled at these young men. Each one presented their jersey to them and gave them a kiss and hug. They whispered thank you to them and they were very sincere. The two ladies cried as hard as they could ever remember. Tears flowed freely with each young man who stepped forward along with a smile toward their boys.

Jack stood at the back of the classroom in awe. He has never witnessed anything like this before. He witnessed the love pour forth from his precious wife and mom and then witnessed the love from these young men toward his two ladies. Jack was grateful and thankful to God that he walked this life with this outstanding woman. She is the mother of his two children and the love of his life. His chest stuck out from the immense pride he had in his wife. He didn't understand why she was willing to make a life with him, but he was eternally grateful.

William stood to the side completely speechless. He knew his wife would travel for all the home games she could but had no idea of the difference she was making in the lives of these young men. He laughed when she told him about the mom tribe and thought she may have been exaggerating a little but now realized she was downplaying her and Elizabeth's role. He fell in love with his wife even more in that moment.

The classroom sat silent. This was one of those moments in life that you would never forget. Even Elizabeth's students were in awe of the moment they just witnessed.

Elizabeth looked up toward her husband wiping away tears. She saw the love in his eyes. His face showed the gratitude of the scene he just witnessed. She noticed he placed his hand over his heart and tapped it twice. He mouthed, "I love you." She nodded her appreciation and he saw the love in her eyes. She was so taken back by this act from her boys that she couldn't say or think anything. She looked over at her mother and she was crying just as hard as Elizabeth was. Words just wouldn't come for either of them.

Jack knew his wife's tender heart and knew she wouldn't be able to teach for a few minutes. That is why he brought snacks and drinks for the kids.

"Alright little ladies and little gentleman." He stated in a loud enough voice to capture the attention of the kids. "I have juice and cookies from Abagail's for everyone. Everyone may have one container of juice and two cookies." He stated as he placed the bag of goodies on the table that was against the back wall.

Elizabeth, then Grace, walked to the group of young men and gave each of them a hug. "I will cherish each jersey. Thank you…thank you…" Both ladies wanted to say more, but just couldn't. They were touched down to their souls.