Chapter Twenty-three
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Interesting Interviews
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Before leaving the Cottage on Monday morning, Nathan left a note for Carol and the telephone installer describing his preferred location. He was looking forward to having a telephone in the house. Calling home, calling his mother and father, all would be easier with a house telephone. Carol had offered to open the Cottage and remain while the installer was working. She did not tell Nathan that she had an ulterior motive and planned to cook dinner for the Grants while she waited! It would be a surprise…
After another follow-up class to discuss results of the tracking exercise, Nathan returned to his desk. Three personal letters lay in his in-box and he was grateful one was from his mother to him and one from Opal to Allie. The third envelope was a formal invation which Nathan quickly opened. 'Ah ha, The Faculty Tea at St. Anne's!'
Pocketing the mail, he quickly straightened his collar and checked his hair in the reflection of a mirror hidden behind the office door. Someone had had the foresight to make sure the office's occupants looked properly dressed and coiffed before leaving the office. Nathan was unaware that a similar mirror resided behind most of the office doors since the faculty were to always set an exceptional example! Tuning his mind to the report of Friday's exercise that he expected to give the Commanding Officer, Nathan headed out to his appointment with Chief Superintendent Timothy Stewart.
Upon entering the inner office, Nathan and Chief Stewart exchanged smart salutes, and the Chief stated. "At ease, Grant. Please have a seat. May I offer a cup of coffee?"
Taking the chair in front of the desk, Nathan sat, straight with shoulders squared. "No thank you, sir. I've had two already this morning. But please feel free yourself."
"Thank you, I will." Pouring himself a cup, Chief Stewart proceeded. "I understand the tracking exercise was a success. Is that your assessment as well?"
"I don't know from whom you heard that report, Sir, but I do believe it was helpful. We identified a couple men we intend to mentor and, in spite of their lack of confidence, we saw potential, wisdom and a teachable spirit. We observed a couple of overly confident cadets who were humbled and the teams learned to use each other's skills and not depend on only one person. Overall a good start and helpful, I believe. Thank you, Sir, for allowing me to give it a try."
"You're welcome. Any other ideas up your sleeve right now?" He took a sip of coffee and observed Nathan over the steaming cup.
"Some ideas percolating, Sir, but not ready to see the light of day." Nathan chuckled.
"Well, you let me know, okay?" Chief Stewart leaned forward, arms on his desk and hands wrapped around his coffee cup. "We didn't finish the conversation we began last week. You mentioned declining the Union City promotion for your daughter, but what changed now? Regina is much further away from Hope Valley."
Surprised the Chief remembered, Nathan swallowed hard as he tried to ascertain the best answer to give. "Sir? Circumstances changed. My daughter found herself distanced from her friends knowing information that we shared. She was ready to leave the sorrow behind and informed me earlier in the summer that if a promotion was offered again, she wanted me to accept it. I feel this instructor position is Providential."
"Care to elaborate on the circumstances that changed, Grant?"
"Nothing to do with my job, Sir. It was personal."
"Personal for you?"
Nathan cleared his throat, obviously uncomfortable with this line of questioning. "Yes, Sir."
"One final question on the subject for now?" The Chief continued. "A matter of the heart?"
The blush rising up Nathan's neck answered before he could speak. "In part, Sir."
"Okay, I will cease that line of questioning, but thank you for your honesty." He moved to tap his hand on a thick folder on his desk. "You come highly recommended by Peter Collins, Grant. Are you aware your reputation has preceded you?"
"Are you referring to Fort Clay?"
"Yes, that, but also you gladly accepted the posting to Hope Valley in order to serve and protect Constable Jack Thornton's widow and young son, correct?"
Nathan allowed a small sigh to escape. "Sir? With due respect I find it difficult to understand how that information circulates and why there is such interest?"
"Oh? As to how I know the information? Commissioner Collins informed me upon his return from Hope Valley at the time of the Inquiry. He holds you in high regard."
"As to why? Constable Jack Thornton's reputation is well-known, in part because of his untimely death and in part because of his father's service and death when his son was a boy."
"The reasons for your reputation are multifaceted, Grant. You were in the officer training tract, but withdrew to take on the care of your niece. Unheard of, yet greatly admired. At great personal cost, you took the risk of standing up to your superior in defense of Jack Thornton when he was falsely accused of insubordination and jeopardizing the safety of the trainees under his command. You, Grant, are an example of exactly what 'Maintiens le droit' stands for. Upholding the right. And then you courageously took on the difficult assignment of following Thornton, a man who was beloved by his town. But it is more than those events, Grant. You have proved your integrity, and honesty, attention to detail and accuracy, wisdom in investigating and apprehending criminals, in addition to the two skills we recruited you to instruct here at Depot. I sense I have embarrassed you, but you need to understand that your character qualities are what has formed your reputation, Grant. Have I answered your questions?"
"I am embarrassed to have asked, Sir, but, yes you have answered. Thank you."
"Do not be embarrassed that you have acted rightly, Grant. A good reputation is of great value." Chief Stewart removed a page from the file that he had previously tapped. "Your innovative idea prompted me to consider other places where we need fresh eyes and creative thinking. Some changes can be initiated under your watch to confirm viability… I am getting ahead of myself!"
"I have a request for you. Here at Depot we are in dire need of updating our training manuals, and some of the course syllabuses are also under review. That is too much to take on immediately, but would you consider tackling the manuals for the two courses you are supervising? Tracking skills and Horsemanship? If we could update those manuals I would be a happy man! The Mountie method to make improvements is by committee and I regret that many of the courses have been and still are under discussion. But once out of committee and submitted to me, I would appreciate your input. In other words, corrections, additions, suggestions… all of the above. What are your thoughts?"
"If you wish to assign them to me, I will not decline, Sir."
"Grant? I may be the Commanding Officer here at Depot, but in many ways we are colleagues working together towards a common goal. I am making a request because I believe you are the man for the job. Would you accept the challenge?"
"With pleasure, Sir."
"And that was the answer I was hoping for. I am already grateful you are here! I know Peter has told me you both are on a first name basis outside of official situations? Nathan, would you allow me the same privilege? To call you Nathan and have you call me Tim, in private?"
Nathan was taken aback. "Ahh. As you wish, Sir… I mean Tim? It may take me some time to get used to that!"
Chief Superintendent Tim Stewart leaned back in his chair, laughing. "Okay. You work on that, Nathan! I will have the manuals delivered to your office this afternoon. Do not be concerned by the size of the stack. I am sending a few of the old manuals, although I doubt you will need them. There is no deadline as you must fit them in around your other responsibilities. Just knowing they are in process is enough for me right now." Tim pushed his chair back. "Is there anything else, Nathan?"
"I don't think so. I have plenty to digest right now!"
"Right. Well, my door is open to you. Just tell my Secretary I asked to see you and she will fit you in!" Tim stood and circled the desk, extending his hand. "Welcome to Depot, Nathan!"
Shaking the Chief Superintendent's hand, Nathan replied. "Thank you, Sss… Tim. Thank you for everything!"
Exiting the office, Nathan wished the secretary a good afternoon, to which she replied, "And you, Sir. Thank you."
Back in his office, Nathan fell heavily into his desk chair and spun to look out the window. 'What just happened?'
A dreary autumn day awakened the residents of Hope Valley. It was overcast, but mild after a soaking overnight rain. The leaves were falling in earnest and the paths were soggy with shades of rust and gold, and orange and red. Beautiful to look at but the sloshy walkways meant the strong possibility of cold, wet feet.
Bill Avery slogged down the street on his way for a coffee-pick-me-up before meeting Elizabeth at the Infirmary. Today was a big day. Elizabeth would move home in the afternoon. Plus the butler and psychiatrist would arrive and Faith, Joseph and Bill planned to be there at their first meeting. David, William Thatcher's assistant, had informed them that the guests should arrive in the late morning.
Knocking on the door of the Infirmary, William Thatcher had peeked in to say "Good morning" and assure Elizabeth that he would see her for lunch prior to her move. He expected her mother to be along shortly, but he had a meeting this morning.
Lee dropped him off outside the Saloon door to avoid the drizzle and mud, and William took a deep breath. Opening the door, the odor of liquor and stale beer assaulted him upon entering and he almost held his breath. Yet knowing he was on a mission, he just held his hand over his mouth as he got used to the noxious odors.
William approached the bar and spoke with a man in a white outfit, figuring he was a cook and would know the establishment. "Excuse me, Sir. Please tell me where I can find a Mr. Lucas Bouchard?"
Nonchalantly waving his hand, and in a heavy French accent, the man replied. "If not in his office, use the back stairway to Room deux." He held up two fingers then returned to his recipe book.
"Thank you, Sir. The name is William Thatcher, and you are?"
"Gustav."
"Ummm hmmm," was all William could respond. 'Not impressed with the employees that's for certain.' He followed the motion of the cook's hand and found the office. When there was no answer to his knock, William turned and marched up the stairs. Before knocking at Room Two, William stood, quietly listening. He heard mumbling and "Oaff…" then a heavy crate being dropped. A stream of uncouth language followed. William chose to knock at that time.
"Wait a minute. Hold on…" The door opened to a full-bearded man, untrimmed, dark hair disheveled and dressed in slacks, a Henley and loose suspenders. But it was the arrogant look in his dark eyes that struck William the most in this first impression. With an annoyed tone, Lucas asked. "What?" Surprised to see a very well-dressed businessman at his door, Lucas adjusted his voice and demeanor. "Good morning. How may I help you? Are you lost?"
William waited before answering. "Good morning Mr. Bouchard. I am not the one who is lost. May I come in?"
Lucas moved quickly to step into the hallway, but William's foot was holding the door from closing as he was one-step-ahead of this man and would take no nonsense.
"As I said, may I come in? We need to talk."
Intimidated, but getting angrier by the moment at this interruption by a stranger, Lucas stepped aside as William strode into the messy room. "Pardon the appearance, but I am in the middle of a project and just dropped a carton of books and papers. Here," Lucas swept a stack of papers onto the floor so that William could sit down. Lucas sat on top of a paper-stack in the other chair. "You seem to know my name which puts me at a disadvantage. I don't take well to disadvantages. Who might you be?"
William adjusted himself in the chair and raised one eyebrow as he explained. "William Thatcher of Thatcher Shipping and Transport. Are you familiar with the company?"
"Oh, I'm afraid not. I don't pay much attention to the shipper of goods, but more to the contents thereof."
"Uhh huh. Well might my connection with Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton be more familiar to you?" William eyed the younger man and saw the flash of fear cross his dark eyes and the shift in his seat.
"Ahh. Yes, I am familiar with Elizabeth. You are related"
'How dense can this man be…' William thought. Aloud he explained, "I am Mrs. Thornton's father." Letting that sink in, William could read Lucas Bouchard like a book. As an astute businessman, William knew this type and could clock the moment the man turned on the schmoozing charm.
"Of course! Of course. Pardon me for not realizing right away. I do see some resemblance now. Yes, Elizabeth…" He said pointedly, "Is a wonderful woman. You should be very proud. Beautiful too, I might add and very…"
William put up his hand and interrupted. "Excuse me but my time and yours is more valuable than your current direction of conversation. I am here for a purpose." William gave his most intimidating stare, knowing its power. "Since you did not approach me to ask for my daughter's hand in marriage, I am here to talk with you. What are your intentions towards Elizabeth?" William chose to use her given name to soften the man's defenses. He waited.
Lucas shifted uncomfortably, knowing he was in the wrong according to society's expectations and he figured those rules were important to the businessman before him. "Well, yes. I am sorry if I disappointed you, but I figured this being Elizabeth's second marriage, it wasn't necessary…"
"It is never necessary, Mr. Bouchard, but it is a loving courtesy afforded the bride-to-be and her family. Nevertheless, that is not my concern. As I said, what…" He paused for emphasis, "…are your intentions towards my daughter?"
Lucas squirmed this time. Should he admit they were no longer engaged? Did he have to admit that it was Elizabeth that broke it off? If her father already knew, why was he here? 'If only we met when I could impress him…in my expensive suit… in my old office…' Aloud he offered, "Why don't we return downstairs so that I can offer you a cup of coffee or tea or…"
"No, thank you. Just answer my question, Bouchard." William was finding this man more distasteful by the moment and in his frustration, dropped the polite title.
Lucas hemmed then quietly responded, "I don't really have one. An intention I mean."
"Let me get this straight. You become engaged to my daughter and you cannot articulate your intentions? Marriage? To care for her forever? Do you love her? Do you love her son? What were your plans for your future family? How would you improve your business dealings to support your family? Once teachers marry it is common for them to leave the profession. You would be fully responsible for the welfare of both your wife and your step-son. Were you developing a good relationship with Jack while courting his mother? Were you planning to make Hope Valley your long-term home? Build a house? Settle?"
William waved at the cartons stacked against the wall and the packing-in-progress around the room. "Clearly you intend to leave town. Did you discuss this with Elizabeth or did you just tell her this was how it was going to be? Or, maybe you are just running and have no intention of telling her at all? When were you planning on meeting our family? Where and when were you planning to marry?" William sighed. "These. These are the discussions a man should have with his intended and her family."
William took a deep breath before continuing. "I have had you investigated, Mr. Bouchard, and I know your history of under-the-table business dealings from which you cut-and-run. If you know what is good for you, you better be certain you don't cheat anyone in Hope Valley when you depart and that includes my daughter. We will find any business dealings you have had with her."
Lucas was visibly shrinking into himself under the assessment of William Thatcher. With downcast eyes and almost under his breath he admitted. "We are no longer engaged."
"I am aware of that and very thankful to God. Mr. Bouchard, since you are not giving me answers to the questions I have asked, I am going to assume the unspoken intention was to get your hands on Elizabeth's money." William stared hard and saw the younger man flinch. "Let me inform you, it never would have happened. Written into her accounts are the specific stipulations that all funds remain in her name and hers alone, no matter her marital status. In the event of her demise, funds go directly to Jack and any other children, managed by my accountant. You would not have seen one Canadian cent!"
Pausing, William watched Lucas's shoulders slump. "And another thing? That book 'deal' you worked out for Elizabeth that names you as one of the receivers of royalties? That contract is highly suspect and my legal team in currently renegotiating that deal so that all profits go to Elizabeth and, again, to her children. Furthermore, Mr. Bouchard, an order of protection has been penned, stating you are not allowed to contact or get near my daughter or any of my grandchildren for the rest of your life. My legal team will be serving the papers shortly. The order is on file in the Hope Valley RCMP office and at the RCMP Headquarters in Regina. If Elizabeth relocates at any time, the order will follow her to wherever she settles."
Lucas let a snicker escape at the mention of the RCMP and William heard it.
Leaning forward, William spoke firmly. "If that snicker was for law enforcement, Mr. Bouchard, it would behoove you to reconsider your respect for the law and the Mounted Police throughout Canada. It is my understanding that you have personally benefitted from the courage and service of Constable, now Staff Sergeant Major, Nathan Grant, on more than one occasion. He deserves your gratitude and respect."
Lucas rolled his eyes at the mention of Nathan, although his current rank was news to him. "That man? Nathan is…"
William stopped him immediately. "The man you so callously and dismissively mention is honorable, a man of integrity and a brilliant Mountie, Mr. Bouchard. And that is just his reputation, since I haven't met him yet. I recommend you stay out of his crosshairs as you are hereby warned. You are being watched by private investigators, not the RCMP, and an order of protection has been written for Sergeant Grant and his daughter, his parents and for any future children as well." William Thatcher stood, and although much shorter of stature than Lucas, his commanding presence made up for the height difference.
"One final thing. I suggest you read Nathan's two books. You'll find them in the Library, and since I have replacement copies on order, you may take the Library copies with you when you depart. Read them and begin some conversations with God, Mr. Bouchard." William moved towards the door. "Goodbye."
Lucas stood, but avoided eye contact and never said goodbye.
