Chapter Nineteen
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Plans set in Motion
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At the Café, Bill grabbed his morning coffee along with an extra mug and headed to the NWMP office. Paul's horse was tethered in front, so he had returned from his morning rounds though it was early.
Bill knocked and entered. "Well! What's this?" He indicated a wooden sign leaning against Paul's desk.
"It only took nine months for the order to filter down to small towns! It's the new sign with the new official name. 'Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Regional Office.' Has a regal ring to it, eh?" He nodded as Bill took the chair. "Thanks for this." Paul lifted the mug and took a sip of the steaming brew. "What brings you by, Bill?"
Bill observed the tall and solid, brown-eyed blonde. The man was rugged looking, tanned and attractive and Bill realized he needed to take note of what Hope Valley women were suddenly in need of assistance from their new Mountie. But for today, Bill was on a mission.
"Remember I asked about your family and all?" Bill sipped his coffee as he composed his approach.
"Hard to forget, Bill. I've never been grilled on that information before!" Paul smiled, curious.
Bill was liking Paul Martin more every day. He was a good fit, if he couldn't have Nathan, of course. Bill cleared his throat. "I have an unusual request." Bill set his coffee on the desk and leaned forward. "Some history first? You know that the Mountie who preceded Nathan's service here was Constable Jack Thornton and his widow is the schoolteacher, right?" As Paul nodded, Bill continued. "You know when Jack died he left behind his widow who was pregnant with their son?"
"I know the story, yes."
"Well, when Nathan Grant arrived in town to replace Jack, he and Elizabeth grew very close after he came to Hope Valley. Nathan actually came here in order to serve and protect Elizabeth and her son, Jack Junior. That little fella fell in love with Nathan. Jack always wanted to see him and his horse when he came into town. Jack would always want to talk to Nathan whenever he saw him and Nathan always stopped what he was doing and got down on Jack's level to engage with him. Of course, unless Jack wanted to be picked up! In that case, Nathan always did so. Jack has a beloved toy Mountie that Nathan carved for him and Jack even called Nathan 'Daddy' a few times, much to the embarrassment of Elizabeth."
As Paul listened and sipped his coffee, Bill continued. "The entire town saw that Nathan and Elizabeth's friendship deepened, until one day it seemed to have dissolved. Nathan always treated Elizabeth with respect and kindness, but the closeness was missing. Elizabeth changed and when she started courting the Saloon owner she began to neglect other friendships, and even her own son at times. That is the kindest way I can say this. Elizabeth now is a shadow of what she used to be. I pray she'll recover."
"But that leads me to my questions. My plan. If it is okay with you, I would like to bring Jack here later this morning to meet you. I don't know how it will go as you wear the uniform of his father that he sees in the photographs and of Nathan, Jack's special friend. But, knowing what I have told you, we will just try to help him understand! His father, Jack Thornton, Sr. was like a son to me. I am Jack's Godfather and I know Jack would have wanted his son to know about and respect the Mounties, their values and their moral code. I want this for Jack even though Nathan has moved so far away."
Bill took a deep breath. "So this is my thinking. Could you befriend Jack? Could I bring him to visit you once in a while? Would you make a point of stopping to talk to him when you see him around town? He needs a Mountie in his life."
Paul eyed Bill as he knew there were deep feelings there, hidden below that gruff exterior. Bill's love for his Godson was evident. "I would be glad to. How old is Jack?"
"He's four years old. Same as your brother, right?"
Once the arrangements were made, Bill felt lighter and happier than he had in a long time!
As Nathan climbed into the Commissioner's automobile after walking Allie into school for her second day at St. Anne's, he commented. "I will take you up on your offer to go automobile shopping on Saturday, Peter. I do need a vehicle. What time would work for you?"
"Is nine o'clock too early on your day off?"
"I still haven't adjusted to not being a town Constable responsible for morning rounds!" Nathan laughed. "Nine will be fine. Thank you."
"I'm sure Carol can bake or do something special with Allie while we go."
"I'm hoping so. I was going to ask. In Hope Valley I had no problem leaving Allie at home or at her friend's house while I worked on the weekends. She would probably be fine, I'm just not comfortable here yet." Nathan was thoughtful. "Isn't that crazy? I should not have a problem leaving her anywhere at this point. She has so matured!"
"A father's protectiveness. Plus you have the Mountie values as well!" Peter laughed as they pulled into a parking spot in front of Headquarters. "It's a wonder you haven't smothered her, Nathan, but Allie's a right independent young lady!"
Due to the upcoming exercise, Nathan was the special guest teacher in Thursday morning's tracking course. Sergeant Adam Dunne, the regular instructor, had requested the cadet's rise as Nathan entered the room and was introduced. To Nathan's good morning and salute, the cadets responded with a salute and acknowledgement. "Sergeant Grant."
"At ease. You may be seated. Thank you." Nathan placed his forage cap on the desk, nodding to his fellow instructor, and stood feet apart and hands clasped behind his back. "In preparation for a special exercise tomorrow morning, I want to learn about your understanding of why you need to develop tracking skills." He moved to the chalkboard, reached for a piece of chalk and wrote 'Value of Tracking' on the board. He turned back to the class and asked them to share their opinions. "You, Sir." He pointed to an eager young man in the front row.
"To apprehend a criminal on the run."
"True." Nathan wrote 'Apprehend criminal.' "Another?" He overlooked the eager student who had previously answered and looked to the back of the room. He caught the eye of a seemingly hesitant cadet. Motioning with his hand, Nathan said. "And you, Sir?" He glanced down at the seating chart on the podium. "Cadet Matthews?"
"To find the lost." The man offered quietly.
Nathan kindly said. "Please speak louder, Cadet? What kind of lost person would need us to use tracking?" Nathan nodded imperceptibly to the other instructor who jotted down the cadet's name. Nathan decided on the spot that he would be one of the team leaders.
Unaware, Cadet Matthews continued. "A lost child." The Cadet's face reddened and Nathan took note. There was a story there. "A citizen whose horse got spooked and they got lost searching for him? Also, searching for the horse!"
"All excellent reasons. Thank you, Cadet Matthews. Anyone else have more to add?" Nathan observed. "Yes, Cadet White?"
"A fellow Mountie who is injured and missing? Someone who has been kidnapped?"
After a few additional answers, Nathan summarized the contents of the blackboard, then explained tomorrow's exercise. "You will be divided into four teams of eight each. In the morning we will announce the team leaders and expect you to work as a team. Throughout the exercise I want you to keep in mind the people you see written on this board. One of these people will need to be found in the morning." Nathan paused, motioning them back to the board.
"Tracking is one of the most important skills you must develop. I tracked someone or some livestock almost once a week as a small town Constable. Remember this. Tracking, whether done effectively or not, is a matter of life or death. You don't want to get it wrong." Nathan erased the blackboard as he let that sink in. Turning he spoke again. "The chase? The mystery? The thrill? The adrenaline? The challenge? All that pales when you remember you are saving someone's life."
"Now, let's think about what could hinder a tracking assignment?" Again, Nathan wrote down the answers on the board. When no other hands were raised, he made suggestions. "You said time of day, but what about weather conditions? Season? How long you have been tracking? In other words your tiredness affects your abilities. Hunger? Yes, Sir? Cadet Miller?"
"Terrain?" The cadet offered.
"Absolutely. And terrain can change throughout the expedition!" Nathan noticed a familiar hand raised. "Cadet Wolf?"
"Yes, Sir. If you are healthy or not. I mean if you are in pain because of a sprain or cut. That affects your judgement, right?"
"It does indeed, Cadet Wolf. So your ability to administer first aid to others is important. But you may have to deal with your own injury as well." Nathan nodded at Robert Wolf, remembering his tendency to pale at the sight of blood. Nathan stifled a smile knowing Robert would learn.
The class continued until Nathan's concluding comments. "For tomorrow, you will be on foot. I recommend you bring a canteen filled with water. The exercise will be approximately two hours long. One hour to find the person in need, and the other hour to return. We will reconvene in this classroom for the third hour to discuss our findings. Any questions?"
Constable Paul Martin looked up as he heard the knock. He quickly stood as Bill walked in with a little towheaded boy in his arms. The boy perked up straight and stared at Paul with his piercing blue eyes.
"Jack, I want you to meet the Mountie that replaced Mountie Nathan when he moved away."
Jack turned to Bill and stared at him.
"This is Mountie Paul. Can you say hello and shake his hand?"
Jack turned back to the man in uniform and stared down at his extended hand. He looked back up searching Paul's face. "Mountie?" Jack was having trouble comprehending even though his Uncle Bill had prepared him on the way over. He looked down at his toy Mountie and lifted it up, saying, "Mountie Nat'n, Daddy, Mountie you?"
A big smile broke out on Paul's face as well as Bill's. "Well, I am a Mountie like your Daddy was and like Mountie Nathan too! My name is Mountie Paul. Can you say Paul?"
Jack said, "Paul" and with that he reached his arms out to Paul. Mountie Paul became Jack's friend with that simple action of acceptance.
Paul held the little boy and examined his toy, beginning to discuss the uniform and to point from the toy Mountie's hat to his own Stetson on the peg by the door. "Do you want to try on my hat, Jack?"
Thrilled, Jack nodded yes and laughed when he was engulfed in the large Stetson. He lifted it with one hand and played peek-a-boo, giggling joyfully as he did so.
Bill could have giggled joyfully if he had let his inner joy escape. Paul was the right man for Hope Valley and Jack would have someone to model a Mountie to him in his father's and Nathan's absence.
Paul took Jack to the mirror and let him see himself a couple times, then offered to let him sit in his desk chair. "Now just today for my chair, Jack. This is where I work, so I can't promise you can always sit there."
Jack reached out to pull the wheeled chair closer to the desk and pointed to a drawer. He looked up at Paul. "Candy, please?"
"Candy? We have to go to the Mercantile for candy, Jack." Bill spoke up as Paul opened the drawer and showed Jack there wasn't any candy there.
"No! Candy. Mountie Nathan has candy just for me. In there." He pointed back at the drawer.
Paul and Bill laughed. "I guess this is not Jack's first time visiting the office! Sounds like Nathan kept a stash of sweets!"
At that moment, Laura Campbell knocked on the door and entered.
"Oh…" Paul stammered surprised. "Hello!"
"Hello, Laura." Bill would have missed Paul's response except that Laura blushed. Bill looked from one to the other and wondered to himself. 'How long this had been going on?'
Paul recovered quickly although his face pinked. "Hello. I'm Constable Paul Mitchell. Ahhh… How may I help you?" He held out his hand.
"Oh, Laura, meet Constable Martin. Paul? Please meet Miss Laura Campbell, Jack's nanny!" 'Hmmmm. Bill thought. Interesting!' Aloud he spoke to Laura. "We've had a successful meeting so I'm sure we can bring Jack to visit again in the future." He turned to Paul. "Right, Paul?" Billed coughed. "Paul?"
"Ahhh… Yes, of course. Jack can visit whenever he is in town." He broke away from Laura's sweet face and turned to Jack who was prancing his Mountie toy across the desk. "Would you like to visit again, Jack?"
"Ummm hmmm." Jack looked up at Paul, imploring. "Will you get candy?"
That comment brought Laura back to the moment. "Candy, Sir?" She addressed the Mountie.
"Please call me Paul? 'Sir' is for my superiors." He watched as Laura nodded.
Bill interjected with the explanation of the candy drawer and as the three adults laughed the awkwardness dissipated.
"I think I have a stop to make at the Mercantile! Lovely to meet you Miss Campbell." Paul grinned as he turned to Jack raising his hand. "Jack, can you salute?"
Jack nodded his head and as he raised his right hand to the top of his head, he explained, "Mountie Nat'n show'ded me."
A Union City furniture store truck arrived in Hope Valley on Thursday morning and parked in front of the Grant's former row house. Furniture pieces were unloaded, along with crates of household items. William Thatcher had arranged for the row house to be cleaned and settled by Mrs. Margaret Swift, a widow who Bill Avery had recommended. Mrs. Swift needed the income and gladly accepted the position. Although Rosemary had promised to arrange for the row house to be cleaned after the Grant's departed, she was relieved to hear that someone would take care of it since she had her hands full caring for Jack and work on the newspaper.
William's assistant had arranged for an account at the Mercantile, so Mrs. Swift hung curtains and collected linens and basic food items that had been ordered and stocked. No paintings adorned the walls, but the rest of the home was sparkling and livable, awaiting the Thatcher's arrival on Saturday.
Allie had settled-in to her classes. She and Sally were very happy to have a similar schedule, so they walked to classes together. Allie did remember her father's admonition to avoid cliques and to find the shy, hesitant girl and include her in Allie's groups of friends. Allie already had seen someone that she and Sally needed to befriend.
"Hi! I'm Allie and this is Sally. What's your name?" The girl had been seated alone at the lunch table and looked up startled at Allie's question.
She stammered slightly, "I'm Katie."
"Hi Katie. May we sit down with you?" Allie asked as she started to pull out a chair.
"Ah, sure." Katie was more quiet than usual when surprised.
"Thank you." Sally offered. "You are new here too? Allie just came yesterday."
"I did!" Allie nodded as she unpacked her sandwich. "Compared to the one-room schoolhouse where I come from, this place is enormous! Can you find your way around?"
The girls began to chat, learning that Sally had been at St. Anne's the previous year, but both Allie and Katie were new. Katie's mother had died and she was in Regina living with her grandparents so Allie felt an immediate connection as they shared a similar loss. Their lunch period didn't last long enough to finish their conversations, but it lasted long enough for the three girls to know they were now friends.
Nathan was gaining friends himself as he accepted the invitation to share a table in the cafeteria's faculty mess.
"So I heard that you have a daughter you adopted, Grant?" Nathan responded with a shortened version of Allie's and his history. Knowing this story repetition would only last a few days or, at the most, a few weeks, Nathan shared honestly. Although caring little what his peers thought of him, for Allie's sake he wanted no mistake that she was his niece, born from Colleen's marriage.
"How old is this Allie?" Sergeant Andrew Walsh asked. "Fourteen and a freshman at St. Anne's Academy."
"My daughter is there as well, one class ahead of your Allie. It's a wonderful school, Grant. You chose well for her." Walsh assured Nathan.
"Thank you for that support. It looks like an excellent establishment so far!" Nathan chuckled.
"So are you married, Grant?" Another Sergeant inquired.
"Uh, no. Had hoped to be by now, but that wasn't to be." Nathan looked up from his meal. "Any of you married?" Nathan hoped to turn attention away from himself.
A couple colleagues responded that were married and were fathers as well. When a few of the Mounties exchanged glances, Nathan put up his guard. "Uh, Nathan? I want you to know you have a lot of support here in our midst. We know what happened at Fort Clay and what accusations you faced in the prisoner transport inquiry in Hope Valley. We were grateful when Hargreaves was called to account for his actions and that your service record was cleared."
"Wow!" Nathan leaned back in his seat. "Word gets around. I am surprised any of you know!" Nathan responded with raised eyebrows.
"Some of us were at Fort Clay and Fort Simpson and we sent letters of support for your actions in the undeserved reprimand as well as in exposing Hargreaves at the time of Constable Thornton's death. Thank you for your willingness to take a stand, Sergeant."
Nathan's eyebrows were raised and his eyes wide. This was news to him. "You wrote letters to whom?"
"The Commissioner. The Fort Commander. The Superintendent… Whoever we thought could make a difference."
"Thank you, Sirs. I know it was a risk for you to put your names on paper like that, but thank you. This is news to me." Nathan shook his head as he tried to comprehend. "Beyond what I could have imagined!"
"We were not alone, Sergeant. There were many, many others." Sergeant Dunne interjected. "Our risk was less than yours and we were only living out our motto, 'Maintiens le Droit.' It is the pledge we made to uphold the right, Grant, and you were right."
"I am humbled." He put his fist over his heart. "Thank you. I thought I was alone." Nathan spoke quietly.
"You were not alone then and you are not alone now. Welcome to Depot, Sergeant."
