"What can I get you?" Ellie asked.
Bill looked up at the young woman standing next to the table. "Just coffee for now, please, miss. I'm waiting for someone."
"Of course," Ellie replied. "I'll be right back."
"Thank-you," Bill replied.
As the waitress left, Bill looked around the room. He had selected a table away from the others but where he was easily visible from the door of the hotel. Though they hadn't set an exact time, Bill knew Gabriel would be along shortly as the Mountie had left a message for him with Ronnie when he had picked up the kid's breakfast.
Bill glanced down at the folder he had brought down with him. If he had correctly identified Gabriel's run away, Bill already felt for the kid. Even without knowing what he had been through more recently, the kid had been through a lot in his short life. If this was the kid, and the boy continued to not be forthcoming with information, Bill knew he had some more searching to do before he could make a choice about how to advise what to do in this situation. Bill wanted to know why the kid had ran away from the orphanage he was placed at. He wasn't about to send a kid back to a bad situation.
The waitress returned with two coffee cups, cream, sugar and a pot of coffee. She placed one cup in front of Bill and the other upside down on the table at the place across from him.
"For the person you are waiting for," Ellie explained to Bill, as she filled his coffee cut. "I find that most customers drink coffee in the morning and if they don't, well then I guess the dishwasher has one more cup to wash."
Bill smiled. "That kind of thinking would serve you well in law enforcement."
Ellie shook her head. "No thank you," she replied. "I prefer not to give the bad guys a reason to take notice of me. I'm quite happy waiting tables for now until I find the right guy to settle down with."
Bill nodded. "Nothing wrong with that plan," he assured her as Ellie turned to take care of another table.
Adding some sugar and cream to the coffee, Bill picked up the mug and took a small sip. He glanced around the room, taking note of whom he was sharing the dining room with, before glancing down at the paper he bought from Ronnie Stewart. He'd only had time to read one article before he heard approaching footsteps. Glancing up, he spotted Gabriel walking toward him.
"Have a seat," Bill said, motioning to the spot across from him.
"Thank-you for coming, Bill," Gabriel said as he sat down in the chair across from the man. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long?"
Bill shook his head as he folded up the paper. "Don't worry about it. Given all the research and horseback riding I've been doing these last few days, it was nice to just sit and not worry about anything for a bit," he told Gabriel as he placed the paper aside.
"Coffee, Constable?" Ellie asked, having noticed Gabriel's arrival.
"Yes. Thank-you, Ellie," Gabriel replied.
Ellie filled Gabriel's coffee cup, topped off Bill's and then took their breakfast order and headed toward the kitchen.
"Lillian invited us both out to the orphanage tonight for dinner," Gabriel told him.
"I think I can brave dinner with a bunch of kids," Bill replied. "Are you going?"
"I'd like to but I'm going to wait until I see how things with Billy go. If he seems upset, I might stay nearby. You said you found information on his family?"
"Possibly," Bill replied, with a nod. He reached for the folder he had brought down with him. "I didn't have a whole lot to go on, but given the force issued compass and canteen, I decided to comb through records of Mounties who have died or were killed in the line of duty. With the casualties in the Northern Territories a few years back it was time-consuming but I came across this record."
With the folder open now, Bill took out a photograph and handed it to Gabriel. "That was taken about five years ago, and I realize kids can change quite a bit in that time, but does that look like it might be the boy?"
Gabriel took the photograph and looked at it. The photo showed a Mountie with a little boy in his arms. Though he couldn't be one hundred percent sure, the little boy did resemble Billy.
"I think it could be," Gabriel admitted lowering the picture and meeting Bill's gaze.
Bill nodded. "The Mountie is Constable Ryan William Anders Sr. That was taking after a promotion ceremony right before Constable Anders headed north for the conflict in the Northern Territories. The boy is his son, Ryan William Anders, Jr. He would be about ten right now which fits your guess on the boy's age."
"And Billy could be a nickname derived from his middle name, which means he didn't lie about his name," Gabriel said. "You said you were looking into officers who had died. What happened to Constable Anders?"
"Constable Anders went north. He was leading a squad in the Northern Territories. The squad walked into an ambush. They were all killed. That was about two months after that picture was taken."
"What about Billy's mother?" Gabriel asked.
"That took me a little bit more time to figure out," Bill admitted. He paused as Ellie came back with their order. She placed the plates of eggs, toast, and sausage in front of the two men and asked if the two men needed anything else. When Bill and Gabriel told her no, she left, leaving the two men alone again.
"The Anders lived right outside of Saskatoon. Having a name, I called headquarters in Saskatoon to look for information about Constable Anders family. While waiting for that information, I tried to find information on who would have delivered the notification of death to the widow. I was able to track down the officer and he actually remembered giving Constable Anders' widow the news because of what happened."
Gabriel waited while Bill took a bite of his breakfast before continuing.
"Constable Michaels said he made the trip to the home right outside of the city. He said Mrs. Anders seemed to take the news fairly well. When she asked him if he could keep an eye on her son for a bit while she stepped outside for a bit, Constable Michaels said he agreed. He figured the woman wanted some time to process everything without breaking down in front of her son. When she didn't return in twenty minutes, he got worried. He said he gave it about another ten minutes, and when she still wasn't back, he left a note saying he was taking the boy to headquarters in Saskatoon. Once there, Constable Michaels recruited the help of a few other officers and they went out looking for Mrs. Anders. They found her about an hour later at the bottom of a ravine. As an investigation of the area didn't show any indications that the edge of the cliff had given away, it was assumed she jumped and her death was labeled a suicide."
"No wonder he remembered that notification," Gabriel commented, processing the information.
"Yes, that is one that would stay with you." Bill agreed. "My contact at the Saskatoon headquarters was able to locate Allison Anders obituary. He also found the court records handling the custody of the son. It seems that Ryan Anders Jr. was placed at an orphanage after the next of kin either didn't want custody or couldn't take custody of him."
"Billy made the comment that it felt awful when family didn't want you," Gabriel commented remembering the boy's comment from last night.
"Yeah, well according to court records, Constable Anders was survived by his parents and an older brother. The parents were from Toronto High Society. They weren't happy about their son joining the Mounties and marrying below their status as they said. They said they had washed their hands of their youngest son when he joined the Mounties and they weren't about to take responsibility for his mistakes."
"That is harsh."
"Yes, but unfortunately probably not as uncommon as you would think. High society out east doesn't particularly like to associate with the lower economic classes. As for the older brother, he had traveled to Europe and was traveling. They tracked him down but he said the last thing he wanted was the responsibility of a child. Don't know if that would have changed by now or not."
Gabriel shook his head. "Even if he has changed, it probably still wouldn't be a good environment for Billy. If the grandparents had felt differently, they would have contacted the children's society about Billy. The fact that they haven't indicates they still wouldn't be receptive to the boy being part of their family."
"True."
"What about family on Billy's mother's side?"
There was a pause as Bill swallowed the bit of food he had taken. "Allison Anders parents died when she was four. She had no siblings and was raised by her grandmother. Other than the grandmother, there was no known family on her side. Records indicate that the great-grandmother would have liked to take Billy but wasn't in good enough health to do so. I'm trying to find out if she is still alive."
"Ryan Anders Jr. was placed in an orphanage in Saskatoon. That orphanage closed not even a year later due to allegations of corporal punishment that was taken too far. The children there were placed in other orphanages though which kids went where I can't figure out."
Gabriel shook his head. He thought about the old scars on the lad's back that Maggie had noticed. Had they been inflicted at that first orphanage?
"So what do we do now?" Gabriel asked.
"Well, first I need to make a positive identification that this kid is Ryan William Anders Jr., either through his own admission or some other method. After that, well it depends on the kid's cooperation. I want to do what is best for this kid. However, if he's uncooperative, given that he's a runaway, I may have to consider placing him at a facility specially staffed to keep a closer eye on kids."
"Which means?"
"The places tend to have walls around the facility and staff to keep watch twenty-four hours a day," Bill told him. "Not an ideal environment for a kid, and some of the children there have behavioral issues other than just being a runaway. However, if I can't place him some place where I think he will actually stay, then there really is no other choice."
Gabriel nodded, silently. After everything this kid had gone through, Billy needed some place that would show him at least compassion if not love. Walls and constant supervision didn't exactly scream compassion. However, Bill was right. Billy was too young to be out trying to fend for himself.
"I'm not in any hurry," Bill said, seeing and reading Gabriel's expression. "I don't need to make a decision today or even this week. I want to try getting this kid's cooperation if not trust and I know that might take some time. I want to figure out all the details of the story and then go from there. As long as you don't suddenly have a need for the cell for an actual criminal, I don't see a problem with this kid staying there for the foreseeable future. Unless you feel that he wouldn't run."
"I don't know. Sometimes I think he won't and then other times I'm not so sure," Gabriel said. "Especially now, with your arrival. I'm concerned that your arrival and us trying to get information might spook him."
"It could," Bill admitted.
"I am thankful that you're here though Bill," Gabriel told him. "I want to do what is right by this kid but I have no clue how to accomplish that."
"Well, I have some ideas but some of it rests on Billy wanting us to help him," Bill replied. "Perhaps you could introduce me after breakfast."
"I can do that," Gabriel replied.
The two men continued to chat while finishing the breakfast. When he finished eating, Bill gave Gabriel the money to cover his meal and then while Gabriel took care of the bill, Bill went up to his room to retrieve his coat and hat. When Bill came back downstairs, he was dressed to go outside, however he carried another coat with him.
"The Wolf's sent one of Robert's old coat and hat with me for Billy. They wanted me to tell you that they have more of Robert's old clothes that Billy can have if they fit," Bill said, holding out the coat to Gabriel. "I stuffed the winter hat in the pocket."
"Thank-you," Gabriel said, accepting the coat from Bill. "Perhaps Billy might like to send a note of thanks to the Wolfs himself. If not, I will."
"You're welcome. I saw Billy walking down the street with you last night. That coat about swallowed him up."
Gabriel smiled. "Yes, my coat is way too big. However, it does keep him warm," Gabriel replied. "I suppose you don't approve of that action."
Bill shook his head. "You're not breaking any rules. The boy isn't under arrest. I'm sure you know what you are doing," Bill replied as the two headed for the door of the hotel. Bill thought about when Lillian and Grace had come to town and 'missing' the stage so that Milly could stay with her sister. He was hardly the one to try condemning giving Billy a bit of fresh air. "To be honest, I might do the same myself in your position," he admitted.
The two men crossed the road to the jail. Billy was lying on the cot as the two men walked in. The boy looked in the direction of the door. Spotting them, the boy sat up on the cot. Gabriel watched as the boy drew his knees up on the cot and wrapped his arms around him, making himself as small as possible. It was a position that Gabriel hadn't seen from the boy since that first day.
Bill noticed the boy's reaction as well. He could see the fear in the boy's action and expression. As Gabriel placed the hand-me-down coat on his desk, Bill removed his winter cap and hung it on a hook and then hung back by the door. He unbuttoned his coat and put his hands in the pockets, trying to appear casual. Gabriel had been right to worry about what reaction his arrival would have on the boy.
Remaining quiet, Bill let Gabriel approach and address the boy for now.
"Hi, Billy," Gabriel greeted as he approached the cell slowly. "Was there something wrong with your breakfast?" he asked noticing the half-eaten breakfast.
Billy shrugged. "Didn't feel like eating."
"Are you feeling sick?" Gabriel asked. "I can ask nurse Parsons to stop by."
"Don't need a nurse," Billy stated.
Gabriel sat down in the chair by the cell that he had sat in the night before. "Are you worried about Judge Avery being in town then?"
Billy shrugged, purposely avoiding looking at both Bill and Gabriel.
"Well, the man by the door is Judge Avery, Billy," Gabriel continued. "He's here to help you."
"I'm just another case to him," Billy muttered, eyes still fixed on the floor in front of him.
"Yes, I have known quite a few judges like that myself," Bill replied, leaning against the wall, with his hands in his pockets. "I like to think I am different," he continued. "Which is why I would like to handle your case myself instead of sending you back to Saskatchewan and letting a judge there handle it. That is where you ran from, isn't it?" Bill asked.
Billy's gaze darted briefly at the judge and then went back to the floor.
"Was your father a Mountie, Billy?" Gabriel asked gently.
Billy looked up at Gabriel before nodding.
"Judge Avery was a Mountie at one time too, Billy," Gabriel said, hoping to find some kind of common ground for all of them. "Like I'm sure you father was, he's a man of integrity. He became a Mountie to help people. He took an appointment to judge so he could continue to do that, just in a different way."
Though his arms remained wrapped around his knees, Billy looked from Gabriel over to Bill.
"Was your father Constable Ryan William Anders?" Bill asked, seeing that he had the boy's attention.
A look of surprise came over Billy's expression, giving Bill the answer that he needed.
"How did you know?" Billy asked.
"I was an investigator with the Mounties before I retired," Bill told the kid. "That meant I was supposed to take the smallest clues and find the truth. I was good at my job."
Billy looked back at Gabriel. "I didn't lie to you," he told Gabriel. "My parents always called me Billy, though people at the orphanages insisted on using my first name."
"No one was trying to imply you were lying," Gabriel assured him. "If you prefer Billy, then that is what we will use. I figured it was probably a nickname when you told me it was your name."
"I suppose you are going to send me back now that you know who I am?" Billy asked, his gaze going back to the floor.
"Not necessarily," Bill replied. "Sending you back to where you ran from means, you will run away at the first opportunity that you get. That solution solves nothing. I plan on finding out as many details about your situation as I can, Billy, whether that is through investigating or your cooperation. I would prefer the latter. That way, I hope that we can find a place for you that you will be cared for and that you will stay put."
"I understand that you have been through a lot, Billy," Gabriel added. "It is understandable that you have a hard time trusting adults when so many of the adults in your life have failed you. I want to earn your trust, Billy. So does Judge Avery."
Billy didn't respond to either man.
"We don't need to talk right now, Billy. I just wanted to come meet you. I'll stop by this afternoon to see if you are ready to talk a bit more then," Bill said, moving from his spot.
Moving toward the door, he retrieved his hat.
"I'll be at the hotel if you need me, Gabriel," Bill added, reaching for the door knob.
"Very well," Gabriel replied, with a nod.
Bill left the jail. He hoped that giving the kid some space to think about what had been said would let the kid relax a bit. It was clear that the kid was scared and perhaps worried. Gabriel was right. People had failed this kid in the past. He might not have all the details, but it was clear he had been hurt emotionally and from what Gabriel had said, physically as well. Bill wanted to make sure that didn't happen again.
Before heading back to the hotel, Bill walked to the telegraph office. He wanted to send a wire to his contact in the Saskatoon office that he had made a positive identification of the boy and ask the officer to see what he could find out about the great-grandmother. If Billy wasn't forthcoming with information, the great-grandmother might be the best way to figure out where Billy had been placed following the first orphanage which had been closed.