Author's Note:

Thank you for sticking with this story. I received a review I wasn't able to respond too. So, I wanted to take a moment to respond here.

Margaret Redmon – Thank you for all your reviews! To be honest, I didn't even think about introducing the football players to William. It just didn't cross my mind. Now I'm thinking if it would have made a difference either way.

Karen Pearson – Thank you for all your reviews! I wanted to respond but couldn't because you sign on as a guest.

I hope you all have a great day! Now, on with the story.

Chapter 110

As much as Elizabeth tried not to cry, she would every time she thought about what happened earlier in the day. She tried to pass it off as pregnancy hormones, but she knew better. She loved those young men and wanted the best for them. Grace was the same way. Elizabeth was convinced they cried the rest of the day.

When the boys left, Elizabeth glanced outside of her classroom window and noticed Jack and Kyle walking the track. The same track that her and Jack would occasionally walk. She could tell they were in a deep conversation. Those boys care for him as much as they do me. With that thought, a new round of tears began to fall.

…

"Kyle, are you ready for that talk?"

"Yes, Chief. May I have a few moments of your time?"

"Absolutely." Jack noticed Kyle was looking at the rest of the group and was acting nervous. Jack turned toward the other men. "Alright young men, it's time to get back to your school and your class. Please inform Mrs. Farley I have Kyle with me for a few more minutes. I will bring him back to class in a couple of minutes. I need to speak to him about something."

"Yes, Chief." He heard nine different voices at the same time. None of the boys ragged on Kyle for staying with the Chief. They have all done this more than once. The group's relationship with Jack was understood by everyone.

"Let's take a walk around the school's track. We will have a few minutes of privacy."

Kyle nodded his head. For the first few minutes of the walk, Kyle was quiet. Jack could sense he was a little nervous, but he didn't want to push Kyle. He needed to take that first step for himself. Jack promised himself that he would be there for Kyle whatever that looked like.

"Chief, there is something I would like to talk to you about." Kyle finally stated in a nervous tone.

Jack nodded his head. The group of guys have spent enough time with Jack in groups and one on one to know that was his way of encouraging the person to continue.

"Chief, you know my family's history."

"Yes. I do."

"You have arrested my older brother. My parents are in jail."

"I'm sorry, Kyle. I hated I had to do that."

"Chief, he broke the law, and it was your duty to do it. That's not what I meant."

"Ok."

"Would a person's family background keep someone from doing something they wanted to do with their life?"

Jack was a little surprised with the question. "For the most part, no. You should be judged on you and who you are, not on other people. It's not fair to judge you when you haven't done anything wrong. Some will no matter what, but not everyone."

"So…my family's background wouldn't keep me from getting a job?"

"It shouldn't. What do you want to do?"

Kyle took a deep breath. He has thought about this for months now, but never shared it with anyone. His family's background was horrible, and he just knew it would keep him from his dream profession. If he would tell anyone, he knew they would just laugh at him, but this was the Chief. He wouldn't do that.

He began to speak very slowly. "I want to become a police officer just like you. Would they allow me to do that?"

Jack stopped walking. He turned to face Kyle who stopped walking too. "You want to become a cop?"

"Not just a cop, a cop like you. You make a difference in the lives of people. I want to be a good influence on people just like you."

Jack stood frozen for a moment. Of all the things he thought Kyle wanted to talk about, this wasn't in his thoughts.

"How long have you thought about this?"

"I have always wanted to be a police officer. I just didn't think it was possible because of my family. I wanted to be like you when I first met you. You help people…I want to do that. I want to help people."

Jack nodded his head. "You're on schedule to graduate this Spring?"

"I am."

"Great. You graduate this Spring and then you will be going to the police academy in June."

"Are you serious?" Asked an excited and nervous Kyle.

"Yes, I can get you into the police academy. Kyle, it's not the easiest profession, but I know you. If you set your mind to it, you will succeed. When you're done with the police academy, you have a job here waiting for you."

Jack could see the excitement on Kyle's face. "Really?!"

"Yes, why wouldn't I hire someone as good as you? Make sure you are in good physical shape. The training can be hard at times, and you have to apply yourself to the studies."

"Chief, I will not let you down."

"Kyle, you have never let me down." Jack grinned. "There's only one catch."

"Ok?"

"I have the academy's record for the fastest time on the obstacle course, gun range score, and academics. You better not beat me." He stated shaking his finger at Kyle.

"I will do my very best." Stated a smiling young man.

"Great. Work hard and come home and do a good job for Hope Valley."

"Yes, Chief." Kyle stated as he gave Jack a hug.

"Alright young man. It's time you get back to school. You need to graduate."

"Yes, Chief."

Elizabeth's tears only increased when she saw the hug.

…

Elizabeth sighed at the end of her day. It was a great day, but emotional none the less. She never knew she could cry and smile at the same time so much. She groaned when she received a text from Jack about thirty minutes before school ended. He told her he wasn't sure when he would be home. He didn't think he would be home for dinner, but he will let her know.

Since his day was going to be long, she thought she would get him some dinner from Abagail's before she headed home. Her mother and father were already at her home.

"Good afternoon, sis. How are you?"

"I'm good."

"I would like to get Jack's favorite."

"You too?"

"No. He's having to work late tonight, and I want to take him something to eat. I know he won't eat unless I make him."

"Your parents are in, do you think Jack is just avoiding them?"

"I asked him that and he said no. Something must have happened for him to stay late."

Abagail nodded. "If Jack said something came up, then something came up. Jack wouldn't lie about that. I'll have it ready soon. Have a seat and we'll catch up while it is prepared."

The ladies sat for ten minutes catching up. They laughed and enjoyed their time together. No matter what was going on in their life, they always were connected.

…

Elizabeth walked into an energized police station. Something was definitely going on. Everyone was walking around in a hurry. She caught Emma's attention.

"Oh, Elizabeth. Look at you. You are glowing."

"Thank you, Emma. I can't believe I'm this huge. The babies just keep growing."

"You're not huge. How are you feeling?"

"I'm good. Always tired at the end of school, but that is normal."

"Jack's on a call. It's been crazy around here today."

"I can see that. Is everything ok?"

"Well…I'm not sure how to answer that question. It started off crazy this morning and only has gotten crazier."

"Jack said that it was a weird morning."

"Yes. Now, let's head back."

"I'll wait until he's done with the phone call."

"Elizabeth, if I make you wait, Jack will fire me. He told me on day one that you do not wait."

"But if he's busy…"

"He is busy but not too busy for you. There may be an occasional time here or there but that is not the norm. Now, please don't get me fired."

Elizabeth laughed. "If he fired you, you would just show up to work the next day."

This made Emma laugh. "I suppose you're right, but I don't want to get fussed at today. So, please follow me."

…

Jack smiled when his door opened without a knock. He saw his beautiful wife standing in his doorway.

"Superintendent Johnson, I need to get off the phone. I'll talk to you tomorrow." Jack listened for a moment. "I agree, but he invoked his right to speak to a lawyer, there is nothing I can do until his lawyer gets here. I don't want to jeopardize anything by not following the law."

Jack smile grew when he hung up the phone. He stood and made his way around his desk to give his precious wife a hug.

"This is a great surprise."

"I miss you."

"I miss you."

"I brought you dinner. I knew you would be working late, and you usually forget to eat."

"My wife is always taking care of me." He smiled as he gently kissed her on her lips. "I know your parents are at home waiting for you, but would you mind staying with me while I eat."

"That's the plan."

Jack released his wife and moved a chair that was in front of his desk to the side of his desk and helped his wife sit down. He just wanted her a little closer to him.

"The atmosphere is different here today."

"Oh, that's right. I haven't told you about my morning yet. You're not going to believe me when I tell you."

"Sounds intriguing." Elizabeth smiled leaning in slightly.

"First, let me tell you about my conversation with Kyle following this afternoon in your classroom."

When he mentioned the young men in her classroom, she shed a tear.

"That was incredible. I don't think I have ever seen anything like that before. The love they have for you, it was amazing to witness."

"I know." She barely stated. "I will never forget that. I can't believe they would do that."

"You have made a huge difference in their lives, Elizabeth."

"It's you and mother too."

"Please don't underestimate the love people have for you."

She nodded her head not fully believing the extent of his words.

"So…?"

Jack began to eat his dinner sharing with her the conversation he had with Kyle. She smiled and cried during the conversation knowing that Jack has made a huge impact on the young men's life.

"Jack…that's incredible."

"It is."

"Can you hire him after the police academy?"

"Why not? If he does a good job at the police academy and continues to grow into the man I see him growing into. I would be a moron if I didn't." Then she noticed that little smirk on his face and she instantly knew what his next statement was going to be. "Plus, I'm the chief. I can if I want too." He grinned that little grin she loved and hated so much.

"Alright officer. Don't get the big head." She laughed.

"It's chief." He teased.

"What about this morning?" She asked. She loved teasing him and didn't want him to win this little game. She reached for his hand. He interlocked his fingers with her fingers and finished eating while he told her about his morning.

Jack shared with her the moment he turned on the lights and finding Jacob taped to his chair.

"That must have been crazy." Said a very surprised Elizabeth.

"It was. It took me a couple of minutes to engage my brain. It was just so stupid crazy."

"At first, I was thinking you were just avoiding my father." She laughed.

"I would never do that. While I'm not eager to see him, I am not avoiding him."

She gently squeezed his hand. "I know Jack."

He finished sharing with her the rest of the morning and the contents of the envelope and his short conversation with Jacob while still holding her hand. She knew he was very good at his job and smiled when Jacob was giving him credit for his work. Jack shared with her the letter that was in the envelope from Miranda. After reading the letter the second time, she placed it back on Jack's desk. She sat quietly thinking about the letter. Jack sat quietly watching her. He reached for her hand, and she instantly took it.

"What do you think?" She asked.

"I'm not sure. Superintendent Johnson wants to use this as a tool to catch other criminals."

"Like that TV show, The Blacklist?"

"Yeah. While I want to catch the criminals, I will not allow one to run free and do what she wants to do because she can hand me another one instead."

"Is he ok with that?"

"No. He is pushing for me to play this out and catch as many as we can."

"That makes sense I guess, but I'm proud of you."

"For what?"

"Doing what you feel is right even when other people tell you otherwise. You are a good man, Thomas Jack Thorton." She smiled at his face turning a little red with embarrassment.

After a second of silence. "Hey, feel this." She pulled the hand she was holding and placed it on her belly. While he loved feeling his babies move, it freaked him out a little. It just felt weird to him.

His smile grew. "How can something so perfect feel so weird at the same time?"

They looked at each other for a few seconds.

"I do believe I married the most beautiful, the most intelligent, and the funniest woman in the world." He stated with a growing smile.

Elizabeth tucked a small tuft of hair behind her ear as she blushed. "Jack…"

"You are beautiful. I love you." He leaned forward and gently kissed her on the tip of her nose. He lingered closer to her than what was necessary. "You smell good too." He stated. He moved closer and gave her a gentle kiss on her lips. When he ended the kiss, he smiled. "You taste good too." He flirted with his wife.

"Jack. I love you."

He wanted to push forward with the flirting, but he knew he couldn't. Their intimate time together has taken a back seat to the pregnancy. He missed their time together. Their intimate time has always been active, and he was grateful for that. He was also thankful that she initiated intimacy as much as he did. He didn't feel like he was forcing her against her will or that she was just doing it because it was expected. She seemed to enjoy their time together as much as he did. Jack took a deep breath just to smell her again and slowly let it out with a slight sigh. Very slowly he moved away from his wife immediately missing the closeness.

When Jack sat back down in his chair, she smiled at him. She really was missing the intimacy as much as her husband. Their time together was important to her. While her girlfriends in college would always complain, she had no complaints. Jack was passionate with her, but he was also gentle. She felt loved and cared for. She would love it when he would tell her that he wanted to try something new. She knew whatever was about to happen she was going to love it.

"So, what do you think?"

"I think I miss our time together." She sighed.

"Me too, but I was talking about the case."

"Oh…yeah. I believe you should stand on your morals. You are the one who has to look at the guy in the mirror every day. You need to live with that guy for the rest of your life."

"Thank you."

"I believe in you, Jack. I will stand with you no matter what you decide to do."

He nodded his head. He was very thankful for his wife.

They sat for a few more moments holding hands and rubbing the back of each other's hands. Both of them needed this time together. It helped recenter themselves.

"I think this is Miranda's…" They both stated at the same time.

"Go ahead." He stated.

"I think this is Miranda's mistake. She is opening herself up to you and she will give you something to help you catch her."

"Wow, you should have been a cop. I was thinking the same exact thing."

"No you weren't."

"I honestly was." They both laughed.

"I also think you need to get her off balance. She is the one calling the shots. I don't think she likes not being in control."

"I think I'm beginning to worry how you can read my mind."

She laughed. "What do you mean?"

"I'm thinking she will use this as an opportunity to call me. How would you feel about answering the call?"

Elizabeth thought about it for a few moments. "I think you may be right. She would be expecting you. This may catch her off guard for a moment. She could accidently give something up in her surprise."

They spent the next five minutes talking about this and trying to work out a plan. Jack thought the best plan would be to let Elizabeth answer the call and then just use her gut instincts to lead her. Elizabeth would have liked a detailed plan, but she did think Jack was right.

Emma knocked on Jack's door and waited to be told to come in before opening the door and stepped inside. "Chief Avery is waiting for you. Don't rush. He is drinking a cup of coffee and eating a donut. I say you have five to ten minutes before he's done."

"Thanks Boss Lady."

"Thank you, Emma."

Jack stood and helped Elizabeth up from her chair. Instantly they both wrapped their arms around each other at the same time. They shyly smiled at each other. Their closeness was driving both of them crazy.

"I'm right…I married the sexiest woman alive." He didn't give her enough time to argue his point by placing his lips onto her lips with a semi passionate kiss.

"I love you, silly man." She stated as he pulled back from the kiss. "Would you please escort me to my car?"

"I would love too." He stated taking her hand.

…

Elizabeth arrived home a few minutes after leaving the police station. She enjoyed her time with Jack. Walking up the sidewalk, she heard the door open, and Rip came running out of the door and straight to her. He sat patiently at her feet until she reached down and patted his head and rubbed his ear. Grace came out after Rip left the house.

"It's great to see you."

"It's good to see you too mother. How was your trip?"

"It was good." She answered with a little bit of tear in her eye. "I can't believe the boys did that." With that statement, Grace lost her resolve not to cry. Then Elizabeth followed suit when she saw her mother.

After a short session of tears, they made their way to the front porch and sat in rocking chairs. They watched Rip run around the front lawn burning off some of his pinned up energy.

"I always thought he was a lazy dog."

"He is mother. There are times he has energy though."

William joined them out on the porch. While Elizabeth and her father have been communicating a little, the presence of her father changed the joyful atmosphere Elizabeth and her mother was enjoying.

"What's planned for dinner?" Grace stated as she reached for her daughter's hand. She could tell the change with William's presence.

"I'm not sure. I was needing to talk to you. Jack isn't sure when he will be home."

"Why?" Asked William.

"He had a situation come up this morning that threw his day into a tailspin."

Grace nodded her head. However, William felt he needed to ask. "Is he avoiding me?"

Elizabeth stared for a moment trying to read her father.

"The last time you did that on a porch, you were rushed to the ER." Her mom stated at the stare.

"I have no desire to relive that moment." Sighed Elizabeth.

"Me either."

"I can share a few things. I'm sure some of it will be in the papers tomorrow." Elizabeth shared enough of the story so her parents would know the reason for Jack's absence.

…

Julie was sitting at the dining room table working on class work. She has been working very hard on school and was doing really well. Tom walked in with a huge smile on his face.

"What are you up to husband?"

"Me? Why do you always think I am up to something?"

"Well, because you usually are for one thing."

"What else do you have?" He smirked.

"That smirk."

"Fine, yes, I have been thinking about something."

Julie laid down her pen and gave Tom her undivided attention.

"Your holiday break is in a few weeks, correct?"

"Yes. Sometime in the middle of December. I don't remember the exact dates."

"Well, please tell your boss that you will need the week after Christmas off."

"Ok. That should be fine. He said it's usually slow after Christmas. Why do I need that week off?"

"Well, we are going on a small trip to celebrate your semester of school. You have worked so hard at school. I think we need to celebrate."

"That sounds great. Maybe someplace warm?"

"You have read my mind."

They sat together for a few minutes looking at places on the internet. While they didn't find a place, they did narrow the list down some.

…

Jack pulled into his driveway at one in the morning. His day was long, and he was exhausted. He sat in his truck for a moment just trying to get the energy to walk inside and go to bed. He noticed a single light was on in the living room along with the porch light. He knew his wife left those on for him.

When he gently closed the door, he turned to see Grace at the kitchen sink getting herself a glass of water. She gave Jack a smile and then nodded toward the couch. He knew when he turned his wife would be there. She wouldn't go to bed if he worked late. She would always fall asleep on the couch waiting of him.

"How was your day, son?"

"It was good. I'm tired."

"Sounds like you had a long day."

"Oh, I did. It was a good day, just weird."

"Yes, Elizabeth shared a little about your morning. That's just crazy."

"It was. How was your day?"

Grace shared a few moments with him, but she could tell he was exhausted. She didn't want to keep him up too long. She also knew he had to work tomorrow.

"I think you need to collect Elizabeth and go to bed."

"I agree. I'm sorry I wasn't here when you came in."

"It's ok, Jack. You couldn't avoid working."

Jack kissed her on the cheek and then turned his attention to his wife. He walked toward the couch and kneeled in front of her. She had on a pair of shorts, those ugly pink socks he hated so much but she loved as much as he hated, and a lose t-shirt. When he kissed her on the forehead, he could feel the heat coming off of her. He couldn't wait for her to give birth so she would snuggle with him in bed again.

He placed his left arm under her knees and his right arm around her back and picked her up. He barely moaned in doing so. Elizabeth instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Officer Thorton." She mumbled with sleep in her voice. "You shouldn't be carrying you very pregnant wife to bed." She never opened her eyes.

"Ms. Thatcher, you better not finish that statement with what I think you are about to say."

"Jack. I hate it when you call me Thatcher. I'm a Thorton now."

"Yes, love. But when you say silly things, I will say silly things."

"Jack, it's not silly if it's true."

"Yes, Ms. Thatcher."

She released a hand and playfully smacked him on top of his head."

Grace couldn't keep from laughing at the exchange between the two.

…

Elizabeth was gathering her things at the end of the day on Friday. She was eager to get home. Tonight was senior night. Her and Grace has been texting throughout the day discussing what to wear. They decided on their football boys' shirts. Elizabeth had to change to the bigger one a couple of weeks ago. Her babies were growing. Grace agreed with wearing the shirts, but she wanted to wear nicer jeans for the boys. She wanted to look good for them. Elizabeth agreed. The discussion came with the paint for their faces. They didn't want to wear the paint to escort the boys out on the field for the game, but the boys did like the fact that they did paint their faces. They decided to paint their faces after escorting the boys out and before the game. Normally their paint jobs were complex, but tonight's had to be simpler. They just didn't have time for the more elaborate designs.

Elizabeth was rushing to go home and rest her feet for a little while. She sat on the stool more today hoping the extra time off of her feet would help. This was the boys last home game and she wanted to make sure they felt loved.

As she picked up her bag, she noticed Rosemary standing in the doorway. They haven't spent much time together since her and Lee moved to Hope Valley. Their schedules just haven't meshed.

"Elizabeth, are you busy? Do you have a moment?"

"I'm heading out. Can we talk on the way to the parking lot?"

"Sure. I was wanting some advice."

"Ok. About what?"

"I'm wanting to expand the theater program."

"Ok. I'm not sure how I can help with that. I don't know anything about a theater program."

"You work with the mentor program, right?"

"I do."

"There are a couple of individuals who is in your program that I would like for you to work on getting them into the theater program."

"I can't do that, Rosemary. If they are interested, they would sign up for it. The mentor program isn't designed for that."

"Then what is it designed for." Rosemary huffed.

"It is to encourage and help direct the children. To be there for them and to encourage them. To teach them how to be young men and young women. We do not force them into any program they do not want to join."

"Well, maybe you can gently push them into it."

"No, Rosemary. I will not. Why don't you come next week and help out? You can see how it works and become involved in helping."

"Well, I guess I'll look into it."

…

Jack steps out of his police truck and examines his surroundings. Something seems off about this place. The station received a call from a neighbor who was a little concerned about people suddenly appearing. This old farm has been abandoned for years and no one was around. Now, there is activity that doesn't make sense to the neighbor. Two or three times a week, two trucks would appear and then only one truck would leave. Then the next day, one truck would appear early in the morning then three trucks would leave.

No one knew, but Jimmy was using this old farm to split the shipments into two trucks that will go to different destinations. This was a key to their success in avoiding the cops. They didn't ship in large quantities. A big shipment would arrive in Hope Valley, then they would use the old barn as cover to separate and split the shipment. It was genius in its simplicity.

As Jack approached the old barn, he noticed multiple tracks from different types of tires. He stopped to take a quick look around before stepping into the old barn. As he touched the door to slide it open, he heard a man say something.

"Officer, what may I do for you?"

"I'm sorry, who are you?"

"My name is Jimmy, Jimmy Davis. I am looking at this old homestead to see if I want to purchase it as a retirement place. A little fixer upper that will give me something to do in my retirement."

"Aren't you a little too young for retirement?"

"Yeah. I work with computers, and I have done pretty well for myself. My father just passed, and he left me some money. With that money, I wanted to purchase something for when I do retire."

Jack studied the gentleman. He was at least a couple of decades from retirement. He couldn't be in his forties yet. Retirement…how could be he thinking retirement?

"Where do you live?"

"Oklahoma City. I've lived there for the past five years."

"Nice city. I just moved from there."

"Wow. I guess it really is a small world."

"Where is your vehicle?" Jack asked as he looked around not seeing another vehicle.

"I parked behind the barn. I just wanted to look around and see what this old place has to offer."

"What's your thoughts on the old place?"

"Not too sure yet. I just got here a little while ago."

Jack took a moment to look around the barn and the surrounding area. Jimmy didn't stay close until Jack walked around the barn. He didn't want Jack to look too close to his truck.

Jimmy's story sounded good, but it didn't make sense. Jack's gut was telling him something was off with this guy.

"Well, Mr. Davis, I wish you the best if you chose this place. Let Hope Valley Police Department know if you need anything. My name is Chief Jack Thorton." Jack reached for the man's hand to shake it. Jimmy hesitated for just a moment before reaching for Jack's hand.

"Thank you, Chief."

Jack sat in his truck for a moment and called Emma. "Hey Boss Lady, please see what you can find out on a Jimmy Davis. He stated that he lives in Oklahoma City and works with computers."

"Sure thing, Chief. Anything else?"

"No. Just dig up what you can on this guy."

Jack gave him a wave as he backed up and pulled back toward the road.

…

Miranda was sitting at her desk looking over the last set of papers that was just given to her. Business was going well. When her phone vibrated, she studied the screen for a moment before accepting the call.

"Yes." She stated.

"Chief just left here. Somehow, he knew something was going on here. He looked around but the trucks weren't here. He just saw tire tracks."

"What about you?"

"I told him the story we talked about. I was a computer guy from Oklahoma City looking for a place to retire at some point. A fixer upper type of thing. I believe he bought it."

Miranda thought about it for a few moments.

"I don't understand how he does this…I thought his little gift would keep him busy for a few days."

"He's as good as you advertised him to be. He snooped for a few minutes but nothing to find."

"Let's stick with the original plan for tonight. He will be busy at that game of his. You know how small town police forces are with football games. We'll get the truck in tonight, but let's split it up during the night instead of morning. They can head out first thing in the morning. I'll give the Chief a call soon. Maybe that will keep him busy enough with everything else."

"Sounds perfect. I'll keep you informed."

…

Miranda paused for a few minutes to clear her mind. She was always excited to talk with Jack, but she was trying to pull that excitement back. She didn't want to sound too enthusiastic. She needed to play this cool. She closed her eyes and took a couple of deep breaths. She pulled open her right top drawer and pulled out a new burner phone. After finishing the stack of papers on her desk, she dialed Jack's number.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Miranda."

Miranda paused for a moment. She was dumbfounded. She finally stuttered. "I'm sorry…who is this?"

"Miranda, I'm a little taken back you don't remember my voice. We spoke at the swearing in ceremony of my husband."

"Mrs. Thorton…"