Chapter 17

Jack followed Elizabeth into the school office helping her carry some of her supplies. Ms. Florence grinned at Elizabeth with an odd look on her face and then gave Jack full face smile.

"Good morning, Ms. Thatcher. Good morning, Jack. Jack, how are you doing today?"

"I'm good Ms. Florence. I hope you are having a good day."

"Yes, I am now." She gave Jack a flirty smile

Jack's face turned a little red at her flirting. He reached for Elizabeth's hand. Elizabeth looked at Jack, noticing his embarrassment but not willing to rescue him yet, smiled and let go of his hand after a few seconds. She gave him a smirk and he noticed her look immediately. He knew there was not getting out of this easily.

"Ms. Florence, I have some things for Elizabeth's classroom, will I need a hall pass to take them to her room?" He hoped this would change the conversation.

"Jack" she drew out his name, "I told you before you do not need a pass as long as you stop by and tell me you are here."

Elizabeth smiled at the exchange.

"Ms. Thatcher, I better get these items to your classroom. I must get to work in a few minutes."

She smiled knowing what he was attempting to do. "Let's get going before you are late."

When the door closed on the school office, Elizabeth looked in Jack's directions and copied Ms. Florence. "Jack" she drew out his name just like Ms. Florence.

Jack dropped his head. He knew she caught on and wouldn't let it go.

Jack, trying to stop her sassing, stated, "Looks like we both have people here that is crushing on us."

She playfully smacked his arm and after a few seconds of pause, "Well played Investigator Thomas Jack Thorton."

He leaned over and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.

Walking into her classroom and after placing all the items on her desk, Harvy walked in the classroom. He had a hat on, and Ms. Thatcher asked him to take it off. She did not allow hats on in her classroom. Harvey slowly took it off and she immediately noticed two new cuts and a bruise that was covered by the bill of the cap. She looked at Jack and their eyes meet. He knew instantly something was wrong.

Jack walked over from Elizabeth's desk and notice what she was looking at. "Henry, are you ok?"

Henry looked at both Investigator Thornton and Ms. Elizabeth. "I'm fine. Just had a little accident. I walked into a door."

Jack reached for Henry's cut and examined them to make sure they are ok and not infected.

"Henry, you know you are not allowed to wear hats in my classroom."

"I know Ms. Thatcher. I'm sorry, I just wanted to cover up the marks. I borrowed my father's hat."

"Henry, this is your father's hat?"

"Yes, sir."

That statement made Jack think. "Henry, did you say that was your father's hat?"

"Yes. Why? Do you like that group or something?"

"I do. Would you mind if I look at it?"

"Sure. Go ahead."

"Ms. Thatcher, would you mind if I look at it?"

She thought it was strange that he asked her permission. She looked at him with a questioning look.

"Ms. Thatcher, would you mind if I look at it?"

Why is he calling me Ms. Thatcher? "Sure, Investigator Thorton."

Jack walked over to Elizabeth's desk holding the hat. With his back toward Henry, he took some Stoch tape from Eliabeth's desk and tore a couple of pieces off. He used the tape to touch the inside of the hat. In the front and in the back by the clasp. Once satisfied, he took more tape to seal whatever he had gathered. Then he took the bag the food came in and placed the two places of tape inside to carry it.

He turned toward Henry and Elizabath. "Henry, make sure you let Ms. Thatcher look after those cuts during the day. You don't want them to get infected. Ms. Thatcher, I will text you later, ok?"

She didn't understand why he was rushing off but trusted him enough not to question it, but that didn't mean she did not want to know what was going on.

…

Jack walked into the police station and handed over what he had to Chief Avery while explaining what he did. "Jack, that's quick thinking. Now we can test the hairs in the hat with the results from the drop of blood from Victor's store. With getting Elizabeth's and Henry's permission, you kept the law, and this will be permissible in a court of law. Well done."

"Thanks boss. Let's get this tested so we can get the results. Think you can sweet talk them in to hurrying the test?"

"I'll try. The lab tech owes me a favor."

…

Jack's day was painfully slow. He missed Elizabeth. He was a little worried about Elizabeth's parents coming in later today and waiting on the lab results. Nothing he did distracted him.

He texted with Elizabeth during his lunch hour. They were both a little anxious about her parents. She hasn't spoken with her father, but her mother seemed ok with Jack and the speed of their relationship. Her parents dating went quick, so she was hoping they would understand.

She always wanted to get married someday. A nice friendship and loving romance with some man who took her breath away with just a simple look. A caring man who truly loved her. She pictured a nice house, a dog, eventually children. All of this was a dream. She didn't seek it out due to her past relationship. She didn't think this would happen, but she did dream it. Now, with Jack, the dream was becoming real and more than she ever thought possible. Jack exceeded all the dreams she had, and she felt blessed by his presence in her life.

For Jack, Elizabeth was beyond anything he could dream. She exceeded everything he has built up in his mind. She was funny and enjoyed playful interactions with each other. She sassed him and he loved the expression on her face when she did. He fell in love with her every time she gave him that smile and twinkle in her eye. He was completely hooked by her and didn't care that he was.

…

"Hey Jack, I think you may want this." The receptionist at the front desk stated. It's from the state crime lab.

Jack jump from his chair so quickly that he knocked it over. He grabbed the envelope and opened it by the receptionist's desk. He read the results and he was immediately filled with several emotions. He felt bad for Henry. The results came back with two DNA strains, and one was the perfect match to the blood drop from Victor's store. This means that Jimmy Harvey is one part of the crime ring. This meant that Henry's dad will be arrested for numerous counts of burglary.

On the other hand, he was grateful the crime spree will be stopped soon. The robberies were getting more bold and more violent. While no one was hurt yet, in his opinion, it was only a matter of time before an innocent person was hurt or far worse. This also meant he needed to make a decision on Bill's offer. He already made his decision, but he needed to ask Bill one question.

"Do you know where the Chief is?"

The receptionist pointed to his office.

Jack stuck his head in Bill's office. "Hey Bill, do you have a moment?"

"Sure Jack. What's up?"

Jack extends the lab results as he walks in the office.

"Wait, is that what I think it is?"

"Yes."

"Well, what does it tell us?"

Jack hands Bill the piece of paper and studies his expression. Bill offers a small smile and looks up at Jack.

"How do you want to proceed with this?" Asked Jack.

"I'm thinking during school hours when Henry is at school. He doesn't need to be there to see his father arrested."

"Good call. He doesn't need to see that. But how do we keep them from committing another crime before Monday and potentially hurt someone?"

"I didn't think of that?"

"Can we go now? There is still a couple of hours before school is out for the weekend." Jack thought out loud.

"Can we get things together before then?"

"I think so." Stated Jack. "We know where he should be, you and I should be able to arrest him. Henry will be at school. He should be home by himself or with one person. I'll call Elizabeth to see if she can keep Henry at school for a little bit. That should give us plenty of time."

"Do we have any evidence on James?"

"No Bill, we don't. Nothing concrete. Are you still a skilled interrogator?"

"I still have some skills. Think I can turn him?"

"Bill, when have you meet someone you couldn't turn?" Smiled Jack.

"Let's get going on this. We will leave in twenty minutes."

Jack left Bill's office and began gathering his equipment together. He called Elizabeth hoping she would be able to answer her call.

"Hey handsome. What are you doing?"

"Hey Bella. Do you have a moment?"

"For you, you can have all my moments."

"I don't think you understand what you do to me."

"I think I have a pretty good idea. You do the same to me."

"Really?" He asked surprised.

"What a question to ask. Do you really think you don't?"

"Well, I hoped, but."

"You do. Now, what do you need?"

"Would you be able to keep Henry after school for a while today?"

"Why, wait, it's his dad isn't it?"

"Yes." We are heading that way soon and I don't want Henry to witness it."

"That's a great idea and very thoughtful on your behalf. What's going to happen to Henry?"

Jack hadn't thought that far ahead. He felt bad for not thinking it through. He was concerned with naming a suspect, he didn't think what would happen when he caught the suspect. "I don't know. Let's get this first then we can cross that bridge."

"I don't want to sound heartless but is this going to cause an issue with my parents tonight?"

"Elizabeth, I promise you I will be there. There is this important question I need to ask that will decide the rest of my life and I don't want to miss the opportunity."

She swooned at his words.

"I'll see you later, Bella. Thanks for keeping Henry safe."

…

Jack and Bill parked two blocks away from Jimmy's place. They notice his vehicle in the driveway, and they wanted the element of surprise on their side. If they could surprise Jimmy, the chances of something going wrong would be minimal.

"Chief, how do you think we play this?"

"I only see one car. At least there shouldn't be too many people there. If we both go to the front door, there is always a chance someone will run out the back. I think one of us needs to be in the back."

"I agree."

"Last time we did that though, you got you behind kicked." Bill said with a teasing tone.

"Hey, I didn't get my backside kicked." He defended himself.

"You must have had a head injury because you don't remember. Here, look at this picture and see for yourself."

"Oh, funny man. I remember all too well. It took a couple of days for the soreness to go away."

"Well, let's divide up again but let's avoid the butt kicking." He said with a laugh. "I'll take the back door. Most people know my face and they may run before I get to the front door."

"Sounds like a plan."

"Jack, one more thing, this man shot at you the last time he was in front of you. Take care of yourself."

Jack nodded toward his boss. "It's time, Bill."

Jack walked up to the front door while Bill walked around the house to the back door. The house was quiet. Jack could see the TV was on and two men sitting on the couch. He couldn't see anyone else. The two men were drinking a beer and laughing at the TV. He knocked on the front door and stepped just to the side of it in case they shot through the door or someone ran out unexpectantly. After a second knock, the door opened, and Jimmy stood there.

"What do you want?"

"Jimmy, Jimmy Harvey?" Asked Jack.

"Yeah, who's asking?"

"Would you mind stepping outside on the porch for a moment?" The last thing Jack wanted to do was to go inside the house by himself.

Jimmy stared at him for a moment. "Do I know you? You look a little familiar."

"No. We haven't met. I do know your son, Henry." Jack was hoping this would put the man at ease for a moment longer. He didn't want another altercation. He knew Jimmy was probably armed.

At the mention of Henry, Jimmy relaxed enough to step out on the porch. "What did he do now?"

"He didn't do anything wrong. I just need to speak to you for a moment."

"Only for a moment. I have something to…wait! You're that new cop, aren't you?"

In that moment of shock, Jack knew that was his opening. He grabbed his handcuffs that were behind his back with his left hand and with his right hand he grabbed Jimmy's arm and twisted it behind his back in one swift move. "Jimmy Harvey, you are under arrest." Jimmy tried to fight back but Jack had leverage with his arm pinned behind his back. He started to yell then Jack pinned him against the side of the house.

At the commotion outside, James jumped from the couch and headed to the back door. Bill was in place and heard someone running through the house. He braced himself beside the door prepared to tackle who ever came through the door. Within a few seconds of waiting, the door flew open, and Bill immediately pounced on the person coming through the door. James wasn't expecting anyone there and was tackled with a couple of feet from the door. Bill had him on the ground before James knew what happened.

Jack and Bill met at the car with their individual prisoners that were handcuffed. Neither one was happy, but the element of surprise worked perfectly. Neither one had to use their weapons. After placing the individuals in the car, they walked through the house after calling in the state crime scene unit. Without touching anything, they noticed many objects that was stolen, drugs, and hand guns. Jack and Bill gave each other knowing looks and each understood what each other meant. They were lucky that things didn't go as bad as it could have.

…

Elizabeth asked Henry to stop by her desk after school was out. She planned to have a couple of things for him to help her with. That was her reasoning to have him stay after school. Before they started on their work, she asked, "Henry, I am a little hungry for a snack. Would you walk with me to the cafeteria and we both can get something before we begin?"

"That sounds great Ms. Thatcher."

As they walked to the cafeteria, Henry was quiet. Typically, that wasn't like him, but the last few weeks it was.

"Henry, is everything ok?"

He was quiet for a few minutes. "Henry, what is going on? I know something is wrong."

"It's my dad. He has changed over the last few months. I don't know what's going to happen."

"I'm sorry, Henry. Is there anything I can do?"

"No ma'am."

…

Bill calls the state agency and was informed they would be coming to pick up Henry to place him into child services. Bill knew they worked very hard for the children, but also knew they were over worked with very little to no help. He was trying to figure out if there were anything he could do.

"Chief, nothing can be done if you cannot find anyone to take current custody of him for the short term. They would also have to have already passed our back ground check."

"Who in Hope Valley has already done that?"

"Hold on, let me look at the applications." After a couple of minutes of silence, the lady picked up her phone. "We have one couple in Hope Valley who went through the process a couple of years ago. Something happened and nothing was followed through. If you can vouch for them, we can quickly walk them through the process on an emergency basis and they could take the child in today."

"Who are you talking about?"

"A Pastor Frank and Mrs. Abagail Hogan. Do you know them?"

"Yes, I do. Very well."

"Would you support them taking Henry on a short term basis?"

"Yes. I would on any basis."

"Very well. Give me a couple of hours and everything will be settled."

…

Bill called Abagail and spoke with her concerning Henry. She had met Henry once and he seemed like a good kid. Honestly, it didn't matter if he was a good kid or not. They wanted to make a difference in the life of a child, and they welcomed the opportunity no matter the circumstances. She accepted and called Frank to inform him. Frank cheered in the phone and told her he would meet her at home in thirty minutes. Then they would head to the police station to pick him up and take him home.

…

Jack and Bill took Jimmy and James to the police station to await a bond hearing in two days. After arriving at the jail, Jack left to go pick up Elizabeth and Henry. Elizabeth didn't need to come, but he knew she wouldn't let Henry face this by himself. He texted Elizabeth before leaving to let her know what's going on.

Elizabeth kept Henry busy for the next twenty minutes until Jack arrived. Jack met them in Elizabeth's room. She immediately noticed the sadness in his eyes.

"Henry, something happened today that affects you in a big way."

Henry looked at Ms. Thatcher and Jack and then spoke. "Investigator Thorton, I'm not going home am I?"

Surprised at Henry's understanding, "No. Henry. I'm so sorry but your father and uncle were arrested today."

Henry nodded. He may have been a boy, but he was very perceptive.

"They may be in jail for a while, you will not be able to go home. We can go and pick up a few things from your room, but that's it. Ms. Thatcher and I will go with you if that's ok?"

Elizabeth looked at him with a grateful expression. She smiled knowing that Jack understood her love for her students and her desire to be there for Henry.

"Other than some clothes, I do not have anything there I want. Where am I going to stay?"

"Pastor Frank and Mrs. Abagail. You will be staying with them for a while."

"Elizabeth gasped. "Henry, you will love them. They are my best friends. They will make sure you are cared for and protected."

Henry gave her a small smile. He hoped she was right.

"Alright Henry. Let's go get your things and then we will meet Pastor Frank and Mrs. Abagail. Then they will take you to your new home."

At the sound of a new home, Henry smiled. He hoped this would turn out better than his current home.

…

The meeting with Frank and Abagail went well. Henry was a little nervous but trusted Jack and Elizabeth. It also helped when he found out that Jack was staying in the apartment above Frank and Abagail's garage. That gave him comfort.

"Elizabeth, would you take a walk with me?"

"Absolutely, but we only have twenty minutes before we leave to pick up my parents from the airport."

Jack extended his arm and they left for their walk. Jack was exhausted from the day. Not just physically, but emotionally exhausted. He just needed a few minutes to breath with Elizabeth.

"Is there a reason for this walk?"

"Not really, Nani. I just needed a moment to breath and wanted you with me. You are my strength."

She smiled at his compliment. She was grateful he needed her when he was tired and when he needed strength. This was exactly the type of relationship she dreamed about. Two people coming together who were their own person, yet, depended on each other. This couldn't happen fast enough.

They walked quietly around the block a couple of times. They smiled at each other and often one would squeeze the other's hand, but no words were spoken. They loved this about their relationship. Their presence was enough, they did not have to fill it with words. Everything was understood.

"Elizabeth, I believe we need to go pick up your parents. We have an hour drive to the airport."

"Are you ready for this?"

"Absolutely. My life is dependent on it." He gave her a smile.

"Our life is dependent on it." She smiled back at him.

…

Bill sat back at his desk. Everything was completed except the paperwork. He needed to finish his and Jack will finish his tomorrow. The crime spree was finally over and without anyone getting seriously injured. He was grateful for that fact. He was grateful for Jack's help and hoped he would step into his role as chief. Bill was ready to retire soon. After thirty plus years in serving his community, it was time for him to enjoy retirement.

…

Jack and Elizabeth parked in the short-term parking lot of the airport. They had arrived thirty minutes early. Which Jack was grateful. He didn't want the first impression to Elizabeth's mother and father as someone being disrespectful in being late. Jack was beginning to get nervous now. On their way into the airport, Jack stopped by the flower shop to purchase her mother a bouquet of flowers. Elizabeth laughed at his eagerness to impress her mother. Jack hasn't realized it yet, but he already has with their phone conversation. Grace was impressed that he spent forty five minutes talking with her on the phone. Grace knew she was asking a lot of questions, but Jack was so kind in answering everyone. While he probably was, she did not have the feeling that Jack was eager to get off the phone. She was appreciative for that.

As they sat at the gate, Elizabeth put her hand on Jack's knee hoping to calm him a little. "Jack, sweetie, you are bouncing the bench so much you are making me a little sick."

"I'm sorry, Bella."

"It's ok. Let's talk about something to take your mind off of everything."

"Ok, Elizabeth. What would you like to talk about?"

"What about this house we talk about?"

"I was thinking a three or four bedroom. We need a clawfoot bathtub for you."

She smiled surprised he remembered that she wanted a clawfoot bathtub. "And a rain shower head for you too."

"Yes. And that special mattress you always wanted. The one that will help keep you warm."

"Oh, yes. I think you will help me stay warm, won't you?" She flirted.

"Yes, I will."

"Plus, a special blankie will keep us warm too." She grinned at his expression.

"A blankie…wait, did my mother say anything?"

"A special, blue blankie will keep us warm and comfortable." She teased.

"Oh…My…Gosh. I'm going to kill her."

"Jack don't be so over dramatic. That wasn't even the worst thing she said to me."

"WHAT!"

"Jack, there they are!"

"I'm still going to kill her." He stated as he watched Elizabeth standing and begin dragging Jack by the hand toward her parents.

Jack stood back and watched as her parents gave Elizabeth a huge hug and a kiss on the cheek. After their hellos, Elizabeth introduced her parents to Jack. William stared at Jack. He noticed the young man standing before him in the old man in his memory. Grace spoke to him as if they have known each other for a long time. She hugged him and gave him a kiss on his cheek.

When Elizabeth introduced Jack to her father, he was quiet and reserved. That was not like him at all. She was a little confused by his action. While he shook his hand, William didn't say anything when Jack spoke to him. She figured he was a little apprehensive by meeting her new boyfriend.

After walking to the car, Jack loaded the suitcases into the back hatch while everyone got into the car. Elizabeth was sitting in the front passenger seat and Grace behind Jack and William behind Elizabeth. Jack sat behind the steering wheel and asked if they were hungry. Everyone nodded in agreement except for William. He just stared at Jack, and he was becoming a little uncomfortable.

They stopped at one of Elizabeth's favorite restaurants on the way back to Hope Valley. Once seated and drinks ordered, William couldn't take his eyes off Jack. Finally, William spoke to him. The first words Jack heard him speak since meeting him in the airport.

"Jack, you said your father was a police officer, correct?"

"Yes, he was."

"Elizabeth said he was killed in the line of duty?"

Yes, he was. He died when I was an early teenager."

"He was shot walking into a domestic call, wasn't he?" He asked hesitantly. Not sure if he wanted to open any wounds for Jack.

"Yes. How did you know that?" Jack was dumbfounded. How could he know that?

"His name was Tom Thorton. Thomas Jack Thornton, correct?"

Jack stared at him wondering how he knew that.

"Father, how in the world did you know that?"

A/N:

The next chapter is an interesting one. It is unique and I hope you enjoy it. Just a hint: there is a strong connection between William, Elizabeth, and Jack's father.