Chapter 112
James and Viola sat on the couch with the TV on but they weren't paying attention to it. The land was perfect for them, and they purchased all fifteen acres. Now, they were concentrating on their home. Viola wanted a two story home that was made out of brick. James was ok with the brick, but he wasn't sold on a two story home. He liked the ranch style. With enough property, he didn't think it was an issue since they had enough space to spread out. Viola just loved the look of the two story.
"James, how are we going to figure this out?"
"Could I play the husband card and just make the decision?"
"Honestly?" She asked as she noticed him trying to hide his laughter.
"So, tell me why you want a two story so much?"
"Well, I love the look of it."
"If that is the only reason, then you haven't convinced me."
"Ok…I love the sound of footsteps on the second floor. I remember when Elizabeth and or Julie would have friends over and they were upstairs playing while I was downstairs. I remember hearing their footsteps running around. I also remember hearing their laughter overhead. I fondly remember those sounds and I would like to hear that again."
James watched his wife as she told her story. She would glance at the ceiling as she told the story. He also felt it was more than just a childhood dream. He could see that she was talking about future children. He was excited about that possibility. He smiled lovely at his wife. Then he leaned over and gently kissed her lips.
While he was still sharing the same breath, he gave her a knowing smile. "Sold. Let's do a two story brick home with a large front porch across the whole front and down one side."
"Really?" Viola stated.
"Yes. As long as we do the big porch. I would love to spend family time on the porch in the evenings with our children."
"Deal."
…
"Is everything ok?"
"Yes, mother. Jack may not be able to be home any time soon. We need to go say hi to our boys and then head home. They will be at the house soon."
"Yes. Let's go. We can't disappoint our boys."
After hugs and pictures, Grace helped Elizabeth into the front seat of their rented SUV. She sat in the back seat as William drove.
"Elizabeth." Grace began. "Is Jack really ok?"
"Yes. He has work to do tonight."
Grace smiled at her daughter. She knew Elizabeth knew more but couldn't say it. She trusted her daughter and wouldn't push.
"Grace, are we really paying for those boy's continued education?"
"We absolutely will be paying for their education. They have worked hard and as long as they do what they are supposed to be doing and they work hard in school, we will pay for their schools."
"Mother, we can help."
"Nonsense dear. You have twins coming and that will be enough for you and Jack to do. You two are around them much more than I am. I see them often, but not like you and Jack. This is my part to play."
"If you're sure?"
"I am certain. You, Jack, and myself will get them through school."
Elizabeth nodded. She knew she wasn't going to win this argument.
"Elizabeth, do we need to stop for more pickles?"
Elizabeth laughed. "No, Jack makes sure I have enough at home. He just purchased two very large jars of pickles yesterday. I think they're 128 ounce jars each."
"How long does that last?" William asked.
Elizabeth tapped her chin with her finger. "Each jar lasts maybe a week."
"How had your blood pressure been lately?"
"Fine mother. With the medication, it's better than ever."
"Jack still taking it regularly?" Grace laughed.
"He takes it more than I do." Elizabeth laughed at all the memories of frustration toward her husband and his insistence on taking it way too often.
…
Jack and Lee sat in the truck for the last hour and a half. The plan Jack came up with was brilliant in its simplicity. He had a feeling that the delivery of Jacob was odd. Why now after all of those weeks of nothing? Then his looking around the barn and noticing the multiply tire tracks. Some of them were worn and looked old, but a couple look fresh. The barn was on a secluded farm but there was a man all of a sudden interested in purchasing it. The man was a little too young to look for retirement property. His story wasn't so farfetched, but just seemed off. With it combined with the other things, including what he knew of Miranda, he thought this may be a perfect opportunity for something big to happen. Especially since he spent Friday nights at the football game and then a few hours afterwards with numerous teens at his house. Miranda would have known about that.
His plan was to get to the barn early. Separate the state troopers covering all sides of the barn at a safe distance with no evidence of anyone being there. Everyone rode in two vehicles. Jack and Lee sat in the truck hidden in the woods at the front of the barn. That was the only road into the barn. The state trooper's van was hidden on the left side of the farm way out of site. There where two state troopers on each side of the barn and two stationed at the back. All of them were hidden just outside of the barn. There were small doors on each side of the barn that would allow for a quick entrance if needed.
The key to Jack's plan was stealth. If Jimmy or anyone else thought there was something up, they would simply leave without stopping. Jack didn't want a gun fight. If people were hidden, they could catch the criminals by surprise. Jack's biggest guess was a guess formed out of experience. Jack didn't believe there would be a large group of people. He thought there would be Jimmy, two truck drivers, and two people with the drivers. This was the most he expected. That would give them five people to Jack's eight. Plus, with the element of surprise, Jack was confident the arrest would go smoothly and quickly.
"What made you think tonight would be the right time?"
"Everything just seemed too convenient. When you put every piece together, it just seemed a little too staged."
Lee thought about it for a few moments. "Maybe…"
"Lee, you have to trust your gut. Find out all the information you can, know it by heart. Then trust your gut."
"This is a major thing to have six state troopers here."
"It is. But I've learned everything I can about Miranda. I am learning how she thinks. Combine that with today and how I felt talking with that guy and he was looking around, it just adds up in my head. There are times I have to be in the office, but I can't trust my gut if I am always in my office."
"My old police chief was always in his office."
"How did you feel about that?"
"Didn't like it too much. I never thought he was involved. At most, he had a working knowledge of what was going on but nothing too in depth."
"Exactly. I have to be with my officers. They need to know I care and I am sharing the load."
"But you have a wife and twins coming soon."
"Yes, and I want to go home to them tonight. But Lee, you have a wife too. She loves you just like my wife loves me. We share the load. We know what's going on and stack the deck in our favor. If we do that, we increase the likely hood that things will go our way."
Lee nodded his head. This all made sense to him. This was one of the many lessons Jack taught him.
"Hey Lee." Jack stated as hit Lee's chest. "There are lights coming our way. Send the signal to be ready."
…
There were gallons upon gallons of ice cream on the Thorton's kitchen island waiting for the young men and women to show up. There were countless bowls of toppings and cans of whip cream. The only bowl that the young men and young women wouldn't touch was the diced pickles. That bowl was usually for Elizabeth only. Each time she piled the diced pickles on top of the ice cream, she would receive weird looks from who ever was close by. She didn't care.
William walked down the stairs. "Beth, that room is gorgeous. Grace has told me about it but I didn't think it was that nice."
"It was Jack's idea, but we both decorated it together."
"Why would he do that?"
"He wanted you two to be comfortable when you visited."
William thought about the timing of them buying the house and them moving in. He remembered it was during the time Grace was trying to convince him to do a better job of talking with Jack. Since their arrival to Hope Valley yesterday, the whole situation hasn't been spoken about.
"He did all of that when I was being a jerk, didn't he?" William asked with a defeated tone.
Elizabeth only nodded her answer.
William sighed. "I'm not going to be able to fix this with him…am I?"
"How was your relationship with grandpa?"
"Not good." He sighed his frustration. "Am I going to be able to fix this with you?"
"I'll always love you, father. However, you did create a distance with us. You knew better, but you didn't care. This is of your making."
William nodded.
"However, you are in our home. It may not be an extremely warm greeting, but you are welcomed here."
"Are you sure he isn't avoiding me?"
"He is working. He's not happy you are here, but he welcomed you into our home. The best thing you can do is to trust him. When he says you can come, you are welcomed. When he says he is working, he is working. If you are expecting a welcome party, you are greatly mistaken. He has tried to create a relationship with you, but you refused. You can't dictate a relationship to him now that you want one."
At that statement, the noise of a large group of teenagers was easily heard. William noticed her solemn look immediately changed to a look of joy when the group began walking into the house without knocking.
"There's my group!" Elizabeth exclaimed as she walked toward the flow of teens as they walked in.
Willaim sat back and watched the group of boys and girls enjoying the company of each other. There was thirty young men and women. They migrated from the back porch, to the front porch, to the kitchen, and the living room. There was an adult in each location, but they were not really needed. While most of these young men and women didn't have a good home life, there was no way they were going to ruin this time with the Thortons and Mrs. Thatcher. The Friday nights was the high part of their week.
"I'm sorry Chief couldn't be here."
"Me too Mason. He had to work tonight. He watched the first part of the game. The coach told him he could watch the film so he could watch the rest of it."
…
Jack and Lee watched a white truck, the same one Jack saw earlier with Jimmy. They saw a large twenty six foot box truck with one driver. Then two smaller box trucks showed up with a driver each.
"Lee, radio the change in to the state troopers…four vehicles with four suspects. Everyone stays put until I give the signal."
Lee radioed the information. He received three copies from the three groups.
"Now, the hardest part Lee…we wait."
They watched as Jimmy pulled up to the barn's opening. He stepped out of the truck and watched the big boxed van pull into the barn. The two other smaller trucks turned around and backed up to the barn door. Jimmy stayed outside while this was all happening and was intently looking around. He was acting as if he was examining each tree. Jack was grateful he had everyone thirty yards in the woods. They couldn't be seen.
After a few minutes, Lee looks at his boss. "Do we move now?"
"Not yet, Lee. It's too soon."
"Why?"
"That was a huge truck. Jimmy's not going to do anything. He's the boss. He won't do any physical labor. That leaves three guys to unload and separate that huge truck. Then they must load the two smaller trucks. That's going to take time. They're on high alert now, but over time they will get comfortable and let their guard down. Patience Lee. This will take time."
Ten minutes later, the group of state troopers that was located at the back of the barn radioed. "Do we move now?"
"No." Jack stated with authority.
"Soon?"
"Soon, but not yet. We must be patient. No one moves until I give the order. Understand?"
After a few moments of radio silence. Jack asked again. "Understand?"
He let out a deep breath when he received a 'copy' from all three groups. He knew his plan would work, but it would take patience. This wasn't a sprint; it was a marathon.
Jack turned to Lee. "The most difficult part."
"Yeah."
…
"Ok, two story brick house. Open kitchen, living room, and dining room concept. One bedroom downstairs with a bath in it. Also a half bath under the stairs."
"That sounds nice." James smiled.
"Upstairs, two bathrooms with three bedrooms."
"Let's do four bedrooms."
"Really?"
"Sure. A bedroom is easier to add now than later. It's always nice to have an extra bedroom in case our family grows. Or we could use it as a home office if we don't need it for a bedroom."
"May we leave it as a bedroom and make a small home office just big enough for both of us downstairs somewhere?"
"Sure. That should be easy enough."
"Two car garage?" Asked V.
"Absolutely. I would like a nice work shop in back."
"Of course. Am I allowed in it?"
"Maybe." He teased.
"James, when do you think we can do this?"
"I'll take your notes to the architect tomorrow. She should have a rough design by Tuesday or Wednesday. You can look over it and make any changes you want. Once she's done with the final draft, we apply for permits and begin to break ground."
"This almost doesn't seem real."
"I know. I've never had a dream of mine come true until you came into my life."
Viola blushed at his statement. "I agree. When do you think it will be finished?"
"That's harder to answer. It's the beginning of November. We should break ground last of this month. It will all depend on weather. Once we get it enclosed, it will go a little faster because we won't be subjected to weather as much."
"Enclosed?"
"We have to get all the groundwork done first. Then we do foundation, sub flooring, and walls. Then the roof is done. That's what we call enclosed or being dry. Up until that point, we are subjected to weather. We can't run a bulldozer when it's pouring rain. Once the roof is on, we are dry. Even if it's raining, we can work inside."
She snuggled closer to him and leaned into him. "What colors are you thinking?" She was loving this time with her husband discussing their new home.
"I like lighter colors. You?"
"Me too."
They spent the next twenty minutes discussing colors and the flow of the house. Vi liked more of the contemporary design and he was more country/rustic. As she leaned against him, they found a design that blended both contemporary and country/rustic. Both were very happy with the compromise.
"James, I'm ready to go to bed."
"Really? But V, you haven't yawned yet. You always yawn twice before you go to bed."
She stood up and offered him her hand. "I'm not sleepy, James." She smiled at him.
"Oh…"
…
"Alright, Lee. Tell everyone to move to the edge of the woods but remain hidden."
"Is it time?"
"Soon. Once we are at the edge of the woods and set, I'll let everyone know when to go. Tell them to let me know when they are set."
Lee did as he was told, and each group slowly made their way to their designated location. With each group about fifteen yards from the barn, Jack gave the go ahead to move toward their doors. "Lee, stress to them to find their doors and remain beside them. They are not to enter the barn until I give them the green light."
Lee stressed the command, and each group slowly made their way to their respective doors but to remain there until given the command to move forward.
Once in place, one of the state troopers that were in the back of the barn whispered to his partner. "I'm not too sure who this guy is, but he has it together. This is a great plan."
"It is." His partner replied. "So far this has been smooth and well thought out. This guy has his stuff together."
"We have waited a long time in the woods."
"Yes, but he has stressed that countless times. I trust him."
"I'm learning to trust him too."
Jack and Lee slowly made their way to the open front door. They remained about three feet from the opening. Jack was closest to the door. They could hear the four men inside talking while they were working.
"Are you sure it's safe here?"
"Absolutely. It's secluded. We can easily see if anyone is coming."
"What if they are in the woods?" One man asked as he loaded the smaller truck.
"We've been here for over an hour. No one is that patient. They would have already barged in. We're safe. Let's just get this finished and we can head out."
Lee smiled at the man's admission that people wasn't that patient. Lee noticed Jack's grin in knowing that he was right. Lee shook his head. He knew working for Jack was the right decision. With the element of surprise, they had the upper hand and with more cops than criminals, things were looking very favorable.
"Jack leaned over and whispered into Lee's ear. "Give the prearranged signal." Then leaned back in before Lee had time to send the signal. "Conditions are in our favor, but don't become too confident. Everyone goes home tonight." Lee was comforted by Jack's tone and determined facial expression.
The prearranged signal was three beeps. On the third beep, everyone was to rush into the barn with guns drawn. Lee pulled his radio out of his pocket and turned it on. One beep…two beeps…three beeps…
Jimmy and his three men looked up when the doors opened quickly, and several voices screamed. "Police! Freeze!"
…
Elizabeth looked up from her perch on the stool at the kitchen island to see her mother sitting on the couch talking with one of the cheerleaders. She could tell they were in a deep conversation about something. Her attention was drawn to the dining room table where five people were playing a card game. She heard Rip barking in the back yard with several people playing ball with him. She closed her eyes, and a huge smile came across her face. She was contented in the moment. The only way it could be perfect was by Jack's presence. She placed her hands on her tummy thanking God for her life.
"You look happy."
She opened her eyes to her father. She let out a contented sigh. "I am."
"You do this every Friday night after a home game?"
"Yes, and away games too. I don't go to those unless they are close, but they come here once they are back in town."
"Grace told me about this, but I didn't realize the extent of it." She thought he sounded impressed. "I was impressed they asked you to escort them out tonight before the game."
"They asked Jack and I to do that. What is your problem with Jack?"
"I don't have one."
"You know, father. I believe that is the first time you have lied to me."
"What?"
"You always exclude Jack. It wasn't just me who escorted the men out. Mother and Jack did as well." She emphasized Jack's name. "We have made a difference in their lives. Look around. Friday night after a football game, we have around thirty teenagers here enjoying themselves. This is exactly what I wanted in my life. To make a difference in the lives of kids. We have a beautiful home that we worked on together. We have healthy babies waiting to be born. I couldn't write this story any better than what I am living it now. You say you want a relationship with Jack. If you really do, you need to begin to realize that your son-in-law deserves all of your respect. Maybe that's part of the reason he still holds you at a distance. I do not blame him one moment."
Johnathan, the biggest lineman of the group, walked up to Elizabeth and gave her a smile. "Mrs. Thornton, are you ok?"
'I'm fine Johnathan."
He continued to look between Mrs. Thornton and this gentleman. "Are you sure?" He leaned in toward Elizabeth and whispered.
She gave him a reassuring smile. "I'm fine Johnathan. All is well."
"Would you mind to step outside with me?" He asked as he reached out his hand to help her up.
She smiled and took his hand. Once she was standing, she looked at her father. He saw sorrow in her eyes. "The distance in our relationship continues to grow."
…
Jimmy and his four men froze where they were standing. Jimmy and two men were standing beside the trucks. The other man was in the truck but at the opening holding a crate. Before they could react and reach for their weapons, Jack had a hold of Jimmy. Lee and two other officers had the other three men and was beginning to place handcuffs on them. The other state troopers stood surrounded the group with their weapons pointing at them.
"How did you…" Jimmy began to speak but was still too shocked to say what he wanted.
Jack read the men their Maranda Rights and placed them alongside the side wall. He turned to Captain Fisher. Call this in. We need a transport bus and the crime scene people here now. You two." He pointed at the two state troopers on the end. "Guard these men. The rest of you guard these trucks. When your set, take two minutes and call or text your significant others or your family to let them know you are safe, and it's finished. I don't know when you will be able to leave, but your loved ones shouldn't worry when it's not necessary. Lee, stand guard at the barn door. I don't expect anything, but keep an eye out just in case someone comes down the road."
The officers took their place and pulled out their cell phones to call their loved ones or to text them. Jack pulled out his phone and smiled when he saw the home picture of his very pregnant and beautiful wife. She was radiant and her smile melted him every time he looked at it.
J – 831
E – 831
Jack smile at her immediate response. He loved that woman. Elizabeth smiled knowing he was safe. She didn't know any details, but knew he was fine. For now, that was everything.
One of the stated troopers turned to his partner. "That was flawless."
"It was perfect. This guy is really good."
…
"That's a good smile." Johnathan stated.
"It is. Thank you."
"Mrs. Thorton, are you ok?"
"I am. Thanks for stepping in."
"Who is that guy?"
"That is my father."
"Why was he giving you a hard time?"
"Why do you say that?"
"Mrs. Thorton, I may only be a big, dumb lineman, but I'm not clueless."
"Johnathan. Don't you ever say anything like that again! You are a smart young man. You're doing well in school. Now, what are you wanting to study in college?"
"I don't know if I can go to college."
"Yes you are. Your college is already paid for. You are smart enough to do this. You have the ability and the drive to do whatever you want to do. Johnathan, what is it that you want to do?"
"I don't think anyone has ever asked me that before." Johnathan thoughtfully stated.
"It's your decision now. You can go anywhere and study anything. What is it that you want to do?"
Johnathan paused for a few moments to think. "I always wanted to study to be a big animal veterinarian. I've always liked big animals and wanted to help them, but Mrs. Thorton, I'm not smart enough to do something like that."
Elizabeth reached up and playfully slapped his arm. "Don't you dare say that again!"
Johnathan rubbed his arm and smiled at her. "Why did you do that?"
She smiled knowing she has heard this from Jack. I think I'm becoming more like him the longer we're married. "When you say silly things, I will do silly things. Now, you are most certainly smart enough to be a vet. If I remember correctly, your biology scores are high."
"Yes ma'am. I love biology."
"Now, tell me about becoming a vet. Do you want to stay around Hope Valley?" She accepted his hand to help her sit in the chair on the front porch.
…
William and Grace walked down the stairs to get some water to take to bed. It was a long day, evening, and night. It was a lot of fun but tiring. After the crowd left, Elizabeth and Grace divided up the jerseys. Grace was going to take five home with her and Elizabeth was going to keep the other five. As always, the crowd cleaned up the house and took the trash out on they're way home.
William noticed Elizabeth was asleep on the couch. She had her head on a small pillow and a thin blanket was on her feet only.
"She's asleep on the couch? She was never one to sleep on the couch."
"She naps on the couch but doesn't sleep on the couch unless Jack is out to work. She stays on the couch until he comes home."
"Why?"
"I believe she is a little nervous until he comes home. I also believe she enjoys it when he carries her to bed."
William thought for a moment. "Grace, I want my relationship with my daughter fixed and fixed now. I hate this division between us."
Grace sighed. "William, until you desire to fix your relationship with Jack, you will always experience the distance between you and your middle daughter. You can't force Jack to like you, but let's be honest here, you haven't tried too hard to repair it. You demand it. You always leave him out of the conversation."
"How so?"
"You stated. I want my relationship with my daughter fixed and fixed now. I hate this division between us.' Shouldn't you have said that you want your relationship with Elizabeth and Jack to be fixed and hate the division between you and them?"
He nodded.
"You may have changed some, but you still have some growth to go."
…
Elizabeth was laying on the couch content. She knew her husband was safe. The only thing she wanted was for him to be home with her. Her dream started almost as soon as she was asleep.
"Ma! Ma!"
"JT, what did I tell you about yelling in the house?"
"Not too."
"Then young man, why are you yelling in the house?"
"I wanted you." He flashed that dimpled grin at her and smiled.
"Not today young man. Those dimples will not get you out of trouble today. No yelling in the house."
"Daddy always said those dimples make you melt…whatever that means." The little boy shrugged his shoulders. "He said they always get him out of trouble."
She huffed knowing the little boy was telling the truth but not liking that Jack had that power over her like that. "Now, please tell me what you wanted me for."
…
"Daddy! Daddy!"
"I'm in here Beth but please don't yell in the house."
"Daddy." She stated as she ran toward her father. She jumped into his arms and gave him a big hug.
"Wow. What did I do to deserve this? Or are you wanting something?"
"Daddy. I love you."
"I love you princess. Now, tell me what's going on."
"Daddy, do we have to go to the museum today?"
"You love the museum."
"I do, but I don't want to go today."
"What is it that you want to do?"
"Can we stay home today and maybe go to the pond?"
"Mom can't go to the pond, remember?"
"Maybe grandma B can come over or Nana."
"I'm not sure what Ms. Beth is doing today and Nana Grace is home in Hamilton."
"Maybe Gammy and Pops can come over and spend time with us?"
Jack laughed at the names for his mother and Adam. Charlette loved her name and was thankful the kids picked Gammy. Adam wasn't the biggest fan of his, but loved it when the kids called him Pops.
"I'll talk to mom and see if she is ok not going to the museum. Then I need to call Gammy and Pops."
"Great. Hey daddy, maybe we can call Nana before Gammy and Pops comes over?"
He gave his blue eyes beauty a huge smile. "Let me talk to mom."
…
Jack walks into the kitchen where Elizabeth was standing at the sink. He walked up behind his wife and moved her hair giving her neck a gentle kiss.
"Hey beautiful."
"Hey handsome."
Before he was able to speak, they heard their kids sitting on the stairs.
"Ma said she'll talk with dad. She didn't want to go to the pond, but maybe Gammy and Pops can come over."
"Daddy said the same thing. We knew the pond was out and Grandma B is out of town. Nana is at her home, but he said he'll call Gammy and Pops to see if they can come over."
"Perfect. That was easier than I thought."
Jack looked at Elizabeth and she returned the look. "I get the feeling we just got played."
"Great job figuring that out officer." Elizabeth smirked.
"Hey…it's chief."
"We just got played by four year olds." Elizabeth laughed.
"We need to step up our game. They're starting to outsmart us." Jack laughed as he kissed her cheek.
"I guess we need to call Gammy and Pops."
"I already did. They'll be here in an hour with pizza."
"Oh man…they're good. We are in so much trouble." Whispered Elizabeth.
…
Jack was sitting back in the armchair in the corner of the bedroom. His phone in his hand sending a text with his phone while it was on vibrate. He paused to look around the bedroom. She really has done a great job decorating this room. He looked up when he noticed she was beginning to move a little. He placed the phone back into his pocket and leaned forward putting his elbows on his knees. He waited a few more moments until he saw her beginning to stretch. She hasn't seen him yet; her face was looking in the other direction.
"Good morning…Ms. Miranda Davidson."