Chapter Ninety-Eight: The Wedding Caper Part II (The Sting)
"Bill, what were you thinking?"
"I'm sorry Nathan, but I just lost it! They stole Adeline's favorite Broach her Mother gave her, and then had the audacity to steal our Cash right in front of my eyes. I know I should have waited, but I just couldn't. They were playing up to her something awful. Pretending to be her Auntie and Uncle. They were using her! I couldn't take it!"
"Bill, I hate to say this, but this may have cost you Adeline. She's in an awful way. Elizabeth is trying to console her now. But, honestly, I don't think she's going to be very successful."
The two men were standing outside the Mountie Office in order to speak privately, while Aaron stood guard over their Prisoners, well Bill's Prisoners.
Bill just sat down on the top Step and dropped his face into his hands.
Nathan had never seen him so distraught, and he looked like he had aged ten years.
He stooped down and sat on the Step beside him, not knowing at all what to do or say.
"What can I do?" asked Bill so pathetically, it made Nathan wince.
"She says you have to fix this mess, that you have to unarrest them."
"You know I can't do that…" said Bill, now more forlornly than ever. "Maybe I can reason with her."
"Bill, I'm sorry, but I think this has gone far beyond that. We've got to do something."
They sat there in silence for a good ten minutes, when suddenly Nathan knew what to do.
"Bill, can Aaron and I borrow your Office?"
"Of course."
"Do you trust us to fix this?"
"I don't see how it can be fixed," he dejectedly responded.
"I think we can. It's unconventional, but it's legal, at least I think it is. Maybe I had better run it by you just to make sure…"
And Nathan did just that.
His solution was risky, but it brought a glimmer of hope to Bill's blank eyes.
And both knew it was their only hope of him getting Adeline back.
After Nathan and Aaron made their Plans, along with their necessary Contacts, in Bill's Office, they went back to the Mountie Office to relieve Bill of his Guard Duty.
All three had agreed Bill needed to be nowhere on the premises for what was about to take place, so he had been Officially banished.
After Bill left, Aaron brought the Prisoners their Evening Meal, which both ate slowly, in silence.
In the meanwhile, Nathan and Aaron busied themselves initiating the Paperwork their subsequent actions were going to necessitate.
A full half-hour passed, and Aaron cleared the Prisoners' Food Trays, then sat down again with Nathan to help prepare the Final Documents needed for Signatures.
When they were complete, both Mounties walked and stood in front of their two Jail Cells.
"Oscar Taggard, Trudie Taggard, I am Chief Inspector Nathan Grant and this is Constable Aaron Latham. You are being released on your own Recognizance, otherwise known as an ROR, if you choose to accept this generous offer, given the serious circumstances as to why you are here. This is a written promise by you, the Defendant, giving your word that you will show up for any and all future Court Appearances and not engage in any illegal activity while out on said ROR. No Bail is required and if you choose to sign the ROR's that are being offered, you are immediately released until said Court Dates are Secured. This is a one-time Offer that will take full effect upon your Signatures of these Documents. What do you wish?"
"We'll sign," both said very emphatically.
Nathan astutely noticed a couple of things in their short response, and he quickly filed those away with his growing list of mental notes regarding the Taggards.
The Signatures were procured, and the Prisoners were released on ROR, but that did not take away the right of the Mounties to immediately place them under Surveillance.
And that's exactly what Nathan and Aaron did, unknown to the Prisoners of course.
The Taggards immediately returned to their Room at The Queen of Hearts upon leaving their Jail Cells, removing not only all their belongings but all the cash and goods they had stolen as well, making sure to take everything with them.
Nathan also noticed yet another thing about this, although the Couple was out of his and Aaron's sight.
He thought maybe he'd better take advantage of this time, and jot his list down as it was growing so quickly.
He grabbed the Pen Elizabeth had given him at Christmas from the Pocket of his Serge and jotted down his notes on the small Pad he had taken from his Saddle.
Both Aaron and Nathan watched, hidden, as the Couple exited The Queen of Hearts, then split, with Oscar shuffling slowly to the Livery to gather his rather well-appointed Carriage and Horses, while Trudie opted to stay and stand guard, stooped over their spoils.
Nathan smiled to himself as he added another thing he noticed to his now very full list.
He knew he was right; he just couldn't prove it yet.
Back at the Livery, unknown to Oscar, Bill was hidden in a Stall near the Entrance and would later be riding out on Hero, behind Oscar, to meet up with Nathan and Aaron.
Aaron and Nathan watched as Oscar finally pulled up in front of The Queen of Hearts in his Carriage, and got out to start loading it with all their Luggage and Goods, even the ones that weren't rightfully theirs.
But this is where the elderly Couple made one glaring mistake that was going to cost them.
They were taking the bait Bill had set, hook, line and sinker.
For he had earlier placed a Cash Box, yes, filled with lots of marked Cash, along with three pieces of Luggage, also filled with marked Goods, and placed them on and in front of the Bench just outside the Queen of Hearts.
They watched as Trudie motioned to Oscar for them to take the Cash Box and Luggage, which they did, both helping to load those onto their Carriage, together, even before their own belongings from their Room.
Which was even more than Bill, Aaron, and Nathan had hoped for!
One handling them would have been enough, but this was even better.
It had taken both of them to remove their freshly stolen goods, and legally, that was a very good thing.
Now the Charges were equal. There would be no Plea Bargaining.
Aaron and Nathan looked at each other as they watched this elderly man show amazing stamina as he lifted each and every item into their Carriage, then assisted Trudie into the Carriage.
Apparently, he had done this same thing many times before, and that practice had served him well, physically, into his old age.
Finally, the elderly Couple was all loaded up, quickly heading out of Hope Valley, while it was still daylight.
Bill had met up with Nathan and Aaron by this time, and the three started their journey while maintaining a comfortable distance behind the Taggards, far enough so they wouldn't be noticed, but still, so they could see what was happening ahead.
The Ensemble had ridden for about ten miles when suddenly the Carriage stopped, and both Oscar and Trudie got out of the Carriage.
Oscar then lit a Lantern so they could see better in the Shadows of the Trees, and what they did next shocked everyone except Nathan, as he had been the one to initially surveille them, and by now knew them perhaps better than they knew themselves.
They quickly changed their clothes as well as their shoes.
Then they wiped their faces clear of what appeared to be very heavy theatrical makeup.
But the real shock came next, as they bent their heads downward and removed the Gray Wigs they had been wearing.
And voila!
Just like that, there were suddenly no more feeble voices, no more distinct Southern drawls, no more shuffling, not even any wrinkles or gray hair.
Just two people who had chosen to live their young life of Crime together.
For Oscar and Trudie weren't elderly at all, and no they probably weren't even a Couple.
But now they were laughing together, as they had completed yet another successful caper.
"Can't wait to see how much Cash is in that Box!" announced a very excited Trudie, if that was even her name.
"Open it now!" ordered Oscar in a strong, clear voice.
Bill and Aaron were speechless, mesmerized watching what was unfolding before them.
Only Nathan smiled sardonically, for he had figured it out some time ago.
He just had to prove it and now the Couple themselves had done that for him.
But just as Trudie was eagerly counting their Money, a Mountie in Red Serge rode up, stopping directly in front of them and called their names as he drew his Gun…
"Oscar and Trudie Taggard, alias John and Judith Taggett, I'm Mountie Gabriel Kinslow, and I am officially placing you under Arrest for Theft and Grand Larceny. You have the Right to…."
Bill was still on Hero, and Nathan and Aaron were still on Newton and Sage.
But, in the shimmery light from the Lanterns, the Judge nodded once, then tipped his Western Hat to his Boys, to which all three of his Boys, Nathan, Aaron, and Gabe, nodded once, too, and tipped their Stetson's back to their Leader.
This was their Signal for Bill, Nathan and Aaron to turn and head back to Hope Valley and for Gabe to wait till two more Mounties appeared from the Shadows to take over his Prisoners.
The three galloped off till they were almost out of sight, but Nathan couldn't resist looking back and he could see Gabe's Relief Team had arrived just in time.
"Wait, Bill and Aaron! Gabe's on his way."
They waited a few minutes till Gabe came galloping up to them.
"Gentlemen, always a pleasure doing business with you!" smiled Gabe.
"The pleasure is ours, Brother," smiled Nathan.
And the two brought their Horses together close enough to high-five each other, as Brothers do.
From the beginning, Bill and his Boys knew the stakes were about as high as they get with this particular Sting.
This was deeply personal and clearly determined their Leader's future, his Life, and that of the Woman he loved, who happened to be a Woman all three of them also loved.
It was for their Leader, and they had gladly given their all.
In fact, it was their dedication to Bill, that had given them the drive to tunnel through, figure out a way, and do the impossible.
As it turned out, their 'elderly Couple' were in fact Twins.
A Brother and a Sister, who had perfected their Art of Stealing many Years ago, as Teenagers.
But given their unlikely disguises, their devious tactics, and their use of various names throughout the years, up until now, they had been completely able to evade the Law.
Indeed, they had made quite a lucrative living from their Life of Crime over the Years and had actually saved quite a bit of Money, they had conveniently hidden away.
More than enough to live their Lives in very high style.
But now, thanks to this Team, and yes, Nathan's instincts, in particular, the two Criminals would no longer enjoy the Fruits of their Labor, as they both would be serving time in Prison for a very long time to come.
The Mounties had done all they could do, dancing on the very edge of legality, without crossing over, and thankfully, together, they had accomplished the very difficult goal they had set out for themselves.
At least the part as related to their Criminals.
Nathan glanced up to the Skies, 'Dear God, this is now in your Hands. Open Adeline's heart and please let this be enough!'
Then the four rode on to Hope Valley in silence, but with confidence in their gait and hope in their hearts.
Now they just had to convince a wayward Bride…
Bill was a nervous wreck, pacing from one end of the Mountie Office to the other.
Aaron and Gabe were starting the Paperwork initiated by this new pair of Arrests.
Nathan was trying to put the finishing touches on his ROR Follow-up but realized it was useless and that Bill needed him more.
"How do you want to do this, Bill? I'm sure Adeline is still at Elizabeth's."
"She flat out hates me! I keep replaying her shrill voice and the look she gave me as she slammed the Front Door of the Café. I think it's useless, Boys. I did the right thing and I did the wrong thing altogether. Oh, why did I do that? I should have known better. For some strange reason, she loved those two. And this is going to kill her. I just don't know what to do!"
"But she loves you more, much more. We just have to make her see that they were complete frauds."
"Then she'll just think we're making fun of her poor judgment!"
"Hers and everyone else's in Hope Valley. All the Women loved that Couple! She's not alone in being compassionate to a seemingly elderly Couple who appeared to need the Compassion Hope Valley always gives its Strangers. It's never wrong to do the right thing!"
"It's got to be you, Nathan."
"Bill…."
"No, you all three can't go at once. And obviously, she'll slam the door in my face. It's got to be you. Please, Nathan. I'll never ask for another thing, but there's no other way."
Nathan looked at this broken Man in front of him, a Man who was both Brother and Father to him, and he knew he couldn't say no. And though the outcome didn't look good, he would have to try. And he would. He would try his level best.
Aaron and Gabe gave him a look of relief, that it wasn't them, but also of guilt that he had to take the hit, and then they quickly got back to their paperwork.
Nathan nodded for them to look after Bill while he was gone, and he turned to grab his Stetson.
Bill called out, "Nathan! Thank you…"
And he nodded, trying his best to leave Bill with a smile, although even Nathan knew it was a very weak one.
"I'll do my best, Bill! My very best."
"I know you will…"
"Oh, Nathan!"
Elizabeth literally fell into his arms and they both gathered strength from each other.
"She's finally asleep, upstairs. But it's really bad, and I don't know what to do. I mean the Wedding is in less than two days!"
"I think we have to wake her, Elizabeth. This is so very important and I want you there when I explain it all to her."
"Darling, why are you having to explain it to her?"
He gave her a look, and with that one look, she understood.
"I'll go get her…"
But Adeline's voice wafted down the Stairs, "No need. I'm here. Let's get this over with, Nathan."
The sadness in her voice cut through both Nathan and Elizabeth, and they both said a silent prayer asking for wisdom, as Adeline came down the Stairs and sat down on the Settee between them.
She listened attentively and Nathan left out no detail, calmly telling her everything she needed to know, answering her every question, letting her know the entire truth…
Nathan walked to their Mountie Office with Elizabeth on one arm and Adeline on the other.
He had offered to drive them, but Adeline said she needed the fresh air, that maybe a walk would help her calm down a bit.
So, walk they did.
But when they reached the Door to the Office, Adeline turned to Nathan.
"I'm not sure I can do this…"
"Then don't. Let Bill do it. Let him take the lead. All you have to do is listen," advised Nathan.
He kissed her cheek, and she nodded.
"He loves you more than Life, itself, Adeline. And I know you love him the same way. Are you ready?" asked Nathan tenderly.
She reached up to kiss Nathan's cheek.
"Thank you. I'm ready."
Nathan entered first motioning for Aaron and Gabe to give Bill and Adeline some alone time.
The two exited quickly and stood with Elizabeth out on the Boardwalk as Nathan held the Door for Adeline.
Once she was inside, the four turned and headed toward the Café, to wait there together for the result…
"I know I don't deserve this, but thank you, my Darlin' Addie for coming."
She nodded but stood there frozen to her spot just inside the Office Door.
They both stood in silence for a moment.
Then both together, at exactly the same time, spoke each other's name.
"Adeline…"
"Bill"
"No, I made this mess. It's my responsibility to try to get us out of it. So, for this one time, Gentleman before the Lady. But, Addie, I wasn't a Gentleman, I didn't hear you and I made a terrible mistake. I did it because I couldn't stand that they took your Mother's Broach and our Money, that we needed for our Honeymoon. And they did it with you standing there. I saw it, and I just went crazy. I truly went crazy, because nobody treats the Woman I love like that, not you, Addie. You don't deserve that. Maybe I did deserve it, but you didn't."
He took a deep breath.
"I was wrong, and I give you my word, such as it is, that I will never let my Job come before your feelings again. I may have to do some things you don't like, but I'll at least explain why and listen to your input and consider your input. I love you more than I've ever loved anything or anyone in my Life. You understand me when I don't understand myself. And you fill my heart and my Life with everything good. Without you, I'm nothing but a shell of a Man. Nothing, Addie. You are my Life, not being a Sheriff, not being a Judge, but wanting to be your Husband and your Friend. That's what I want to be. That's what is most important to me. Please don't take the possibility of that away, because I was a Fool. Please don't Addie. I don't think I can bear it," and tears starting flowing down Bill's face.
"William Spencer Avery, I overreacted, and I didn't listen. I should never have stormed out like that! I was just so angry and so very hurt. But the pain of you not being with me was so much worse than my anger and hurt. I can only do this on one condition."
Bill nodded, unable to say anything.
"You never shut me out again. No matter how bad the situation or how angry you are, you talk to me, not around me or at me, but to me and with me. We talk it out together before we both do something as crazy as we did today. Because I can't bear this again. I can't. If we're going to do this, you and I are equals and we share everything together, with each other. That's my condition! Can you do it?"
"I give you my Word, I will do it, and if I forget or I don't do it in the way you need, you reel me back in and you tell me to do it differently, and I will learn. I just need you to teach me, Addie. I've been alone so long, sometimes I don't even know how to be a Partner, at least not this kind of Partner."
She finally started to smile slightly.
"Think of it this way, Bill. Would Nathan, Aaron, and Gabe say you're a good Partner?"
"I think they would. Although I'll confess, I'm sort of their Leader."
"Well, then lead me when we Dance, but be by my side for everything else."
"I can do that."
They just looked at each other.
"Addie, will you walk through our Lives, side by side with me?"
Addie's face contorted, "Oh come here you old Coot! Yes, if you promise to never leave me!"
Bill was by her side in seconds, enveloping her in his arms, smothering her with kisses all over her face.
But it was Adeline that grabbed his face and firmly placed her lips on his.
And that was all it took for all the tension and anger, and frustration to simply evaporate.
They stood there holding each other, passionately kissing each other, needing each other.
"Let's go Home, Darlin'!"
"Yours or mine?"
"I don't care. Anywhere but the Café! But wait…"
Bill pulled away from her enough for him to reach into his pocket.
Then he opened Adeline's hand flat and placed an object there.
"William! My Mother's Broach! How, when, where…"
"Shh! Just kiss me…you don't want us to have to go to Jail, do you?"
He pointed toward the Cells.
"Well, I guess you're allowed some Secrets!"
And Adeline laughed, a beautiful, resounding, rich laugh.
Her very first after a most painful day, but it wouldn't be her last…