Chapter 162: The Mission Begins
Godfrey was waiting for Nathan just inside the side door leading to the portico.
"Sir, you're so busy. This really can wait!"
"Nonsense, Godfrey. You do so much for us, this is the least I can do. Where shall we go for privacy?"
"Are you certain, Sir?"
"Absolutely! The initial paperwork for today is completed. As long as we get this done in a half-hour or less, I'm good!"
"I assure you we can do this in a very short time. Mr. Thatcher offered his study for that very reason, as he's already left for work, Sir."
Nathan followed Godfrey, who was being exceptionally quiet, as his plethora of nerves emanated out into the hallway, convincing Nathan more and more that his conjecture was right!
After a long trek down the hall, a very jittery Godfrey held the huge double doors open for Nathan, offering him a seat on the plush sofa in front of the fireplace's roaring summer flames.
Given the proficient Butler he was, there was a Silver Pot of steaming hot Coffee waiting for them on a Silver Tray, compliments of one of his many Under Butlers.
Godfrey poured as usual, with the familiar act seeming to calm him a bit.
A moment passed with neither man speaking, while Godfrey looked down, taking an occasional sip of the hot brew.
"Godfrey, what is it you need? How can I help you?" asked Nathan trying to nudge open their conversation.
"Sir, I truly don't know where to begin. But this was something I…I thought you were best to help me with."
Nathan looked at Godfrey trying to understand.
Yet Godfrey answered the unasked question as though it were obvious.
"You are the most recent man in the family to propose, Sir!"
"Ah! The proposal. Why, congratulations, Godfrey! I couldn't be happier for you!"
"She hasn't said yes, yet, Sir," admitted Godfrey shyly, looking down toward the floor again.
"Have you asked?"
"Well, no…" he stuttered. "I…I wasn't sure how to…to go…about it, Sir! This is all very new to me, I'm afraid."
Nathan didn't have to ask who the cherished Lady was, as it was very clear the woman of his affection was Miss Bertie.
"Miss Alberta, or Miss Bertie as everyone else calls her, is the love of my life, Sir. I've loved her for a very long time, and although I didn't know it till recently, she has felt the same about me. But, none of this even seemed possible till you came into this family and changed us all for the better. Then when the Thatchers asked Alberta to accompany us to New York with the children, I just couldn't not ask her, Sir! I don't want her to be in a room all alone, apart from us, not when the two of us could be happily together. I love her dearly and desperately want her to be my wife."
"Then you tell her, just like that, Godfrey."
"But where, Sir? I haven't a clue about romance."
"Let's see…it has to be someplace that's special and romantic, Godfrey. Let me think…I know, Father's Yacht! It will already be out tomorrow, and after Julie leaves with the girls that's the perfect time to take Miss Bertie, er Miss Alberta for a lovely harbor cruise and dinner. What could be more romantic than that at sundown? Just ask William. He'll be more than happy to loan it to you!"
"Oh, I couldn't Sir!"
"Then, I'll make the call right now, right here. He will be so thrilled for you, Godfrey, and for Miss Alberta! There's absolutely nothing to worry about."
Nathan made the call immediately, which happened to be just as William walked into his private office at Thatcher Enterprises.
"Father, Godfrey and I need to ask a favor," began Nathan.
"Anything for you two! What is it, Son?"
"Could Godfrey borrow your Yacht tomorrow evening after the girls are through with their lunch and harbor cruise, for a dinner cruise…with Miss Alberta? A very romantic dinner cruise?"
Dead silence on the other end.
William was so shocked he had to unceremoniously plop down on his desk chair.
"Father? Are you there?" asked a concerned Nathan.
"Oh, of course, you just took me quite by surprise, Son. Shock really! So, our Godfrey and Miss Alberta are in love? And I didn't even know? I feel terrible, Nathan! How could Grace and I not know something as important as this?"
"I believe they wanted their privacy, Sir. But Godfrey was thinking that since she is going to New York with us, they could perhaps get married prior to us leaving. That would save you finding extra accommodations as he wants desperately to pop the question and use the time for a Honeymoon!"
William cleared his throat doing his best to collect his thoughts.
"Well, a working trip will not be their Honeymoon under any circumstances. Perhaps we shall call it a Pre-Honeymoon. Nathan, put Godfrey on the line, please."
"Of course, Sir!"
Nathan handed Godfrey the phone with a reassuring smile.
"He's over the moon!" he whispered with his hand covering the mouthpiece.
"Sir," noted Godfrey hesitantly as he took the phone.
But not for long, as a huge broad smile soon appeared on Godfrey's face.
"Godfrey, first the biggest Congratulations ever! I'm just thrilled with this news! Grace and the Girls will be beside themselves! I will have the most romantic dinner and cruise planned that Hamilton has ever seen! And of course, Grace and I will be paying for the Wedding, the Honeymoon, all of it! Whatever you and Alberta want, whenever you want it. We will make it happen! First class. I'll get Grace and the Girls right on it by meeting with Alberta!"
"Sir! Please, don't! Not till I ask her!" begged Godfrey horrified.
"Oh, but of course, my man! Just so excited that I'm getting the cart before the horse, I'm afraid. We'll wait till after tomorrow night to offer our congratulations. I'll be quiet till you two announce it yourselves! Though I couldn't be happier, Godfrey. And don't worry about living accommodations after. We'll take care of it all. Don't you worry about a single thing! This is the most exciting news the family has had since Elizabeth and Nathan married. Everyone will be over the moon…"
"Good morning, Peyton!"
"Good morning, Sir. Are you ready for the big day?" asked the Chauffeur anxiously.
"As a matter of fact, I am! Just a few things I need to think through, and I plan to do that as we drive to the base. To the Commissioner's Office, Peyton!"
As soon as Nathan stepped foot into the car, he was in full Officer mode.
Peyton closed the limo's door, proud to play a small part on this important day regarding the safety of Hamilton, this town he had loved from childhood.
It had been decided that Nathan and the Commissioner would travel via one of the many Thatcher limousines to blend into Hamilton Society. Doing that also gave them the advantage of not being seen through the tinted windows while they observed. It was the perfect way to become a normal part of the city without even being noticed.
As Peyton pulled out from under the portico, Nathan noticed movement behind some bushes on the left front side.
"Peyton, is there a back way?"
"On it, Sir!"
The last thing he wanted was a repeat of this morning's encounter with the reporters and photographers. But he couldn't think about that now. His focus was the mission that was about to occur and only the mission.
Peyton expertly turned around the portico and headed in what appeared to be the opposite direction, although it was actually just a small road that circled back at the end of the property to the main road which led to the Base.
Nathan stretched his long legs out in the spacious limo while still staying ramrod straight in his seat, maintaining an Officer's demeanor, as his uniform required.
Then he did what he always did before his work, especially when he was to be out on a mission.
He prayed silently and earnestly.
'Dear Heavenly Father, I pray to be alert and filled with your wisdom as we undertake this most important endeavor. Help me to do what you would have me to do, direct me, guide me as I lead, as well as the others who are also participating. May we together ensure safety and security for both the Mounties and the civilians around us. We also pray for your armor of protection to surround each Mountie as we strive to uphold and maintain the right. In your most holy name, Amen!'
'Maintiens le Droit'
The Mountie's mantra, words to live by.
Honorably upholding and maintaining the right.
Sitting there, Nathan was in full Chief Inspector mode, as he went back to the very beginning, reviewing every detailed point of what they knew about this case, or at least believed they knew:
1. Initial Heist occurred at Hamilton International Bank, tipping them off to a possible Network.
2. Laurent Baffier, Bank Teller involved in the Initial Heist looks like Lucas Bouchard; he is thought to be a relative with the same initials; clearly lied in his interview; also was very condescending; he was found to be the double-first cousin of Lucas, born to the brother of Lucas' Father and the sister of Lucas' Mother; his name is really Henri Harrison Bouchard, known as H.H.; thought to be local coordinator, but not the mastermind
3. Faux Bills were sent to Mr. Lucas Bouchard, care of Hope Valley Bank to the tune of $50,000 additional dollars than what was recorded at Bank of Transfer; definitely intentional as obviously a set-up
4. Faux Bills saved Mr. Wadsworth Sloane from Bankruptcy as his bank account had been used without his knowledge
5. Money orders for the entire amount of faux bills are being held in Hope Valley Bank locked in the safe, under 24 Hour Surveillance, in an effort to capture perpetrators
6. Unknown handlers, a man and woman have arrived in Hope Valley, apparently to steal the transferred money, believed to be real, after Lucas Bouchard is framed; they are currently surveilling both Lucas and Sophie Bouchard
7. Both Bouchards are under protective custody at Bill's Cabin, which has been secured
8. Suspected Hamilton Network proven to exist, involving each of the five banks in Hamilton, among those Tellers responsible for Transfers
9. Interviews were conducted with Transfer Tellers at all five Hamilton Banks, each of which bears a French name with the initials L.B. – Laurent Baffier, Larue Barthet, Langley Bernard, Leovold Boisseau, and Laurent Beauregard; all but the first, who was there long enough to scope out other banks and steer his chosen people into the various empty bank positions are relatively new employees; but have only been there for 6 months according to Human Resources, and not the 2 years each claimed via forged documents
10. The last four Transfer Tellers don't resemble Lucas, but they all dress exactly like him, down to the silk cravats and diamond tie-stick pens exactly like his; the diamond tie-stick pens are obviously marks, a way of identification for each of the Transfer Tellers to identify the others
11. Everything consistently ties back to Lucas, and that is obviously not a coincidence as this is obviously a set-up
12. Packer Johnston, Lucas' Father-in-Law is now in Isolation at Havery Prison for murdering one of his inmates on top of all his other infractions; he is currently under 24-hour watch with continuous reports being fed back to the Commissioner and myself; capture of Packer and his Gang occurred after my assignment to Hope Valley; the man attempted to murder Lucas back then; thought to be the main Mastermind in Heists in order to frame Lucas Bouchard, his own Son-in-Law, and put him in prison
13. Faux Heists of remaining Hamilton Banks are set for today in order to out the Network; they are to be staggered by five minutes apart, to verify that Lucas remains the target
14. Hamilton Society instructed not to make any bank withdrawals until 3 P.M. today; if an emergency occurs, they are to appear in person to Mr. Harling Bakersfield at Hamilton International Bank
'And that's our case in a nutshell,' mused Nathan.
But something else was rankling the Chief Inspector.
Those eyes he saw this morning in the Thatcher's Grand Entry.
Where had he seen those eyes before?
And who was Asher Johanne…
After enduring a formal Officer's Honor Guard upon both his arrival at and departure from Headquarters, the Commissioner and his Chief Inspector were in the process of reviewing the updates that each had received while riding to downtown in their borrowed Thatcher Limousine.
"So, this tells us Packer Johnston is definitely the Mastermind of this operation, now without a doubt. I can't believe you knew to give us this lead, but thank God you did! The man has to be stopped. Enough is enough. You know, after the inmate murder, one more infraction, the man faces possible hanging!"
"I didn't know, but not surprised. The problem is, he has to have an enabler on the outside, a working mastermind to carry out his plan, and I'm sorry, but Laurent Baffier is not it!
"Agree, Nathan. But who?"
"Don't know, Sir! But, I had an odd thing happen this morning at the Thatcher's. A man was trying to make trouble with my Father-in-Law and I had to escort him from the house."
"And?" asked the Commissioner, knowing there was more.
"His eyes, Sir! I've seen those eyes. I would stake my life on it. They were haunting as though they were somehow significant. I don't know how, but perhaps even to this case!"
"Don't ponder; it will come to you when the answer is needed most, Son. That's one thing I'm sure of from all these years of being Commissioner!"
Nathan nodded.
"Yes, Sir. I do think everything is ready for today, and the goal as always is no casualties."
"That's reasonable as far as I can see. I do believe we'll accomplish that, Son! In fact, I'm sure of it. It's the execution of the roundup I'm concerned with. We have our boys literally surrounding each bank. But they've been instructed to stay out of sight until they are radioed to show, just as you requested."
"Good, Sir! Thank you, for that. Then we are ready."
As Peyton pulled up across the street from the Second largest bank in Hamilton, Nathan and his Commissioner were ready to begin their stakeout. Thankfully, they were surrounded by two other limousines, so they wouldn't at all be suspect.
Both pulled out their regulation-grade miniature binoculars. With them, even through the darkened windows, they could see very clearly everyone entering or leaving the bank.
Officer Details were doing the same at the three remaining banks, although not with the luxury of limousines, but plain, unmarked cars.
It had been decided that the Mounties under them would be in plain clothes, with only Nathan and the Commissioner in Uniforms.
This gave the men more freedom to move unnoticed if it became necessary, keeping them safer in the event of an unknown crisis.
An hour passed with very few customers entering the bank. But of course, that wasn't surprising as the elite of Hamilton had been asked to stay away.
"Sir, look direct north!" instructed Nathan
"Well, I'll be! If it isn't our favorite Transfer Teller."
"Monsieur Laurent Baffier! The one we already have enough on to arrest," noted Nathan.
"Yes, but I'm glad you suggested we wait, Nathan. Looks like we get to add to his list. Little does he realize his hour is coming."
"Odd, that he's not at his assigned place of work, though. Rather tell-tale, isn't it? He looks like he's waiting for someone. Wait, he's slipping into the shadows between the two buildings on the right of the bank!"
"He's waiting alright, Son. But doesn't want to be seen. At least now, we know for certain, he is definitely the coordinator for the Transfer Tellers!"
"Yes, but I doubt anything more."
"Agreed, Son!"
But at that very moment, a young gentleman came out on the sidewalk from the bank's entrance leaving Nathan aghast!
"That man looks exactly like Lucas Bouchard as well, Sir! Even more so seeing the two look-alikes together."
"What?"
The Commissioner and his Chief Inspector had their eyes trained on both Laurent Baffier in the shadows and the handsome young man departing the bank.
Then an even odder thing happened.
Though at first, the young man walked right past Laurent Baffier without seeming to see him, he immediately did a double-take, walking backward toward the Transfer Teller.
"Edgar! What in the world are you doing, hiding in the shadows? And more importantly, why are you dressed like me?"
They watched as Laurent looked down to the ground, seemingly embarrassed to be found, at least by this particular look-alike male.
"Good grief, who is the real look-alike?" asked the frustrated Commissioner of his Chief Inspector. "This is getting to be ridiculous!"
"He isn't turned for me to see, Sir!"
"What do you mean?"
"Lucas has a birthmark behind his right ear, Sir."
"Do twins have the same birthmarks?"
"It varies, but if they are identical, they may or may not have the same birthmarks. They can even be in the same exact place or they can appear as a mirror image, Sir!"
"How do you know all that?"
"I'm a twin, Sir, although fraternal of course, as my twin, Colleen, was female."
"I'm so deeply sorry, Nathan. I knew you lost a beloved sister, but I didn't realize she was your twin. How very difficult!"
"Yes, Sir. Thank you. It was and frankly, still is most difficult! I miss her all the time."
Nathan's face softened, as always, at the mention of Colleen; as twins, they had been one, and he still felt her absence profoundly.
"I'm sure you do, Son! So, we're watching for a birthmark behind either ear?"
"That's correct, Sir! Peyton, can you roll your window down a bit so that we can hear," suggested Nathan.
"Of course, Sir!"
Peyton did exactly as requested, and sure enough, they could hear the conversation across the street, which by this time was getting quite heated.
"How dare you impersonate me, Edgar! You tell me right now why you're dressed like me! And for work, too! How embarrassing!"
They watched as Laurent/Edgar/H.H. replied that it was none of his business.
"It's just a silly prank, Logan. Don't get all bent out of shape!"
"Edgar, you're impersonating me and I intend to know why! Now!" he insisted.
But Edgar refused which angered Logan, and as he reached up to pull the dark toupee off Laurent's/Edgar's/H.H.'s head, Nathan spotted the same birthmark as Lucas's behind Logan's left ear.
Nathan gasped and whispered.
"Lucas and Logan have to be Twins, Sir! I say we let Laurent/Edgar/H.H. be for now, but take Logan into protective custody."
The Commissioner nodded and ordered Peyton to roll up his window so that Nathan could give the orders over the radio.
"Yes, the young man who is not wearing the diamond stick pen. He has a bowler hat and a blue striped shirt on, as well as a birthmark behind his left ear. Take him into protective custody as soon as he's out of Laurent's sight. Do not let Laurent see you taking him under any circumstances," radioed Nathan.
In less than two minutes Logan gave up and was on his way. As he turned the corner of the block, two plain-clothes Mounties appeared and fluidly took Logan into Protective Custody.
"It's done, Sir. No resistance whatsoever. In fact, he's concerned as to why his friend is impersonating him. His name is Logan Wilkes. We'll take him to the Base, Sir, and keep him there."
"He's not a prisoner, just in protective custody! See that he's well taken care of," reminded Nathan.
"Yes, Sir! We'll take very good care of him."
"Thank you!"
"Great job, Son! Now we have a witness, as well as someone who can identify Laurent/Edgar/H.H. and give us the truth."
"That is if he even knows what's going on, which I doubt. But I do believe he's Lucas's twin. I truly do. The resemblance and mannerisms are uncanny!"
"Amazing! So, Lucas ends up with a criminal double first cousin AND a twin? That's going to be some shock! As well as finding out his Father-in-law has set him up to be imprisoned! You have to wonder if Lucas even knows these two guys exist," mused the Commissioner.
"It's hard to say. The Bouchards aren't a close family, Sir. Now to sit back and wait. We're exactly an hour away from the second heist, then five minutes later the third one, and so on…"
