Chapter 62: The Syndicate Arrives

The corresponding conversations going on inside the Mountie Office between both Gabe and Lucas, and Bill and Matt, coupled with several scattered phone calls in between, left Nathan feeling the need for a moment of solitude.

He just needed a quiet moment alone to think before all the action hit.

He did that best in the fresh air, anyway.

So, silently smiling to himself as he poured a hot mug of Millicent's steaming black coffee, prepared just the way he liked it, he quietly slipped outside into the cold and onto the Boardwalk, without his Colleagues even noticing.

Something was bothering him.

Although, he wasn't quite sure what that 'something' was.

As he sat down on one of the battered old creaky rockers in front of his Office, well, in a bittersweet moment what used to be his Office, he allowed himself the luxury to quickly think of Millicent and their love, while sipping the hot brew she had made and insisted he bring.

He could feel her warmth surround him as much as if she were physically beside him, and for the first time ever, while contemplating a mission, Nathan knew he was truly no longer alone and would never be alone again, not in anything he would do.

For she was with him, even when they were apart.

The thought was so powerful, it sent a marvelous surge of wondrous joy throughout his body.

What an extraordinary feeling to love a person and be loved by a person so completely, so intentionally, and so intensely! The very thought enveloped his entire being, filling him with such deep contentment and peace, that his lop-sided grin remained plastered on his face. All else paled in comparison, causing him to still marvel that they had finally acted on their long-instilled feelings and acknowledged this wonderment they had together.

Yet, he had no doubt that the miraculous grounded feeling of warmth and all good things wrought of their love, including empowerment over a previously unknown future, would stay with him always, never to waver.

This extraordinary woman was simply inside him and all around him.

She was truly a part of him.

The most important part of him.

Yes, he had a new title, although it was one he was still reticent to use. And yes, the title was a more important one than he had ever dreamed of having, but being the Chief Inspector, which was indeed a great honor to him, had done nothing to sway his innate humility, making him love the job the title incurred, but not so much the title itself. It felt too grand, and obviously, it was going to take an adjustment period for him to truly get used to it. He had been called Constable since his first assignment after leaving the Mountie Academy and that was the title he was most comfortable with, as over the years it had grown to be a part of him, his identity even.

Indeed, this new title, as grand as it was, was literally nothing at all compared to the coveted title he would soon bear, that of being Millicent's husband.

He had anxiously been counting the days since his Proposal and their subsequent Engagement to their Wedding Day.

To have a mate so perfectly connected to him on so many levels, was a most remarkable gift straight from God. It was as though they had been made for each other, as a part of God's master plan. And deep inside his heart, Nathan had no doubt that was exactly the case.

Millicent was a most precious gift, one he would never, ever take for granted.

They knew each other so well, they could read the other without ever saying a word.

Their souls were laid bare to each other, without anything being held back, all without any effort at all.

Their openness with each other just was.

Communicatively, congenially, emotionally, historically, intellectually, professionally, spiritually, and even intimately and physically, they connected perfectly, although there was still the consummate, most intimate physical bonds of their coming marriage that were left to be explored.

Even with that, there were no qualms, there was no nervousness, just heady anticipation, knowing that phase was a natural progression of expression as they already belonged with and to each other completely, both in their hearts and in their souls.

She had been his life-long best friend along with Colleen, but it was Millicent who was also his soulmate, the love of his life.

She understood him like no other person ever had, even as much as his own twin.

She saw all of him, yet accepted and loved him exactly as he was.

She made him a better man, lifting him up with the tiniest of smiles, and with the tenderest of touches, she simply made him whole. Her lilting laugh transported him. And her rich voice entranced him.

Her beauty stunned him, even overwhelmed him at times, and her intelligence left him in utter awe.

But it was her unfailing kindness for humanity, her love for life and especially complete strangers in need, always putting herself last, that both humbled and mystified him.

By some unknown miracle, this magnificent woman loved him voraciously, with the entirety of her being.

Nothing and no one began to possibly compare with her.

Nor ever would.

She was his everything.

He was hopelessly drowning in her love, in the most literal of ways, and the entire magnificent process was the most magical, even most providential event of his life.

In fact, he was feeling complete for the first time as a grown man, a fully defined and fulfilled man, who had finally found true joy, giving him a clearly enunciated focus and purpose to his life.

Their journey together, no matter whatever lay before them, would be filled with and grounded by this, their extraordinary love.

Of that he was certain.

But right now, to get back to her physically, which his body longed to do, at this particular moment, he had to refocus on the pressing matters at hand.

So as he quickly switched his train of thought, he calmly revisited each of the key points of what he already knew.

He did so methodically, reviewing them in minuscule detail, one by one.

They were firmly emblazoned on his mind as though they had been written there in indelible ink, by his own hand.

There were no red flags really, nothing at all that should set off any alarms.

All of his Colleagues felt prepared and ready for their visitors.

Even the Commissioner agreed they were ready.

Every known contingency was mapped out explicitly.

Besides help was on the way in the form of six additional experienced Mounties!

Yet, in his mind, something was still off.

That nagging feeling in his gut, that simply wouldn't go away.

The one that kept saying 'you're missing something…'

Some would ignore it, but that subliminal voice had served him well over the years, and he had, out of both necessity and survival, learned to listen and trust it implicitly.

He was sure of its importance.

Something was indeed still off. Something that they had missed or just hadn't deemed necessary to have considered. Or perhaps something that was so left field, no one would have caught it on the first look through, or even the second or the third.

But what was it?

Outside of his concern for Antoinette, which was very real, despite Bill's and Lucas's feelings otherwise, this takeover just seemed too easy, and in Nathan's experience no encounter with criminals of any sort, especially those of this seasoned caliber with limitless resources, ever ended up being 'too easy.'

That simply never happened.

To counter this level of criminal acuity, a heightened meeting of the minds was demanded.

This was good versus evil at the highest intellectual level, with unlimited resources.

These Syndicate Members were thought to be pillars of the community, refined, respected, and exceptionally well educated.

No, they were not your typical criminals, at all.

Instead, they were overtly cautious, playing out their moves as slowly and surreptitiously as a refined, very structured 3D-Chess game between two reigning World Chess Champions, encumbered by a myriad set of rules, that had to be meticulously adhered to, or forfeiture followed.

This was not the match of a singular criminal with unfettered, sloppy greed, who took uncalculated risks and made somewhat predictable mistakes.

This, instead, was a match of a calculated, highly-intelligent woman and her huge group of bright, some even brilliant men. And yes, although of unlimited greed, it was managed brilliantly, as they thought at a much different, more complicated, elevated, and involved level, operating within the confines of Madame Deschenes' many, many controls, restrictions, and safeguards. All of which, indeed, buffered and provided a cloak of safety, but demanded blind adherence in return.

Failure was at the expense of their own lives.

Yes, in one way this Mastermind, who happened to be a 'Crime Lady' instead of the usual ascribed 'Crime Lord,' was protecting her charges as well as her heinous operation, but in reality, she was protecting herself even more.

This was why the entire Syndicate, had not only survived but grown voluminously, working stealthily under the radar throughout the entire country for so very long, until it had grown into this massive network of endless crime, that ranged from the bootlegging of liquor, to art heists of the world's most expensive art, to stolen diamonds sold on the black market, to drugs way beyond the commonly used tonics of the time including massive quantities of cocaine and opium, to money laundering and much, much more.

This was a massive, massive national and international operation, that had been so successful in its clandestine crime, that it had just kept expanding fearlessly, growing larger, as well as evil and more dangerous, on a daily basis.

Theirs was a most evolved multi-million dollar business on the higher end of millions if not encroaching billions, and their endeavors were treated most reverently as thus.

That they had involved Lucas Bouchard had been a grave and perilous mistake on their part, for they had never counted on a lowly Constable from a nowhere town on putting together what would eventually bring them down.

As Nathan's eyes adjusted to the darkness, and he looked up and down the street, he reviewed in his mind every single detail he could remember about the area behind the Saloon and more specifically Lucas's Office, both inside and outside of it.

In his mind, he went over every possible entry and exit to the Saloon, every conceivable traffic flow through it and from it, including, not only doors but windows, as well.

Suddenly it was crystal clear.

He knew.

If Lucas accompanied his partners in crime outside to where the wooden crates were located, as they had assumed all along would be the case, there shouldn't be a problem, not even if Antoinette did happen to be with them, because everything would happen within their sight. And even though it would be happening in the dark, they would still be able to see.

The Mounties would be able to quickly intervene at a second's notice.

Because in all likelihood, if the Syndicate members involved Antoinette at all, they would bring her outside, too, to use as collateral against Lucas.

In this scenario, the Mounties and their Assistants would be able to see every minute detail that was going on, and therefore easily be able to protect both Lucas and his Sister, if need be.

That's what Nathan and his Colleagues were counting on, which gave them a huge advantage.

But what if the Associates didn't allow Lucas to accompany them outside to review the goods inside the crates?

That was a real possibility, one that hadn't even been considered up until now.

It was a possibility that could leave Lucas in danger, too, with or without Antoinette.

That would mean Lucas, and possibly Antoinette or even his Father could be held captive inside Lucas's Office, without the Mounties having access to them or even knowing they were being held if they stationed everyone outside as they had been planning to do.

It would also mean, depending on how many of them were coming, that at least one unknown Associate could remain hidden inside, with possibly disastrous consequences, even with all the others outside.

In fact, they could hold Lucas's Family inside, even if they did allow Lucas to accompany them outside, especially if there were more Associates coming than they were expecting.

Yes, the extra Associate or Associates could simply remain inside unseen, given their current plan.

But according to their Union City contacts, they pretty much knew the number of Syndicate Associates who were coming would be either three, or at the most four in number.

Or did they?

So much depended on what the actual number of Associates was, as that was a most crucial piece to this takedown!

Three men had been verified without doubt as Syndicate Associates. But the Detectives in Union City were fairly certain there was another Associate in their Hotel Suite, due to switchboard activity occurring while the three known Associates were out dining at a French Restaurant in town, and another time when all three had met with some questionable Colleagues for a rather lengthy meeting at a local Mens' Club.

Everyone was assuming the other Associate in the Hotel Suite would be a single man, implying a total of four men coming.

But what if there was more than one Associate in that Hotel Room?

They wouldn't have even had to check-in at the Front Desk.

Having worked in Union City, Nathan knew both hotels there. They were very large, busy entities where people came and went all day, and even all night, long. People could come and go through the lobby without question, as long as they were accompanied by a known guest.

It was a common occurrence.

Based on all the work done and reviewed on this case from the very beginning by numerous surveillance teams, with the exception of the two Associates who had shot at Millicent and him that dreaded night, Nathan knew Madame Deschenes' men always, without fail, traveled in groups of three.

That had held true every single time, except the night he was shot.

But that night had been a different scenario, altogether an outlier, as Madame Deschenes had been traveling herself at that exact same time, and the Associates who had shot him, happened to be her neighbors, again, assumingly upstanding men of their community, but it had been verified that they were, in fact, longtime Associates working under her.

For some reason, they had also allowed Antoinette to accompany them without Madame Deschenes's knowledge, making a total of three people traveling together, their customary trio.

Had the Girl's presence unwittingly taken the place of another Associate, who had been tagged to come, but for some reason had to bow out?

Nathan ran his good hand through his hair.

Yes, deep inside, he knew that was exactly what had happened!

That was it, or at least part of it…

Why had Bill, Gabe, and he not thought of this?

There had to be two more Associates in Union City, beyond the maximal four they were expecting.

There simply had to be.

Madame Deschenes always traveled in the same manner, with three male Associates plus her four bodyguards that she always kept close by.

But the Associates when by themselves, at her insistence, always traveled in threes, as well.

Not once in all their very detailed surveillance, country-wide, had the Mounties seen anything differently.

Not in a single Provence across the country, and not in a single caper that was known.

Would Madame Deschenes have broken that ironclad rule and left one associate in a hotel room by himself to handle business?

No, she would not.

Not this Mastermind!

She was much too cunning, demanding, and meticulous.

Nathan had profiled and studied her enough to be sure of that. She paid attention to every single possible detail microscopically.

That was why it had been so difficult for others to even link her with the operation, at all!

Nathan was certain of one thing: her rules were there never to be broken.

That, it was clear, she simply didn't tolerate.

Her word was sacrosanct, and she was ruthless in seeing it was adhered to.

In a very simple manner.

Mess up, and you were eliminated by her goons, never to be seen or heard from again.

The Mounties knew of at least seven Associates who had disappeared in that exact same manner!

And the odds were, there were more.

Probably many more.

No, four Associates coming simply didn't add up.

She had never once not followed this rule in the Mounties' entire history of surveilling her and all her Syndicate Associates.

Not even in the records that occurred prior to this latest series of investigations, which allowed Nathan to clearly link the multiple locales of the ring, placing them altogether.

Prior to his shooting, Nathan, along with Commissioner Anderson's team, had reviewed and conferred about them all at length.

It was even this case that had been the main topic of conversation the day Nathan had received his promotion.

On Nathan's hunch prior to leaving for Montreal, the Commissioner had set everything into motion, leaving no lack of manpower to resolve this case of all cases.

Nathan had given direction throughout and had reviewed every single detail.

He knew that inside every hotel suite, at the very least, and at all times, according to the Mastermind's rules, there would be a lookout, a scanner to scramble wired lines, and another conducting their 'business' on the phone.

Given Madame Deschenes's history, she would have demanded that.

Which meant the Mounties tonight were looking at having to overtake six men, not the three or four they had assumed.

This changed everything.

He jumped up as quickly as his still-healing arm would allow, and bounded back inside the Mountie Office, ready to re-strategize, now for two very different possible scenarios they could very well encounter tonight.

Breathlessly, he called for their attention.

"Men! We have to regroup, and we have to do it now. There are two likely scenarios we haven't even considered, which have to be discussed and strategized immediately. Grab a seat around my desk, as our Reinforcements will be here any moment for direction and we're running out of time. Lucas, you sit, too…"

The mood at the Grant Rowhouse was one of feigned normalcy, with even attempted cheer.

But the undercurrent which ran heavily throughout was quite a different matter.

Nothing had changed about the home's appearance. Everything was exactly the same as far as furniture placement and décor. A fire burned brightly, as usual, its lively flames dancing exuberantly to distract and warm the room's inhabitants.

But the lighting was uncharacteristically dim, per Tom's insistence, as he didn't want to draw attention since the neighbors were already fast asleep with little to no lighting at all.

He was astute enough in matters of the Law to know that criminals would know a Mounty's name, and therefore could easily locate his home. And for that reason, alone, he wasn't about to make it easy for them. Not on his watch!

But beyond that singular difference, almost hidden by all the external facets that make up a home, that indefinable internal essence of what truly matters in making a house a home, the soul of the family, that had been shaken and turned upside down. In addition to the entire place being darker than usual at this hour, the air was cosmically charged, inundated with an anxiety and tension that somehow always accompanies great love, in this particular case for the Master of the House who was bravely facing known peril, placing each occupant on the highest of alerts.

Make no mistake, all three individuals had faith in Nathan Grant, the man they loved, knowing how very good he was at his job. And all three had a deep faith that God would protect him and return him to them safely. But at the same time, they knew this person they loved was marching straight into danger, some known but perhaps some unknown, which heightened their concern for him beyond the day to day, leaving them in a mire of limbo, wishing desperately his mission was already completed, bringing him safely home to be with them again.

Yes, they had much faith, but they were also human, and as much as they tried to turn over each and every single worry to God, their deep love and concern for Nathan, Fiance, Father, Boss, and Friend, was etched deeply on their faces.

In His great wisdom, God understood it wasn't a lack of faith being shown by his Children, but rather their human nature He himself had created.

From the varying emotional undercurrents being felt by Millicent, who was experiencing this particular zig-zag of crescendoing emotions for the first time first-hand, to Allie who had experienced this exact same wariness and even fear as long as she was old enough to understand (although, truthfully, even before she had become old enough to completely understand, she felt the seriousness and void of her 'Uncle Nathan' being gone on one of his many missions even when she was not much more than a toddler). Yes, even a very young perceptive child somehow intuitively understood good versus evil, the safety of her home along with the presence of her lifeline versus encroaching danger and the absence of that said lifeline.

And then to Tom, who was a professional in these matters, true, yet he too was also struggling somewhat to hide his concern. For him, it would have been much easier to have been with the Chief, helping him in every way possible, protecting him. But Nathan, taking him aside on their first meeting, had made it very clear that Tom, the most experienced of the Security Team and the one who in fact was in charge, was the one to be at Millicent's side, especially in times of trouble.

He was in charge in Nathan's absence, and he was to guard her with his life, just as Nathan would be doing if he were there.

So, keeping busy in the company of each other was the prescription for these three nervous and tentative souls on this particular cold, dark, and most troublesome night.

"Okay, Allie, I have no money whatsoever left. Does that mean I'm out?"

"Just for this game, Uncle Tom. We'll let you back in for the next one! But I've got an idea! After Momma and I finish this one, we can pair off for Backgammon. How does that sound?"

"That sounds positively wonderful, because, that's something I can actually beat you at!"

Allie giggled.

"I wouldn't be too sure of that, Tom, if I were you," warned Millicent. "She's a 'Backgammon Whiz!'"

"What? Are you the reigning champ of every game ever invented?"

"Well, I don't like to brag…but Dad and I do play a lot of games! I still can't beat him at Chess, but I'm getting better."

"Why didn't you say? I'm a Chess Master!"

"Really, Uncle Tom? Can you teach me? I would really love to beat Dad, just once! Please!"

"Hold on, there, Little Boss! Only if your Dad won't be mad at me!" laughed Tom.

"Well, maybe we better not tell him. Between you and me, Chess is the only game I've never won! It makes me so frustrated! He beats me every single time no matter how hard I try!"

"You will win one, by the time I get through with you! It will take lots of practice, though, Kiddo. Chess is not an easy game. But I can tell from tonight, you're a pretty good strategist, so we shouldn't have any problem getting you up to snuff!"

"Your poor Father! Between the two of you and your competitive spirits, he's not going to have a chance, now, is he?"

"Probably not, Miss!" laughed Tom.

"Hey, Uncle Tom, what are your credentials?"

"My what?"

"Your credentials. You know, how do I know you're really good at Chess? I mean I need a professional, here. Dad's really that good."

"A professional? Young Lady, I'll have you know, I hold the title of reigning Chess Champion of the entire 31st Regiment, 1st Battalion."

"Is that a lot of Soldiers?"

"Two hundred and twenty!"

"That's great, Sir, but how many played Chess?"

"Are you implying I was the only one? I'll have you know, there was at least one other in each Battalion!"

Allie burst into giggles, as Millicent silently watched this battle of wills, smiling, as her money had been on her Daughter all along.

"Uncle Tom, I hate to tell you this, but I don't think that really counts!"

"Have to agree, Tom. That's not exactly a rousing endorsement," teased Millicent.

"Well, then I'm crushed! Did I forget to tell you two I was also the President of the Chess Club at College?"

"Yes, Uncle Tom, you forgot. And as Dad says, that would have been pertinent information! Well, then, I suppose that means you can teach me. But wait, wasn't college a very long time ago?"

Millicent couldn't stop the proud giggle from escaping her mouth.

Allie was definitely her Father's Daughter in thought process, very analytical, and didn't miss a thing! She was just a whole lot more forthcoming, just like Colleen had been, in saying exactly what she thought, as opposed to her very meticulous and reserved Dad, who played his every card very close to his chest.

"At this rate, Young Lady, I am totally reconsidering my offer to teach you at all. At least I'll slow down my illustrious efforts so you won't be able to beat your Dad till YOU'RE in college!" teased Tom. "Yep, college graduation, at that!"

"Here, here! That might not be a bad idea! You're poor Father has to have something he can win at, Allie!" laughed Millicent. "You're going to scare him off from playing with you altogether!"

"Oh, I suppose you're right! Momma, is it alright if we take a break now?"

"Of course, it is, Sweetheart! I've got some needlepoint here that I can work on since I'm afraid I haven't been as calculating and hard-nosed in this game as I should have been!"

"Me too, Momma, it's sort of hard to concentrate when Dad is gone like this. Do you think the bad men have already gotten here?"

"I don't know, Allie. If not, I'm sure your Father's very busy preparing for them."

"Is that what you do, when you're getting ready for a case?"

"That's exactly what I do. Lots and lots of preparation. You see, your research is the hardest part because you have to be prepared for anything and everything when you go into Court to plead your case before the Judge. The truth is, if you aren't overly prepared, things seldom go well!"

"I miss Dad. He should be here with us. Do you know how many bad men are coming?"

"No, I honestly don't know. I promise I'd tell you if I did. But I'm sure your Father and his Colleagues are very busy right now getting ready to the best of their ability. He and his team have already spent an awful lot of time studying these men, so they know how best to handle overtaking them. And like I do, just before I actually walk into Court, your Father, Uncle Bill, Uncle Gabe, and Uncle Matt, are probably finalizing and mapping out every single detail of what could possibly occur, so they'll know exactly what to do, no matter what happens tonight!"

"It's like they are going into Court, too!"

"Yes, in a way, it is, Allie. Very much so."

At the end of that pronouncement, the shrill ringing of the phone lashed out into the room, causing all three to freeze for a second, till Millicent lunged for it with tension furrowing over her exquisite, unlined face.

"Grant Res…"

"Love, I just have a moment. Wanted you to know we have six additional Mounties here to help us, so we've got a crew of ten. Everything's going to be fine. I love you, Mil."

"I love you, too. But Nate, how many criminals are…"

She dropped the phone back to the table, automatically clipping in the earpiece, plastering on a forced smile before she turned to face Allie and Tom.

"It's good news," she breathed outwardly. "Six extra Mounties are here to help."

"How many are they expecting?" asked Tom.

"He didn't say…"

"It's more than they thought if that many Mounties are coming," suggested Allie, with a worried look on her face.

"Could be, but don't forget, Little Boss, this is a really important case for your Father, and for all of us, as it involves a huge criminal ring throughout Canada. It makes sense the Commissioner would send reinforcements. No cause for concern."

"You're right, Tom. I'm thankful they're here. I know this is really important. And I'm sure Commissioner Anderson has given them more than enough resources. We're just going to have to be patient, I suppose," smiled Millicent tentatively, although she inwardly felt she could jump out of her skin with concern.

"Yes, Miss, we are! Hey, since our tea is all gone, anyone up for Hot Cocoa?" asked Tom.

"That sounds so good! But I can make it Uncle Tom!"

"You made the tea! You sit right there and recuperate from that intense game of yours. I need the Chocolate as a reward for lasting as long as I did in this game I have yet to master! Don't worry! I can find my way around a kitchen!"

"Cocoa, Tom, is on the top shelf toward the right of the cupboard. Sugar is in the largest container on the counter, and milk, of course, is in the icebox! Thank you!" smiled Millicent, who wasn't sure she needed to be around a hot stove at all with her mind wandering so terribly.

"And the Marshmallows are in the Brown Jar under the counter, Uncle Tom!"

"Got it; why that's the most important part! I shall return with the best Mug of Hot Marshmallows…I mean Cocoa, you two Young Ladies have ever tasted!"

Allie laughed as Millicent mouthed another 'Thank you!'

She then sighed and reached for her needlepoint that had been left beside the settee earlier that morning.

As she started threading her yarn expertly through the mesh, Allie watched, and then as Millicent begin her intricate stitch, her Daughter became mesmerized by the repetitive actions, and the stunning spattering of woven colors being left in their wake.

"Your stitches are beautiful, Momma. I've never seen anyone do this before."

"Thank you, Sweetie. Would you like to try it?"

"May I? I mean I don't want to mess it up!"

"Of course, you may! Here, let me help you."

"But, really, what if I mess up?"

"Well, to be perfectly honest, you might. I know I sure did when I first started. But the point is to keep at it until it becomes easier. That is if it's something you like to do. Besides, pretty much anything can be fixed where Needlepoint is concerned! We'll simply tear it out and start over if we need to."

"Why do you do it, Momma?"

"I suppose it started because I just loved the look of the stitches, like you."

"But what made you want to learn to do it?"

"Well, you'll learn soon enough, that I also love to decorate and make things look pretty around the house. And for that reason, I've always loved the richness and versatility of needlepoint: as tapestries hanging on the wall, dotting a splash of color as rugs for the floor, even cushioning chairs in beautiful geometric patterns, and splashing colorful pops of art everywhere on big comfy cushions! I just think it makes every room look homey, lived-in, and comfortable. But most importantly, the stitches show that someone cares enough to go to the trouble of taking the time to make something beautiful. And to me, that shows love!"

"I never thought of it like that. Does my art show love?"

"It most certainly does! As did your Mother's! And you obviously enjoy doing it, just like she enjoyed her art and I enjoy doing this. You know, after I learned all the various stitches, and how to hold my canvas more effortlessly, I just found the whole thing to be so relaxing! Plus, I suppose I'm not one to just be sitting around without doing something. This gives my hands something to do. Here, you want to start by holding the canvas like this…"

She placed the canvas in Allie's lap and placed her hands in the proper hold position, along with her needle.

"I've got it, but wow! That's kind of scratchy!"

"Yes, it is. And this is a smaller canvas. But no matter the size, you have to be very careful to not snag your clothes. Especially if you're wearing a sweater like you are right now! Here, let's set that down for a bit, so I can show you how to thread the yarn through your own needle. I've got a spare one right here."

After several attempts, Allie successfully threaded her first needle, and Millicent began patiently teaching her the basics of Needlepoint stitchery, starting with having her actually make the simplest background stitch.

"This is called a Continental Half-Stitch, a hybrid of something we call Tent Stitches. It's the very first stitch I learned to make. We're starting up, right here, and angling down here toward the left diagonally. You've got it!"

"But what do I do now?"

"Bring it back up from behind the canvas to the top hole across from where you started. Good…now bring the needle all the way through, pull it down toward the left diagonally again, and then pull it through the hole right next to it. Bring it back up from behind to the next top hole across from this stitch, and repeat the whole thing over and over again till you fill the entire row!"

"But, it doesn't look like yours…"

"Just loosen the yarn. You have it a little tighter than what it needs to be."

Both Millicent and Allie became so occupied, intent on what they were doing, enjoying it together, especially as it was helping distract them both.

When Tom came back into the room with his tray of Hot Marshmallowy Cocoa-filled Mugs, they were shocked at how much they had accomplished.

"Allie, I think you've mastered this first stitch. That looks very nice."

"Yes, but we had to tear out a few, too."

"That's perfectly normal. You were just holding your yarn too tightly. Now, that you've relaxed, you're holding it at just the right tension which makes your stitching full and lush! Great job!"

"Thanks, Momma! It's a whole lot easier to leave it loser, too!"

"It does make everything easier! It looks prettier, too, and it also helps you feel more relaxed while you're doing it. I don't know about you, but I'm ready for Uncle Tom's Cocoa while it's still hot! It looks wonderful, Tom!"

"Uncle Tom, that's the most Marshmallows I've ever seen! Yum!"

"Made it just like I liked it when I was a boy! My Mother never put in enough Marshmallows, so one evening I offered to make it for her and just kept making it from then on out. She couldn't figure out why it tasted so good! But since my brothers and I asked for it quite often, she was so relieved for me to take over that task, she never once asked why we had to buy so many marshmallows! She just kept them at the top of her grocery list with a star beside them! And we never ran out!"

"That's funny, Uncle Tom! But this is really good Cocoa!"

"It really is, Tom. Velvety Chocolatey Goodness with Clouds of White Gooey Marshmallow," Millicent couldn't help but smile, remembering the Belgian Cocoa Nathan had gotten for her the night of his proposal.

"What is it, Momma?"

"Oh, just remembering something wonderful. The night your Father proposed before he took me to Dinner at the Observatory, he took me to a beautiful park that had a little spot that served Belgian Hot Cocoa with Homemade Marshmallows because he knew I liked them so much."

"Is that when you went on the Ferris Wheel?" asked Allie with stars in her eyes.

She loved to hear about her Parents' Proposal.

"Yes, just before," smiled Millicent. "It was such a huge surprise. I had never gotten to ride one before, and I had always wanted to, so badly!"

"Was it exciting?"

"It was so exciting and more wonderful than I ever dreamed it would be! Your poor Father had to rent out the whole thing to make it happen. But it was extraordinary. Exciting, perfect, romantic! Someday, you'll have memories like that too, Allie. It may not be a Ferris Wheel, but it will be something very special. It was just so romantic, and I'll never ever forget the whole magical experience!"

"Were you scared?"

"Yes, maybe a little, at first! But not really, not with your Father there. I think I was just so excited, so thrilled it was finally happening, and for him to be with me, making it all happen, meant the world to me!"

Tom was thankful to see that working with the Needlepoint, as well as talking about Nathan, was helping calm them in an odd way, but Tom could tell as they were silently sipping their Cocoa, both were thinking of Nathan's absence, causing them to grow anxious again.

"Have I ever told you about the time I came face to face with a real-live Crocodile?"

And with that opener, mission accomplished, as he expertly diverted their anxiety away, holding their rapt attention.

Little did the three of them know, that down the road, at that exact moment in time, on the other edge of town, in two orderly rows of three, six large male Gentlemen Associates, dressed immaculately and stylishly in all black dress suits and black dress boots, along with their height of fashion Bowler Hats, appeared on the horizon. They were now arriving on horseback entering the sleepy little town of Hope Valley, feeling quite cocky over their 'business transaction' about to take place in this 'oh so backward and unsuspecting place' as they headed straight toward the front entrance of 'that backward little Queen of Hearts Saloon…'