Though Billy had been going to school since returning from Hope Valley, Gabriel was still walking into the building with the boy. Billy also insisted on being picked up from the classroom as well. As he had spent a good portion of Billy's first day at the back of the classroom, Gabriel figured they were making progress. Miss Peterson assured him that Billy seemed to be more comfortable in the classroom every day. She said that having Christian and Vincent around seemed to help him, though the boy still did not venture outside at recess. Despite that, Billy seemed to be forming a friendship with Timmy Mendelson as well.

"Maggie will be here to meet you after school and I will pick you up from the infirmary by five," Gabriel told Billy as the boy hung stuffed his gloves and hat into the coat pocket and hung up the coat.

Billy nodded, though he looked pensive.

"What do I do if one afternoon Miss Maggie is not here to meet me?" Billy finally asked. "I know she would not do it on purpose but what if she got called away on an emergency?"

Gabriel was about to answer when Miss Peterson spoke up. The teacher knelt down in front of the boy.

"Well, one option would be for you to stay right here with me, Billy," Miss Peterson told him. "Just because the school day is over, my job is not done until I know that every child is at least safely on their way home. Now, yes some of the children walk home alone but I know which ones do not. Miss Bennet or Miss Walsh always pick up their charges, as does Mrs. Maryfield and some of the other parents. Constable Kinslow has told me that either himself or Miss Maggie will pick you up, so until he tells me otherwise, you would stay right here with me if either of them were ever delayed in picking you up, all right?"

Billy nodded, though he did not seem to relax any.

Gabriel knelt down on the other side of the boy. "Billy, school is a safe place. You know that right?"

"Well, the classroom is at least," Billy commented.

"Did one of the other children threaten you, Billy?" Gabriel asked.

Billy nodded.

Gabriel looked across at Miss Peterson. It was clear that whatever had transpired was unknown to her.

"Who was it, Billy?" Miss Peterson asked.

Billy glanced around the room. Other than Minnie Maryfield and Susan Clay playing cat's cradle in their desks, the room was empty.

"Randy MacEntire," Billy said softly, looking down at his feet. "He called me a sissy and then said that if he ever caught me alone he would give me something to be afraid of."

Gabriel wanted to reach out and pull Billy into a hug but he also did not want to make things worse for the boy should more of his classmates come into the room.

"Please do not let him know I told you. He will just get mad at me," Billy pleaded. "I learned that at the orphanage." Billy looked up from the floor to look at Gabriel. "I only told you because I did not want to lie to you, Gabe."

Gabriel nodded. He knew Billy had a point. He could not keep an eye on the children all day, nor could Miss Peterson. If the MacEntire boy knew Billy had told him about the threat he would just give Billy a harder time.

"This needs to be addressed, Billy but we will talk about this at home. Meanwhile, stay where you feel safe. That is not being a sissy it is called being smart. Even I don't go into a situation voluntarily if it is something I can't handle alone."

Billy nodded as Miss Peterson spoke up from the other side of him.

"Billy, if I did a writing assignment for the class, would you be willing to share with the class some of the hardships you have been through? It would only have to be what you are comfortable sharing but I think if your peers have an idea of what you have gone through, it might change some of their opinions about you," Mis Peterson asked. "I can guarantee you that Randy MacEntire has never had to spend a night alone in a strange place in his life and if he had he would not be so quick to call you names."

"Just me?"

The teacher shook her head. "No, like I said, it would be a class assignment. Perhaps writing about one of the hardest thing you have had to face. Everyone would share. I just think you and a few of the other children are going to have stories that some of your peers could not even imagine going through. Would you be willing to share?"

Billy remained quiet for a bit, seemingly thinking the request over. Finally he looked over at his teacher. "Do you really think it would help?"

Miss Peterson nodded. "I do," she told him.

"I'll share," Billy told her.

"Good," Miss Peterson stated as other children started making their way into the classroom. "Go take your seat," she instructed.

Billy did as he was told as both Miss Peterson and Gabriel got to their feet. They let the boy get out of earshot before speaking.

"I will keep a closer eye on Billy for a while, Constable. Like his father, I think Randy is more talk than action, but now that I am aware of the situation I will do my best to make sure that it does not go further."

Gabriel nodded. He knew Abraham MacEntire. The man ran a ranch East of town. His ranch was probably the smallest operation near Brookfield. Gabriel had a feeling that probably had more to do with than man's people skills more than anything else. Turnover among ranch hands on the MacEntire ranch was high. Most men he brought in eventually either moved onto another area or found work at another ranch. Gabriel had even been called out to the ranch one time by a ranch hand who was concerned by the yelling and screams coming from the main house. By the time he had got out there, things were quiet. Sarah MacEntire had answered the door, saying her husband was out with the cattle. She had a bruise coming out on her cheek but had insisted she had walked into something and the commotion that had been heard had been a simple misunderstanding. She had apologized for wasting his time. As Abraham's story had coincided with his wife's there had been nothing Gabriel could do. He did however pay a visit to the MacEntire ranch more often then the other ranches. The only thing Gabriel could say for certain was that the man did a lot of yelling, at his ranch and in town, but had never laid a hand on anyone that could be proven.

"I know you will," Gabriel told the teacher. "I think I might take some time to teach Billy a little self defense as well."

"Teaching him to fight is not an appropriate response, Constable," Miss Peterson responded, her tone reminding him a lot of Elizabeth's tone on similar occasions. Gabriel wondered briefly if it was a teacher thing.

"I agree. However, there is a difference between fighting and knowing how to defend yourself if somebody comes after you. I will be sure Billy knows that fighting is not an acceptable solution but I do plan on making sure he can defend himself."

Miss Peterson clearly did not like the answer but she did not protest further. Instead, she simply nodded. Gabriel had a feeling the teacher planned on making sure things did not get that far in her classroom. As Miss Peterson went to call the rest of the children inside to start school, Gabriel glanced once more toward Billy. The boy had gone to his desk and Henry was in the desk in front of him. The latter had turned around and was chatting with Billy. At least the boy was starting to make friends.

Gabriel put his hat on and left the school. He said a final good-bye to Miss Peterson as he passed her as well as exchanging greetings with the children from the orphanage. Walking down the steps, he was pleased to find Lillian standing nearby.

"Good morning, Lillian," Gabriel said.

"Good morning," Lillian replied. "Dropping Billy off."

"Yes," Gabriel replied, stepping close to her.

"Is he still hesitant about school?"

"He is but I think I know why now," Gabriel replied. Glancing around to make sure no one was close by he told Lillian what he had found out.

Lillian sighed. "Randy gave Christian and Vincent a hard time at first too. Christian actually got in trouble for punching Randy in the nose. Not the best way to handle the situation but Randy has left all the children in my care alone since then."

Gabriel nodded. "I don't condone fighting either, but I do plan on making sure Billy knows how to defend himself. Though for now his current solution of not being found alone by the other boy seems to be working well. Miss Peterson is aware of the situation now too, so I hope things do not get any worse than they are. I know kids can be cruel to one another some times. I just do not want Billy getting hurt again."

Lillian nodded, as she reached out and rested a hand on Gabriel's arm. "You will figure this out, but you need to do so in a way that helps Billy. The last thing you want to do is make the situation harder. From what I hear about this Randy kid, he leaves the kids who hang in groups alone. Christian and Vincent like Billy. They'll look out for him."

"Hopefully without starting any fights," Gabriel said.

"Says the man who wants to teach a kid how to fight?" Lillian countered.

"Self defense, not fighting," Gabriel told her.

"There is a difference?" Lillian asked.

"Yes," Gabriel told her. "Self defense is about protecting yourself and trying to descalate the situation. You are not necessarily trying to hit the other person but trying to keep them from hitting you. Ideally, no one should get hurt though it can happen."

Lillian nodded. "I guess that makes sense," she said. "Is that something you learned in Mountie training?"

"Yes," Gabriel told her. "My father's outlook on fighting was avoid it if you can, but if a man comes at you, make sure you are the one still standing at the end. He taught me how to land a good punch if necessary after I came home with a couple of black eyes. Some of my peers felt I was an easy target as I had four older sisters and no brothers. I got sent home for fighting one time, and while my father supported the teacher's punishment he did not punish me further. The kids at school left me alone after that, though. I would rather Billy not get involved in fights but it is also important that he can show others that he is not an easy target. Up to this point, I think Billy has just tried not to get noticed. In a small town like this that is not easy to do."

Lillian nodded in consent.

"Are you heading back to the orphanage?" Gabriel asked.

"I want to check the mail before going back," Lillian replied.

"Would you like some company on your errand and walk home?"

Lillian smiled. "That would be welcomed," she acquiesced.

Gabriel offered Lillian his arm, and she easily slipped her arm through his. Together, the two headed for the telegraph office. As they entered the building, Joe was just turning from the counter. The trio exchanged greetings.

Gabriel had spoken to Joe a few times in the few days that had passed since Valentine's Day and the store owner had confessed to not being able to give Maggie the cameo. Gabriel had assured his friend it was okay. That he would know when it felt right and to take the time he needed to sort through his feelings. Gabriel had also suggested to Joe again that he wrote to Elizabeth as she would know better what he was going through.

While Lillian checked with Ruth about mail, Joe pulled Gabriel off to the side a little.

"I took your advice," Joe told Gabriel. "I wrote a letter to Elizabeth. It felt strange writing to someone I barely know but there was something healing about the process too."

"Good," Gabriel told him. "Talking about things works much better than bottling things up and healing is a wonderful thing."

Joe nodded. "Maggie was the first person who really pressed me about dealing with my feelings about the accident and losing Lissett. As much of a struggle as it has been, I think I finally am finding healing. You've been a part of that, Gabe, in your own unique way. So thank-you."

"You are welcome, Joe," Gabriel told him. "Any time you want to talk, just let me know."

"I will," Joe said before saying good-bye and heading to open his store.

Gabriel turned back to the counter and found Lillian reading a piece of paper.

"That is good news, I hope," Gabriel commented as he approached her.

Lillian looked up. "It is," Lillian told him. "The Cuthberts are leaving Halifax today. They should be here for Ellie in a couple of days."

"That is good news," Gabriel commented.

"I also have a thick envelope from London. I have a feeling it will be travel arrangements for Sophia," Lillian informed him. "I am grateful that these children are finding families, but it just seems like everything is happening so quickly. First Helen, then Fred and now Sophia and Ellie. Along with the weddings and the situation with Billy, it feels like everything is changing too quickly."

Gabriel took a step forward and pulled her close. He felt Lillian give a shuddering breath as she relaxed against him.

"It is a lot change," Gabriel agreed. "Unfortunately, other than being supportive there is not a whole lot I can do to stop the changes. However, if you need to postpone our wedding a bit just let me know, Lillian. As much as I want us to start our lives together, I do not want to make you feel overwhelmed."

"I do not want to postpone it. June seems so far away as it is," Lillian told him. "I am glad I have you to lean on though."

Gabriel held her for a little longer, releasing her when she took a step back.

"Feeling better?" Gabriel asked.

"I am," Lillian said. "Thank-you."

"You are welcome."

"Constable, you have a package yourself," Ruth stated from behind the counter, having patiently waited for the two to finish their embrace. She was quite use to seeing all kinds of display of emotions from her patrons.

"Thank-you," Gabriel said. Expecting a small package, having asked Elizabeth to see about getting an art book or two for Billy, he was surprised by the box Ruth placed on the counter. Pulling the envelope from the top of the box, Gabriel opened the letter.

Constable Kinslow,

Elizabeth sent me the money you left with her and asked me to pick out an art book or two for Billy. I do not know how much, if anything, you have been told about me but my whole family will tell you that I tend to get carried away. As the package is sitting in front of you as you read this, you can see that was the case again. I ended up finding four books I thought would benefit your young artist. I am also sending along some art supplies. Do not worry about sending more money. Consider the extra things my gift to Billy. Perhaps he could send me a sample of his work at some point as a thank you.

I wish you both the best.

Sincerely,

Julie Thatcher

Gabriel handed the note to Lillian, who he was sure was curious, he opened the package. Inside he found four art books, one specifically given instruction of drawing faces, a sketch book, a few packages of different types of paper, pastels, charcoals, a couple of pencils and a rainbow of watercolors.

Gabriel knew he was going to have a very happy boy this evening when he saw the gift. Apparently, Julie had a heart as big as her sister's heart.