Chapter Forty-Eight

The Sun was out and it was a beautiful day in Hope Valley.

"Good morning, Mrs. Thornton!" He smiled down at her and reached to quickly kiss her. Allie scrunched her nose.

Elizabeth laughed, "Oh, Allie, someday…"

She scrunched up her nose again and said, "Yuck!"

"That's my girl!" urged her proud Dad. "Boys are a long way off, aren't they, Allie Bean?"

"You wish!" laughed Elizabeth.

"But Mrs. Thornton, how's Little Jack?" asked a very concerned Allie.

"He's wonderful, here, run in and see for yourself!"

"I got my wish!" Elizabeth whispered to Nathan.

"Your wish? And what might that have been?"

"I wished for sparkle in your eyes. The sparkle's not totally back, but there's enough there to suit me for now. I just couldn't bare there being no sparkle at all in those beautiful eyes."

He reached to kiss her, "So noted."

Then he added, "I'm so sorry, Elizabeth. I'll work on getting that sparkle back today. I promise."

"That's all I can ask. Oh, no actually it's not. Can you ride to the Williams' house with me after school?"

"Of course. What's up?"

"Well, they keep making excuses for meeting us at the Café, so I thought I'd take dinner to them!"

"I think that's a great idea, Elizabeth. Should we let them know we're coming?"

"No, I think they'd only tell us it's not necessary. Let's just surprise them."

"It's a date. In fact, I'll pick up a Dessert from the Café to go along with your meal! But do you think we should take the sleigh? We did promise the children a ride!"

"That's perfect!" and she reached to kiss his cheek.

"Let me check on Allie and Jack…"

He stepped inside, and that was all it took. Little Jack came running.

"How's my Big Guy? All better?"

If he wasn't, Nathan was going to catch a cold, too, because Little Jack planted a huge sloppy kiss on Nathan's face!

"Oh, no, Nathan, I'm sorry…"

"Not a problem! We'll just have a cold together and you'll have to tuck us both in. Hot soup and hot tea will be nice too, won't it Jack? Oh, and hot Cinnamon Bread. My Mother always made me hot Cinnamon Bread when I was sick. You'll love it, Jack! Mama's going to have lots of fun taking care of us together!" Little Jack laughed.

"Well, that's a nice little fantasy you two have going there," and she put her hand on her hip. "Funny thing, I don't know which of you would be the most trouble, although I have a pretty good idea, Constable!"

Nathan's mouth fell open in mock astonishment.

"Come, you too are making me late for school! Come, Allie, let's go. Laura, here's Jack!"

And Laura was there in no time taking Jack in her arms.

Elizabeth kissed Jack one last time and gathered Allie to her with one hand, then Nathan with the other and they started on their way to the Schoolhouse.

"You called him Jack!"

"Well, that is his name."

"But you finally left off the 'Little," Nathan was loving this.

"Yes, and I knew you of all people would notice," she laughed.

"Say it…"

"You were right. He's going to be two years old soon, and he probably needs to not always be called Little. But that doesn't mean Mama can't pull that out every now and then so he'll still feel loved," she said defensively.

"You mean so Mama can still feel like she has her little baby and Mama still feels loved!"

"Oh, alright. You're right. But, Nathan it's so hard…"

"I know Darling, but Jack will thank you one of these days, soon and it will all be worth it, I promise!" and he stopped in his tracks and kissed her right there in the middle of their walk to school. "I told you we men have to stick together!"

"Well, just promise to kiss me every single time, and maybe I'll make it, but it's still hard…" she pouted.

"This is a momentous day and Jack and I are very proud of you!"

She looked over, and there it was. His sparkle was back!

"Your sparkle's back…" she whispered as she tightened the hold she had on his hand.

And he raised her hand to his lips to kiss it.

He then kissed Allie.

"You two have a great day. It's on to work for me!"

"Be careful," they both called after him.

He turned to smile and wave at them both and hurried on to town.

Although it was still cold, the biting chill was gone and people were out and about, buying their groceries, and running all their many errands, the notorious weather they had just experienced had made them delay.

Nathan had to laugh as he saw Tilly scurry to his Office and Aaron open the door in response to her scratch.

'I'm going to have to watch it! Tilly's coming in to work earlier than me!'

"Constable, can I talk to you a minute. I lost two Hens last night. At first, I thought it was a fox that had gotten them, but the coop is as tight as a drum."

"Mrs. Ainsley, maybe we need to fill out a formal report so we have it on file. Do you have a few minutes to walk to the Office with me?"

They quickly crossed the street together, but as they did so, a man galloped through on his horse, without so much as slowing down.

Nathan instinctively covered Mrs. Ainsley, and gently pushed her back a bit, so she'd be safely out of the way.

"Stop!" Nathan called out and ran out after the man.

"You, Sir, need to slow down going through town. You almost ran over that precious lady back there, and children play in these streets. We don't do that around here. Understood?"

"Sorry, Constable."

"I'm Constable Grant, what's your name?"

"I'm Joey Larson. I'm from Benson Hills."

"You going to be here long?"

"Just overnight on business."

"There are rooms at the Saloon. You make yourself at home. As long as you abide by our laws, Hope Valley will be more than welcoming."

But Nathan knew there wasn't a chance of that happening.

He quickly strode back to Mrs. Ainsley, making a mental note to run a check on this Joey Larson from Benson Hills.

"Mrs. Ainsley, this is Constable Aaron Latham. He's going to be moving to Hope Valley and working with us here. Aaron, this is Mrs. Ainsley, she lives on the old Ballard Farm two miles north of town. She had a couple of Hens stolen last night. Do you mind writing up a report for her? It seems we have a visitor from Benson Hills, who just came into our fair town at a furious gallop down the center of Main Street. I need to go make sure he gets settled and gets a more proper welcome."

"Of course, Constable. That man is going to hit someone, galloping along without a care in the world! We don't need that sort of rif-raf in our little town!"

"Exactly, Mrs. Ainsley. I'm just glad you're alright! You're in excellent hands with Constable Latham, and I'll go check on our visitor."

"Nathan, you might want to read this first. It just came through."

Aaron handed the paper to Nathan, and Nathan shook his head.

"Thanks, Aaron, just as I thought. Maybe we better wait a minute and go together."

"Oh Constables, you're both needed elsewhere. This can wait."

"Are you sure, Mrs. Ainsley, those two Hens are important, too. In fact, I think these two things are tied together."

"You go then, and you get our man, just like you always do!"

Nathan bent to give Mrs. Ainsley a hug, "You're the best. When we need that report, we'll bring the papers out to your house to fill out. You have a good day, Ma'am, and don't you worry about anything. We'll make sure Mr. Larson's out of your way tonight!"

And both Constables tipped their hats and were gone, leaving Mrs. Ainsley to play with Tilly.

"Well, if you aren't just the sweetest little thing. You come here and get some lovin…"

The two Constables headed straight for the Saloon, hoping Mr. Joey Larson had just checked in to his room there. Which would make all this go a whole lot smoother. Neither Constable wanted other people around who could possibly be in the line of fire.

They walked into the Saloon, and suddenly everything quietened. Nathan was already at the bottom of the staircase, while Aaron was at the desk to confirm he was there. He nodded to Nathan and moved swiftly to join him. Both men pulled their guns and went to the room number they had been given.

They couldn't risk him leaving through the window, so they kicked the door in, and there Mr. Joey Larson stood with his spoils from his Benson Hills' robbery spread across the bed.

"Don't move. Mr. Joey Larson, you're under arrest, ironically for petty larceny. You have the right to remain silent…"

Nathan held his gun on him as Aaron made the arrest, but out of the corner of his eye, he saw a beige cloth bag barely scooted under the bed. It was a money bag like the banks used, but this bag didn't belong to a Benson Hills Bank at all. It was a Union City Bank. He left the money there till Aaron left with the prisoner, then picked it up and hid it behind his back. This was big and he didn't want the prisoner to know they now knew.

"Aaron, can you give me ten minutes?"

"Of course, I'll even treat our prisoner here to a beer!"

And Joey Larson thought this was going to be his chance.

But boy, was he wrong. Aaron bought him a beer alright and left it sitting right there in front of him, leaving his hands secured behind his back.

Aaron had discreetly chosen a table in the far corner, but people were still gawking and talking.

Aaron checked his timepiece. He knew if Nathan needed ten minutes, he needed a full ten minutes, and although he hadn't seen the bank bag, he knew Nathan had seen something and was tying it into something a whole lot bigger than either of them had expected.

Finally, the ten minutes had passed and Aaron marched Mr. Larson down the Boardwalk, across the street, and into the cell that was furthest from their desks.

Nathan was at the desk in a sea of papers, and he nodded for Aaron to meet him outside.

"This is a cover, Aaron. And it's tied in with the petty thefts on the train. They're just a cover for bank thefts out of Union City and we've got our first stash. This guy's their runner. We've got to meet that train."

Bill was passing on the other side of the street and noticed both men huddled together.

He was not about to be left out.

"What's going on?" he called as he ran across the street.

"Aaron just arrested Joey Larson for petty larceny, but that charge is going up to grand! Our robber from Benson Hills is a runner for our petty thefts on the train. But Bill, the petty thefts are just a cover. I've got a bag of cash in there from a Union City bank, yeah big, and it hasn't even been reported as missing yet. The Union City guy on the train is committing the petty thefts to cover him transporting the cash out of the Union City Bank. And our guy on the train is either inside the Bank or very close to someone who is. He also thinks Larson is meeting him at the train station today!"

"Have you alerted Union City?"

"All done! They're moving in on the bank as we speak. But we've got to catch the train. Who can we deputize to watch Larson, while we meet the train? I think it's going to take all three of us."

"Lee will do it! He's the only one I really trust with something this big," volunteered Bill. I'll run get him."

"Bill, there's no time. The train's due in less than a half-hour. Let's just call him from inside."

The men went into the Office, and Nathan called Lee, "We'll explain when you get here. Can you come quickly, Lee? Thanks!"

The men checked their guns and made sure they were fully loaded, even leaving one for Lee.

"Tilly, you stay out of there. You come over here where it's safe! Right now!" and that was coming from Bill no less.

Tilly obediently came and curled herself up at Bill's feet.

"Anything else we need?" asked Aaron.

"Wouldn't hurt for us to take extra pistols just in case. Because we sure won't get a chance to reload."

"That's smart."

Aaron reached in the safe and pulled out three additional pistols, which Nathan started to check and load immediately.

"We've got to be ready to leave as soon as Lee gets here or we're going to miss that train!"

Just a few minutes more passed, and Lee came rushing in.

"What do you all need?"

"We have to leave. If he gives you any trouble, you shoot him. Preferably keep him alive. We're going to need him later. You got it?" instructed Bill.

"Got it, Bill!"

And the three men rushed out to the Boardwalk, mounted their horses, and took off in a flash for the Train Station.

They beat the train there, and all dismounted scoping out the area.

"I was thinking on the way over, what if it's not one suspect, but both that are actually in on it?"

"Oh, that's good, Nathan. That makes perfect sense. So, we've got a male suspect and a female suspect!" and Bill shook his head. "Got to admit, that's pretty smart!"

"What made you think of that?" asked Aaron.

"It's too convenient for them to have purposely spread the suspicion. They're both in on it. And I'm almost sure I remember seeing them together in Union City, but I can't place where."

"Do they sit in the same car?'

"Yes, one at either end of the car, so we've got to cover both exits. And if by some freaky chance, one leaves the car. We've got to cover the back of the train."

"I've got the back – that will be my pleasure," and Bill called dibs on the back.

"I remember where I saw them. She's a teller at the Union City National Bank, and quite coincidentally, that's where our bag of money came from. So, now we know these two are professionals."

"This is one time, I wish we weren't wearing the serge," mentioned Aaron.

"I don't know, might not be too bad. They're expecting a Mountie to check-in. Here are their pictures. You all got them in your memory?"

"You bet!" answered Aaron.

"Just be careful, they're definitely armed," and Nathan was sure of that. "So, the big question is how do we take them without hurting the other passengers?"

"You guard the front passenger door, but out of sight. I'll come in the back passenger door and nab the woman from behind. She always sits in the rear of the train."

"Okay, good idea. That should cause the man to run out the front. That's the only thing he can do. Oh no, Bill, you've got to go on the other side instead of the back. Aaron will have that covered and the guy will head toward the second passenger door on the right-hand side of the front because he's going to expect a Mountie on the left side passenger door!"

"Got it!" Bill flew across the tracks and hid behind a half-wall on the far side of where the train would be.

Nathan and Aaron spread out so they could cover both the back and front entrances on the main side.

They were in position and not a minute too soon. The train came rumbling into the Station.

As soon as it slowed, Aaron hopped on via the back passenger door and had the female before she could even turn around to see what was happening.

That had alerted the male, just like they knew it would and he made a dash for the front, but just as Nathan had surmised, he headed for the far-right front door, and Nathan let him pass through it before he jumped onto the train and lunged after him, knocking him to the ground and causing him to drop his gun. At the same time, Bill came out from behind the wall, grabbed the gun, and went to help Nathan secure him.

The two men marched him through the train over to the Main Train Station side and Aaron brought the female to the front of the train and exited with her right behind them.

The arrests were made, and the men walked their prisoners back to the Jail where they would be spending at least the night before they could be transported back to Union City.

"Boys, we make a pretty good Team if I do say so myself!"

Aaron and Nathan just chuckled.

When they finally made it back to the Office, leading their prisoners and their horses, Nathan locked them up, putting the male prisoner in with Joey Larson, and the female in her own private cell.

They thanked Lee for his assistance.

"We couldn't have done it without you, Lee! We all owe you one!"

"Oh, just buy me a beer, later!"

"Deal and we'll tell you what all you accomplished in this little escapade then!" smiled Nathan.

Aaron immediately began the paperwork, while Nathan made the calls to Headquarters and Union City. It was half-past two, but the men had already put in a full day's work, arresting a house burglar who was also a bank robber and two other professional criminals who masterminded the bank heists and actually implemented them in Union City, no less!

All in all, capturing a total of three bank robbers in a matter of hours was not a bad day for the Hope Valley Law Enforcement Team!

"Bill, I've got to go meet the stagecoach. They're sending in a batch of legal briefs on Packer Johnston for Nathaniel and they want us to pick them up and deliver them. Do you mind going with me as a witness?"

"Sure, we've got at least another twenty minutes. Tilly, you get back over here!"

Aaron and Nathan exchanged a smile.

"Getting protective, isn't he?" laughed Nathan as he walked past Aaron.

Aaron just chuckled, "Wait till you hear the stories I have, to tell you!"

The two men just shook their heads.

"Bill, the stagecoach is due in ten minutes, not twenty! Get a move on!"

"Sorry, Nathan, I looked at the time wrong. On my way…"

And the two men walked out to the Boardwalk together.

'Nathan…"

"Bill, not ready. It's better that we just work. But thanks for yesterday."

"Anytime, Nathan. Anytime!"

They stood there together waiting for the stagecoach's arrival, but apparently it was running a bit late.

"You do know this is at least another commendation, don't you?"

"Bill, focus. Though, I guess it is kind of funny Union City couldn't figure it out! This is a pretty good feeling, isn't it? We did it, Bill!"

"Yes, we did, Nathan! That we did! As I said, we make a dynamite team! And that Aaron just fits right in."

Finally, there was the stagecoach, ten minutes late, but there nevertheless.

Nathan reached up to get the briefs.

As he did so, the stagecoach driver stepped down, to open the door.

Out stepped a very tall and very sophisticated-looking blonde woman dressed to the nines, with a huge hat almost as big as the stagecoach and so much luggage that neither Nathan nor Bill could figure out how it had ever fit in!

"Constable, can you help me?" since Nathan was standing there, she put her lace-gloved hand in his, and passed her lace parasol to his other hand.

"Of course, Ma'am," and he helped her down the last step.

She turned to direct the driver to deposit her many pieces of luggage on the Boardwalk completely forgetting the Constable was still holding her lace parasol.

"Just leave them there," she instructed with a wave of her hand. "Someone will come to get them for me, I'm sure! And thank you, Sir, for the lovely ride!"

Then she smoothed her dress causing dust to flutter everywhere...

Bill and Nathan were hoping she wouldn't touch the hat, or they were all going to be covered in it!

"Constable, may I possibly trouble you one last time?" she asked in a velvety voice.

"Of course," answered Nathan using this opportunity to quickly pass her lace parasol back into her own hand.

"I don't know where anything is. Could you possibly tell me where the Saloon is located?"

"Yes, Ma'am, I can show you. I'll be happy to escort you there."

"Why, thank you ever so much, Constable!"

She smiled broadly and extended her arm to Nathan, who helped her up to the Boardwalk.

"Oh, how silly of me, I always forget introductions!"

She flashed a huge smile and formally extended her hand this time, leaving Nathan unsure whether she expected him to shake it or kiss it.

He opted to shake it firmly.

"I'm Constable Nathan Grant."

"A pleasure to formally meet you, Constable. I'm Mrs. Lucas Bouchard, but do call me Sophie..."