Chapter 163: Mission Accomplished, in More Ways than One
The next hour passed very slowly, that is until the forty-five-minute mark.
Laurent/Edgar/H.H. was still loitering between the two buildings on the right-hand side of the bank. He read a newspaper inside and out, but nothing happened.
That is until a man dressed all in black appeared and pushed him further into the shadows.
"Retreat!" ordered Nathan to his men who were located behind.
"Yes, Sir!" came the whispered reply.
The two men were too far away for the Commissioner and the Chief Inspector to hear them, but fortunately, one of the plain-clothes Mounties remembered to position his radio so that his Chief Inspector and Commissioner could listen in on a second frequency, which was standard procedure, but often overlooked in the heat of the moment.
This way there was no sound for the subjects to realize they were being recorded.
"Edgar, what are you doing here, doing nothing?" barked the man in black.
"Just waiting, Sir, for you. I've done everything I can do from my end."
"Couldn't you have chosen a more private place?"
"Needed to be here, Sir, just in case anything goes wrong. This is the second-largest bank and we don't want any mistakes to trigger another investigation!"
"Don't even mention that word. Sometimes I think you forget you take your orders from me. And only me! You got that?"
"Got it, Sir!"
"You'd better get it! One more mistake, Edgar and you're out, you capiche?"
"Yes, Sir!"
"I won't stand for it and neither will my brother! One more mistake and you'll pay with your life! Make no mistake about it, if I have to get rid of you myself, I will!"
Edgar swallowed hard.
"Not necessary, Sir. No more mistakes. I swear!"
"You'd better be absolutely sure! You're swearing your life away, Idiot!"
At that point, the man in black picked Edgar up by the nape of his neck, stopping his airflow as he struggled to breathe.
He released his stronghold just as Edgar was turning a deep shade of blue.
"See that there are no mistakes. I'm done here. And don't you DARE contact me again! I contact you on my terms! You remember that!"
The man swept around in a fury, and lo and behold started walking across the street, straight toward the Thatcher limousine.
It was then Nathan was truly shocked. Those eyes, he would recognize anywhere after this morning. They were the eyes of Asher Johanne for certain.
But who else?
Then it came to Nathan like a bolt of lightning.
Those were the same eyes he had arrested over a year ago, and the same eyes that mocked him as the criminal was loaded into the Transport Wagon under maximum Security by none other than Constable Nathan Grant, himself.
The Commissioner was right, the information came back when it was needed most.
"Son, you look pale! What is it?" asked Commissioner Blake.
"Those are the eyes of Packer Johnston, Sir," mumbled a shocked Chief Inspector.
"Are you sure?"
"Positive, Sir! Asher Johanne is our Mastermind!"
"Do what you need to do, Son!"
"The man in black," radioed Nathan. "He's dangerous! Take two teams and surround him with guns out as soon as he's out of the bank's site! Arrest him for intent to murder, and throw him in a maximum-security cell with two extra guards."
"Yes, Sir!"
Both the Chief Inspector and the Commissioner waited silently for over eight minutes to receive confirmation.
"Done, Sir. He put up quite the fight and is heavily armed, but no injuries, Sir!"
"Good, don't let him out of your sight, Matt! Not for a second!"
"We're on our way to the Base, Sir!"
Nathan breathed a sigh of relief, but then a chill followed.
"He was in our home just hours ago, threatening my Father-in-Law. Elizabeth, my daughter, and my son saw him as he was threatening their Father and Grandfather. I knew something was off, but I had no idea they were in that sort of danger!"
The thought sickened Nathan, but he had a job to do.
"Nathan, you listen to me! You were there to protect all of them. And protect your family you did. They are very fortunate to have you, Son."
"Thank you, Sir! We have to find out what his relationship is with Packer. But Sir, do you realize he probably has access to Packer's many multi-million dollar stashes as well as all his spoils? Explains why he is newly rich and wants into society. We might actually be able to recover some of what was stolen based on police reports. This case just gets bigger and bigger!"
"Indeed, it does! I knew I needed you in order to break this Heist case and I was right! You've done a superior job, Nathan. We wouldn't have been to first base without you!"
"I don't know about that, but thank you, Sir!"
"Well, I do know, Son!"
Suddenly all mayhem broke loose, as the second heist was made, then the third, then the fourth, and lastly the fifth.
The Commissioner followed the Chief Inspector as he assumed radio duties, while Nathan led the arrests, moving from bank to bank.
Both Laurent Baffier/Edgar/H.H., and then Larue Barthet were arrested, read their rights, and taken away at the second bank.
Nathan relished the fear he saw in their faces, as these men had been so callous in their interviews. They were still young though quickly facing middle age, yet he was hoping it wasn't too late for them to turn around, and as difficult as it was, fear was a part of that process.
"The third through fourth arrests have all taken place without incident…now, on to the fifth."
"Let's roll…"
There was a hiccup at the fifth bank, and everything seemed to be running behind.
In an instant, Nathan and the Commissioner were back in their limousine, en route.
"Peyton, as fast as you can, take us to the last bank on the list!"
"Got it, Sir. I have the series memorized. We're just two blocks away!"
"Good man, Peyton. Thanks!" complimented Nathan, gratefully.
A very calm and experienced Peyton had the men there before the last actual heist had begun.
They waited in the limo with Peyton, and when given the signal, Nathan and his Commissioner converged on the smallest bank.
Laurent Beauregard was the youngest of the five Transfer Tellers and actually burst into tears at seeing the uniformed Chief Inspector and Commissioner.
He had not been recalcitrant in his interview, but instead, unlike the others, had been both nervous and polite.
He had also been more truthful than the others.
Nathan went to him, and spoke in his calm voice, reassuring the young man.
"As difficult as things seem right now, this is the very best thing that can happen for your future. This will allow you to serve your time and eventually start over with a clean slate. A word of advice, educate yourself while you are incarcerated. I know it's hard to see now, but this is your chance, offering you a real opportunity to get away from any and all criminal influence and totally start over in a new life."
"Really, Sir?"
"Really, Laurent. If that is your real name."
"No, Sir," he bowed his head in shame. "I'm Oliver Crangston from Toronto."
"Thank you for your honesty. I need to wrap up here, but I'll be speaking with you back at Headquarters. You're going to survive this. Hang on to that. It's a promise."
"Th…thank…you, Sir!" the young man stumbled.
Nathan patted him on the back and nodded for his men to transport the young man back to Headquarters' Incarceration Facility.
Nathan then walked toward the Commissioner for a moment of privacy, watching as his men left with Oliver Crangston.
"You did right by that young man, Nathan. I wish more of my men had your compassion. Even just a thimble of it. That boy somehow got in over his head, but there's good in him, and you helped him see that!"
Nathan nodded his thanks with a heavy heart, unable to speak.
Then just as suddenly, he turned to bark orders to his remaining men.
The Commissioner couldn't help but smile watching his Chief Inspector and protege in action. He saw himself, but a much more compassionate version in Nathan Grant. And after all these years, he realized that was what was lacking, and exactly what all of his Officers needed.
He made a mental note. If anyone could teach a class in compassion, it was Chief Inspector Nathan Grant….
While walking to the Interrogation Room, back at Headquarters, Nathan further briefed his Commissioner.
"We were right, Sir. Not surprisingly, each money transfer was indeed sent to Lucas Bouchard via the Hope Valley Bank, each with an additional $50,000. Both the unidentified man and woman in Hope Valley attempted to claim the money, but Bill saw that our men arrested them instead. The names are Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Carlyle, both cousins of Packer Johnston."
"I'll be! Packer again! Here we are, Son!"
Both entered the room, but the Commissioner insisted that Nathan lead the questioning.
He listened and watched intently as his Chief Inspector interrogated each man who had been arrested.
They started with the individual Transfer Tellers:
"What is your name," Nathan sharply asked as the first question, followed by "What is your real name?"
Out of the five men, only Oliver Crangston gave his real name. The other four men demanded Barristers.
But the Commissioner marveled as Nathan was able to get each of them to further admit, even with Barristers, how their plan had been put into motion.
He even got all five men to point the finger at Asher Johanne as their main boss, offering up quite a bit of incriminating evidence.
It became clear that all the men knew him only by that name.
None of the five knew of Packer Johnston, but Oliver admitted, he had heard Asher refer to a 'Packer' as his brother, once, who was away.
It was all falling into place.
Next, Nathan went to interrogate Asher Johanne, but before he entered the room, he leafed through his notes and shared them with the Commissioner.
"In a matter of moments, his clerks had positively identified Asher as Robert Johnston, Packer's younger brother, originally from San Francisco."
"Johanne, Johnson, Johnston! I should have known!"
The Commissioner smiled.
"Don't berate yourself, as I didn't catch it either. This is huge, Son! And I do mean huge!"
Nathan nodded and continued.
"From what the clerks gathered, Packer never allowed Robert to ride with his Gang, a huge point of contention between the two brothers."
"Interesting! Perhaps this Robert will turn on Packer," surmised the Commissioner. "To help himself out!"
"I just want to find those goods, Sir, and make restitution."
"A noble goal, Son!"
As they walked in, Robert Johnston had lawyered up with not one but two Barristers, who happened to be the best in all of Hamilton.
Still, they were no match for Chief Inspector Nathan Grant.
"How long have you lived in Hamilton, Sir?" began Nathan, obviously a question that could be easily verified.
"A year and three months," answered Robert without looking at Nathan directly.
That was when Nathan knew he was going to get the information he needed.
"When was the last time you saw your brother, Packer Johnston?"
Again, an easily verifiable question, as Parker had been tailed extensively.
"In Union City, prior to his trial."
"Thank you for your honesty. You know a lot more of that would go a long way in your favor."
Robert's Barristers nodded in agreement.
Robert sighed heavily but looked whipped.
"Robert, I'm a good listener. Tell me what you want me to know."
The Commissioner was stymied as Robert, the brother of Packer Johnston started telling the Chief Inspector everything he needed to know and more…
"Sir, I have one more interview to make."
"Logan Wilkes."
"Yes, Sir. He deserves to know he may have a double-first cousin and a twin."
When they arrived, Logan was anxious to know if Edgar had been arrested.
"Afraid so, Son!" admitted Nathan. "Do you know why that might be the case?"
"No, Sir! Not at all. I was shocked to find him dressed like me, even though he lives with me. He's never ever tried to look like that before, at least not that I know of! I would have thrown him out and he knows it! Because it's a lie. He's not me. Why would he pretend to be?"
"It's complicated, and after we complete our work, we'll be able to share more. But for now, he's lawyered up. Tell me where you're originally from, and about your family, Son."
"I'm from Prince Edward Island. Or at least that's where I grew up. You see, I was adopted when I was just a few weeks or months old. I don't really know. My adoptive parents called my adoption day my birthday, so I don't know my real birthday."
"Do you have relatives?"
"No, Sir. My parents, my adoptive parents both died a couple of years ago. There is nobody else that I know of."
"I'm very sorry. Logan, I need to tell you a couple of things that might be a shock to you. And I need to preface them by telling you I feel very strongly they are true, but I can't say for certain yet. Although I feel you need to know of the possibilities."
"I trust you. I'd rather know everything I can, even if it's only a possibility."
"We think Edgar, who is actually known as H.H., may be your double first cousin. Has he ever said anything to you about that possibility?"
"That's odd. He's always said he was my cousin, but I just thought it was a joke. A Buddy thing."
"It appears to be real, but if that is true, there is something even bigger you need to hear."
"What? Give it to me straight. I'm ready."
"I live in a small town called Hope Valley, and I have a friend there who looks identical to you. He even has the same birthmark you have, but behind his right ear. Sometimes that happens with twins. I know because I am a twin."
"A twin? A twin brother?"
"As I said we aren't sure, but I do believe there's a strong possibility. The Commissioner and I will do everything in our power to research the matter and find out the truth, but we'll need your cooperation."
"Sir, I have no one. Of course, I want to know if I have a brother."
"Just don't get your hopes up, but it's something I think we need to determine. And I do believe there's a strong possibility. We want you to stay with us here for a few days, while we work on this, in order to be able to ask you questions, but also to keep you safe. Do you need us to get you anything at your home to make yourself more comfortable here?"
"I forgot! Rusty, my German Shepherd. He's at my apartment with no food or water by now!"
"If you'll give us your key, I will send someone to bring him here, so he can be with you if you like."
"Please, Sir! He's all I have!"
"Consider it done. Do you have any questions?"
"Might the man who you think may be my brother look like me?"
Nathan couldn't help but smile. He had already told Logan that, but Logan was an honest young man, and in his confusion over all that had happened, missed that Nathan had already told him they looked identical to each other.
"He's a mirror image."
"Does he have a family?"
"Yes, it's complicated with his parents, though. But he has a lovely wife and they are expecting a child soon."
"Can I meet him?"
"I'm sure we will be able to arrange that, Logan…."
Back in the Commissioner's Office, both he and Nathan were signing stacks of documents, first for the arrests, then for the interrogations.
"You're a great judge of character, Nathan."
"I don't know about that, but that young man is innocent in all this, that's for sure."
"Agree. You made that obvious in your discussion with him. His reactions were so genuine. You can't help wanting this to work out, with him being all alone in the world. Just not sure I want him around H.H."
"No, but I think Logan might be good for Lucas; he's so down to earth. Afraid to say, Lucas is not. Although if true, perhaps they will be good for each other. I know from firsthand experience, a twin changes you."
"Of course, you do!"
Commissioner Blake sighed as he and Nathan signed their last reports.
"Life is strange isn't it?"
"You can say that again, Sir!"
"You know, Nathan, you basically solved multiple cases at the same time on this one, which is quite an accomplishment. And you're the one who made the connection to Packer from the beginning. Can't believe we got his brother too! You are to be congratulated, Son, in a very huge way!"
"Thank you, Sir, but could we give some sort of Citizen's commendation to Peyton? He was exemplary and helped us a lot. Not sure we could have done it without him."
"I agree! I'll have something set up for this coming Friday. Would you be able to bring him to Headquarters?"
"Happy to, Sir! He'll be most grateful, and so am I!"
"Bring your Father-in-Law too, Son. After all, it is his limousine," chuckled Commissioner Blake. " I may not be able to adjust back to military-issued vehicles!" laughed the Commissioner.
Nathan couldn't help but laugh too, although to be honest, the Commissioner had the best the Mounties offered.
"Afraid I'm going to be going through the same thing, Sir, once we leave Hamilton and re-enter the real world!"
The Commissioner chuckled.
"You know this is another commendation for you, accompanied by a few medals."
"Not necessary, Sir. I was just doing my job."
"In an exemplary manner, Chief Inspector. Would you not commend your own men in the same situation?"
"You've got me there, Sir! I must admit it feels awfully good to have the Parker Johnston case come full circle. Will you keep me abreast of the searches for the locations of stolen goods?"
"Absolutely. In fact, dispensation might be a good first case for you to involve your first class in, especially tying in the whole case from a to z involving Packer Johnston!"
"Agree, Sir. It would be my pleasure to tie that case up and throw it away for good!"
"If anyone's earned that honor, Son, it's you! I hate to be selfish, but truthfully, I'm looking forward to the opening of our Academy. The building should start as soon as you get back from your Book Tour and be completed just before winter sets in! I wanted you there to direct it all."
"Looking forward to that, Sir!"
"Go home, Nathan and rest! You of all people deserve it! Oh, and bring the entire family here Friday at 6 P.M. for Dinner and an impromptu Awards Ceremony."
Nathan started to object but knew he wouldn't get anywhere.
"Yes, Sir!"
Both men stood and saluted, then the Commissioner moved from behind his desk and slapped his Chief Inspector on the shoulder, as a Father would do to a Son.
"Magnificent job, Chief! Sorry about interrupting your Honeymoon, but couldn't have done this without you! Just don't tell my Mrs…"
As Nathan left Headquarters, he glanced at his watch and realized it was 11:35 P.M.
"Peyton, can we make it home by midnight?"
"With time to spare, Sir?"
"Would there be any place to pick up some roses at this late hour?"
"Yes, Sir. Rosie is at the wharf with her stand of flowers till midnight! And she always has roses!"
"Then Rosie's it is!" chuckled Nathan.
With his work done, he leaned back into the plush seat and finally relaxed. It had been a long, tension-filled day, but in the end, everything had gone better than they had even expected.
"Thank you, Dear God, for getting us through another mission without harm or injury. We appreciate that so very much. And, we know that we owe you the glory, as we are only your Stewards. In your blessed and holy name, Amen..."
As they neared the wharf, Nathan got out of the limousine at Rosie's stand.
"One bouquet of two dozen lavender and purple roses, one dozen of white, one dozen of red, one dozen of hot pink, one dozen of coral, and two dozen of pink with green edges please."
"Sir, you's a man after me own heart! A mighty handsum and romantic gent'man. The ladies in your life are purty lucky, indeed."
Peyton laughed when he saw all the roses Nathan was getting, and jumped out of the limousine to help!
"Sir, looks like you need assistance. I didn't know you were going to buy Rosie out!"
"Hush, you! This here is my new best buddy," declared Rosie, grabbing the Chief Inspector's arm.
"Thank you, Rosie. You don't know how much you've made my day!"
"It's me who should a be thankin' you, Sir! And I do from clear down the bottom of my happy heart to my dancin' toes! Might I say somethin', Sir?" asked Rosie as she gathered all the roses and wrapped them in tissue.
"You look mighty handsum in that there uniform of your'n!"
The two men watched, mesmerized as Rosie worked her magic
Nathan was still blushing though when Rosie started counting her money.
"This here is a jackpot day! You come back here to Rosie, you hear? I take care of you for sure!"
"Er, thank you, Ma'am! But thank you more for helping me make the women in my life very happy, indeed."
"But you done gave me too much money! Waaay too much money!"
"You've earned it Rosie! Buy yourself a nice treat!" smiled Nathan as he turned to leave.
"Now, that there's a gent'man if there ever was one!"
As he and Peyton walked back to their car, Nathan took in the fresh sea air, and for the first time today was truly and completely relaxed…
At the Thatcher Mansion, Peyton helped Nathan carry in the plethora of roses, as Godfrey met them at the side door.
"Thank you, Peyton! Great job today. We couldn't have made it without you! Keep Friday night open if you don't mind."
"Appreciate it, Sir. It was my honor! And I sure will."
"My looks like you bought Rosie out," declared Godfrey.
"Godfrey, you didn't need to wait up for me."
"I most certainly did. You probably haven't eaten all day, Sir! Besides, these roses need vases and water!" chuckled Godfrey.
"You are right, there wasn't time to eat! May I take the lavender and purple ones to my wife? The white ones are for Grace and the red ones for my Mother. Let's see, the Coral for Viola, the hot pink for Julie, and the pink with green edges for Allie and Arabella. Oh, and Godfrey, these are for you to give Miss Alberta!"
Nathan handed Godfrey a beautiful, colorful mixed bouquet of gorgeous roses.
"Sir, thank you! Miss Alberta will be so pleased. I should have thought of this myself."
"Our little secret, Godfrey, all from you! Here's a blank card! And I'm on my way to find my wife!"
"I just delivered your picnic baskets, Sir!"
"Baskets? As in two? That's wonderful; I'm really starved!"
Godfrey winked.
"Thought you would be, Sir! Here are your Flowers for Mrs. G…"
As Nathan made his way to Granda's apartments with his vase full of roses, he didn't think he could wait another moment to see Elizabeth.
He knocked lightly on the door, and she opened it within seconds, ready to lunge toward him till she saw the beautiful bouquet.
"Nathan, these are gorgeous. How did you have time…"
But his lips had already captured hers with the roses between them.
Lips locked, they moved as one to a table so that he could set the vase full of roses down. As he did so, in one fell swoop, he lifted her up in his arms, still with their lips on each other's.
He shot a side glance to make sure where he was, then carried her to Granda's huge bed.
Suddenly his hunger for food could wait.
"Oops, will Granda see?" he asked with widened eyes. "I mean, this is her bed after all!"
"Well, if she does, she will be a very happy Granda, indeed, Love!" laughed Elizabeth.
Nathan chuckled, caressing his wife's beautiful face, running his hands through her silky locks.
As they shared their love, he wiped the tears from his wife's cheeks.
"You came back to me," she whispered.
"I did and I always will, Lisbeth. To the very best of my ability, I always, always will," he answered huskily. "I love you so!"
"You are my breath, Nathan, my one true, forever love."
And just as Godfrey and Granda in Heaven had suspected, the Picnic would wait till much, much later.
Who needed food, when you could live so happily on love, particularly their no holds barred love that both now shared for the other?
Yes, there had been trials to tunnel through, but they had finally made it to the other side, which was more spectacular than either had ever imagined…
