Chapter 25
Jack offered Elizabeth a soft kiss on the cheek. "I need to step back to Bill's office. The questioning part of the press conference will begin in about ten minutes or so. After that, Bill will begin the portion of introducing me. There will be an officer who will come and get you for you to walk onto stage with us. Is that ok?"
"That's perfect Jack. Thank you."
He offered her a smile as he turned to walk away.
…
Elizabeth walked toward her family. She saw the look on her father's face. She knew he wasn't happy with the speed of the relationship. Her mom seemed happy, but she couldn't read her expression. Abagail and Julie were excited at the news, and she knew they were happy for her. But she could read her father's expression. They were always close.
Instead of sitting beside her father, she sat beside Abagail. "Sweetie are you alright?"
Elizabeth offered her a tight smile. "I think so."
"Hey, we have a few minutes before this begins. Julie can keep our seats, why don't we take a quick walk?"
Abagail stood and reached for Elizabeth's arm. She didn't give her a chance to answer. Instead, she pulled her up from the seat and headed toward a quiet corner of the station.
"Elizabeth, I can read you like my favorite book. What's the problem?"
Elizabeth sighed. "My father is unhappy with the speed of our relationship. He likes Jack but thinks this is happening too quickly."
"What do you think?"
"Well, it is happening quickly, but I'm ok with it. I have no doubts about marrying Jack. I love him."
"Ok, so the problem is with your father's disapproval?"
Elizabeth thought about it for a few moments.
"Elizabeth, are you having doubts with this? With Jack or with the speed of your relationship?"
"I've always done what my parents wanted within reason. I rarely went against their wishes."
"So, this isn't about Jack?"
"No, Abagail. I love him."
"Is the speed of this concerning you?"
"I don't know."
Abagail let out a frustrated sigh. They have talked about this before and she knew Elizabeth was comfortable with everything so far, except the question of the timing her father has placed in her head.
"Elizabeth, if you are having doubts about how fast this is going, why did you agree to marry him this morning? Did you get caught up in the emotions and don't really want to marry Jack?"
A stunned Elizabeth stared at her friend. "Abagail, how could you ask such a thing?"
"Well, Elizabeth, this is the feeling you are giving off at the moment."
"I have no doubts about marrying Jack!" She exclaimed with a sense of certainty.
"Ok, why are you struggling with this then?" Abagail had no problem calling Elizabeth out on her attitude or thinking. It has gone both ways over their friendship and both women loved it. It was truly a relationship of sisters and best friends. This was always done in love, and they knew it.
…
Jack was never comfortable with press conferences when he was on stage. He stepped out of Bill's office and found Elizabeth and Abagail talking. He was so wrapped up in what was coming in the next few minutes that he didn't notice the shift in Elizabeth's stance when he approached them.
"I'm sorry Elizabeth. This has turned into a crazy morning." Elizabeth looked at him but did not give him a smile.
"Jack" called Johnson as the couple approached. "We need to talk to you about something."
Jack looked up and noticed Bill and Johnson standing waiting for him. He leaned down and kissed Elizabeth on the cheek. "I'll try to be quick."
"What do we have?" He asked the two men as he approached them.
"We have a legitimate threat on one of our lives. We have called in extra men from the state troopers, but it will take them a little bit of time to get here. It won't be a military ambush, but we may have a lone ranger type of suspect who wants to have pay back on his supply chain being shut down."
Jack drifted off into deep thought. "I need to let Elizabeth know not to come up during the announcement."
"We would ask that you not do that." Stated Johnson.
"Why? That doesn't make sense. I don't want her to be in any potential danger."
"Jack," Bill stated in a comforting voice. "She will not be in any danger. If we suddenly change things, we could lose the element of surprise."
…
"I think it was the problem people had when we were walking here, especially my father."
"Are you second guessing anything regarding Jack?"
"No, Abagail. I am not."
"Elizabeth, it sure seems that way. What about the timing?"
"No. We have talked about this before. You told me to go at the speed I am comfortable with. I have never been comfortable with anything in my life like I am with Jack."
Abagail thought about how she was going to ask the next question. In their relationship, they were allowed to ask the difficult questions, but neither of them was cruel in asking. She honestly thought they were perfect for each other, but somehow Elizabeth was beginning to question something about Jack and her relationship.
"Bethie, what is the problem? Why are you questioning the rapid speed of your relationship now? Are you beginning to doubt something?"
"You always have a way to cutting directly to the problem." Elizabeth stated as she shook her head. "I am not doubting my relationship with Jack in any way. I love him and I know that. I do not question anything about us."
Abagail smiled at her little sis. She knew now that they were facing the true issue. With Elizabeth, there were times you had to dig a little to get to the true problem. Once you found the issue, things usually worked themselves out quickly.
"My father's doubt startled me. His questioning of the speed of the relationship caused me to question the appropriateness of the rate of our dating, engagement, and future marriage."
"Well?"
"I love Jack!" Elizabeth stated with confidence. "I want to marry him…now."
Both ladies laughed at her outburst and forwardness.
"Now, you need to talk to Jack about all of this."
Elizabeth couldn't say anything but nodded.
…
Jack thought about this dilemma for a few moments. Under his breath he stated, "There is no way I am putting Elizabeth in harms way." He looked to his two superior officers and excused himself for a moment. He normally wouldn't go against his superiors. However, this was concerning Elizabeth. There was no way he was going to put her in any danger if he could help it.
…
As he walked toward Elizabeth and Abagail, he noticed they were in a deep discussion. He also noticed the expression on Elizabeth's face. He hasn't seen that look before. She has an expression of doubt, of confusion, and of pain. The pace of his walking slowed as he was processing what he was witnessing.
Abagail noticed Jack approaching them and motioned to Elizabeth. When she noticed Jack approaching, she plastered a smile on her face. "Hey, what are you doing out here?" She asked Jack.
Jack didn't say anything but was studying her facial expression.
"Jack, are you ok?"
"I think I should be asking you that question, Elizabeth. Are you ok?"
He's way too good at this detective thing. She thought. "Jack, I am good."
"Sweetheart, would you like to try that again?"
"Jack, you are way too good at this."
With that, he reached for her hand, and she gladly took it. He led her outside so they can talk about this."
On their way out the door, she asked, "Do you have time for this? Doesn't the press conference start at any moment?"
"It does, but nothing comes before you. What is the problem?"
Elizabeth stopped walking and reached for Jack's other hand. She stood in front of him holding both of his hands. Before she was able to speak, Bill stepped out of the door and yelled, "Jack, we have five minutes before we begin."
Jack looked over his shoulder and nodded toward Bill that he understood. He turned back toward Elizabeth still holding hands.
"Sweetheart, what is going on? I can see the turmoil in your eyes and your facial expression."
Elizabeth exhaled a deep breath. She wanted to make sure she said this right.
"Jack, on my walk here with my family, my father was questioning the speed of our relationship. He's afraid we are moving too fast."
Jack lowered his head. He remained close to Elizabeth but not looking at her in her eye. "Elizabeth…" He didn't know what to say. There were too many thoughts going through his mind. Is she starting to question us? Is she wanting to slow things down? Does her dad not approve now?
"Jack" She tightened her grip on his hands trying to gain his full attention. "I see the doubt in your eyes. Please don't doubt us."
"Elizabeth, I see the doubt in your eyes. Are you doubting us?"
"I have rarely gone against my father. When he questioned how fast we are moving, I…"
She couldn't finish her statement.
"Doubted us?" Asked Jack finishing her statement.
"Absolutely not!" She exclaimed. "I know I love you! I know I want to marry you! I am not doubting that!"
"So…what's causing the doubt I see in your eyes and on your face? Do you want to slow down?"
…
Frank and Henry walked into the room just before the press conference was to begin. "I didn't think you two were going to make it." Stated Abagail.
"I had to stop by the church office for a moment to take care of something. It took a little longer than I expected, but Henry was a big help."
Abagail smiled at her husband and then looked down at Henry. "So, you were a big help, huh?"
Henry smiled. "I think so. I did enjoy helping."
Suddenly, Henry stopped talking and stood perfectly still. Both Frank and Abagail noticed his odd reaction. They watched Henry for a few moments and then followed his gaze to a tall, slender man wearing a long sleeve, blue t-shirt. His hair was unkempt with a rough beard. He didn't act odd, but that was the only person in Henry's gaze.
While placing his hand on Henry's back, Frank looked at Abagail and quietly asked her to find Bill or Jack.
Henry looked up at Frank when he felt Frank's hand. "Henry, are you ok?"
Very quietly and slowly, he pointed with his chin toward the man.
"Do you know him, Henry?"
Frank saw the fear in his eyes. He knelt down to Henry's level and wrapped him in a tight hug. While holding him, Frank stated, "He can't hurt you. You are with us and that means we will protect you." Frank stated with strong conviction. Henry couldn't speak, he just nodded his head.
…
Before Elizabeth was able to answer Jack's question, Abagail came running up to the couple. "Jack, we need you. NOW!" She stated with fear in her voice. This drew Jack's and Elizabeth's attention. Jack, come now! Frank and Henry need you."
After Abagail told Jack where they were, he took off to find them. Elizabeth looked at Abagail with a look that was wanting an answer.
"Henry saw someone who freaked him out. He froze and wouldn't say anything. I think it may be involved with the possible threat."
Elizabeth lowered her eyes to the floor. She was instantly afraid for her fiancé, but she was also kicking herself for allowing her father's questioning the speed of their relationship to affect her. How could her day that started off with the greatest proposal of marriage ever become a moment that had Jack questioning her desire to be with him?
"Elizabeth, everything will be fine. I just know it."
"It's not that Abagail." She let out a long, shaky breath. "Jack is beginning to question our relationship."
"Why in the world would he think that?"
She tore her gaze away from Abagail. She couldn't look at her anymore. "Elizabeth, you didn't?" Asked a stunned Abagail.
A fearful look over took Elizabeth's face. "He knew something was wrong with me. I started to tell him about my father questioning how fast this was going and he knew it stunned me. He asked if I was having doubts about us."
"Oh no."
"Yes. When I said no, he asked if I wanted to slow things down."
After a moment of silence, Abagail asked, "Well, what did you say?"
"I didn't say anything."
"Why in the world not!" She exclaimed in a loud voice.
"You ran up to us and interrupted us before I was able to say anything." Elizabeth stated in a matching tone.
…
Jack slowed his approach when he noticed the fear on Henry's face. Before kneeling down in front of Henry, Jack looked at Frank. Frank had a look on his face that was a mixture of fear, protective nature, and a determination of a father protecting his son.
Jack was in front of Henry, and it took him a couple of seconds to capture Henry's attention. Jack followed Henry's eyes to a tall man standing about thirty feet away. "Henry. Henry." Jack placed his hands on Henry's shoulder and gave it a little shake. Henry finally took his eyes off of the man and focused on Jack. "Henry, do you know that man?"
Henry nodded his head slightly.
"Do you know his name?"
"Snake." He said in a voice that was barely audible.
"Anything else?"
Henry shook his head no.
"Where do you know him from?" Jack asked slowly and softly.
Henry cut his eyes back to the man and then back to Jack. "He would come to my house. He was always mean and would talk mean to me. I would hide under my bed when I would hear his voice."
"He knew your dad?"
Henry nodded.
Jack thought for a moment trying to focus on the situation. "Frank, please take Henry to the left of the platform. The first door on the left will take you toward my office. It's the second door on the right. Take him there and protect him. Someone will come for you in a few minutes."
"Jack, I can help."
"No! No! You need to protect your boy! We need to get him out of here and you need to protect him. Now, please go."
Frank wrapped Henry up in his arms and carried him off to Jack's office. As he walked through the door, he glanced over his shoulder to see Jack walk directly to Snake. Frank never saw Jack stand so tall and confident. It was as if a switch flipped, and Jack was instantly transformed into someone else.
Bill and Superintendent Johnson noticed the change in Jack's demeanor and his stride over to the man. They hurried in that direction with every intent to back up Jack.
Abagail and Elizabeth walked into the room and saw Jack walking toward the man. Jack's posture shocked Elizabeth. She watched him walk with intent and purpose. He seemed taller than normal and looked much bigger too. His jaw was set, and his eyes were laser focused. She looked ahead of Jack and noticed a man standing alone. For a moment, she felt sorry for the man in Jack's path.
Jack approached the man but didn't hear anything else in the room. He was focused on this gentleman. The man noticed Jack approaching when he was about ten feet away. Jack was walking so fast that it surprised the man and before he knew what happened, Jack was standing in front of him. Snake stood a good six inches taller than Jack, but, with Jack's stance, he felt much smaller than him.
"Sir, may I help you?" Jack stated with authority.
The man stared at Jack for a moment and then a look of realization came across his face. "You're that cop?!"
Jack smirked at him and looked him up and down measuring him up. "My name is Investigator Jack Thorton. May I help you?"
Snake was taken back at Jack's boldness. His intend was clear. He was ordered to come to the press conference and take care of the problem, and that problem was standing in front of him. However, he was taken back by Jack. He hesitated. Now he had lost his resolve. Snake also noticed two other men walking his way.
Snake took a deep breath and then reached into his coat pocket to retrieve his weapon. Jack notice and went for the man's right arm that was reaching for the gun. When he did, Bill instinctively went for the left arm. With Superintendent Johnson in the middle, he reached for the man's throat. Before Snake knew what happened, he was laying on his back with three men on top of him. They flipped him over and Jack handcuffed him with his hands behind his back.
Jack took a handkerchief out of his pocket and then reached into the man's pocket. He immediately felt the handgun and wrapped the handkerchief around it. He pulled the weapon out and noticed that it was a 9 MM. Bill smiled, knowing this was going to be a big break for them.
Of course, this caught everyone's attention in the room. There were about thirty people standing around watching the event unfold around them. A couple even had their cell phones out taking pictures and videos of the take down.
Before anyone knew it, the troopers that were outside in the lobby to oversee everything came running into the room. They took the cell phones of the individuals who had theirs out for evidence. They took care of the crowd while Jack, Bill, and Superintendent Johnson took care of Snake. They helped him off the ground and began to escort him to the back of the jail where the cells were located.
Elizabeth made eye contact with Jack as he began to walk Snake back. He saw fear in her eyes, and she saw determination in his. She wanted to run to him and wrap her arms around him, but she didn't know if she should with what just happened.
Jack saw the storm of emotions in her eyes and nodded toward Bill. Bill understood and told Jack that he had a couple of minutes, but he was needed to step back in the office as soon as possible. Jack walked over to her, and she stood still. He gave her a smile that was only for her and that melted away everything she just witnessed.
"Are you ok?" She finally asked.
"I am fine. He didn't even get his weapon out of his pocket."
"Weapon?"
He regretted his statement. "Yes, he had a weapon. That was why I was hesitate to have you on stage with me. Henry recognized him and they helped us get to him before it was too late."
Elizabeth nodded.
"I'm sorry Elizabeth, but I have to go back and help get him processed. The press conference will be delayed for a little bit. Please go and check on your family."
"Jack…" she called out before he left.
"Sweetheart, I'm ok. I wasn't in danger."
"No Jack. That's not it. I mean, I am grateful you are ok, but we need to talk about what we were discussing before all of this happened."
As she mentioned that he stiffened a little. He took his eyes off her when he remembered the conversation. "I know, Elizabeth. We do need to talk about everything and we can figure how to slow this down if that is what you want, but I can't right now. I have to go back and do this and then finish the press conference."
"Jack, I love you."
"I love you, Elizabeth."
When he turned to walk away, she wouldn't let go of his hand. She held on like her life depended on it. For her, it did.
"Elizabeth?" Jack asked with a questioning look.
She sighed. "Jack, I want this." She held up her left hand to show the ring.
"I know, sweetheart. We will talk about the time frame later, ok? I really need to go back."
She still wouldn't let go of his hand. If anything, she held on tighter. "Jack, we need to talk."
"Elizabeth, I know. We will talk later. I promise. I can't right now. I must fill out a report on this guy. I don't have a choice. I have to go back now."
"Jack" She was starting to get frustrated. She wanted this fixed now but she couldn't. This was getting out of hand very quickly.
"Elizabeth, I need to go." He looked up and pointed with his chin to show her that Bill was coming in their direction.
She finally let go of his hand and he kissed her on the cheek. "We'll talk about the timing later and slow things down to where you are comfortable. I promise." With that, he turned to walk towards Bill.
It wasn't lost on her that he used her name instead of the many nicknames he had for her. She loved those names. She hated that he had questions and that was her fault. The look of disappointment was evident on his face and that expression was burned in her memory. She was growing frustrated with herself because she placed that disappointment there. She turned and the first person she saw was her father. Her impatience, frustration, and stubborn side boiled over at that moment. In her mind, she saw the person who caused this issue. With a laser focus just like Jack when he approached that man, she straightened her back and walked much taller than she was. She lost account of everyone in the room except her father.
…
On the way back to the booking center of the station, he stopped in his office and told Frank that everything was settled, and he could go out and join Abagail. Frank was grateful no one was hurt.
Jack kneeled down in front of Henry so they were looking eye to eye. Frank stood behind Henry and placed his hands on Henry's shoulders.
"Henry, what you did for me today was very brave. I know you were scared, but you did what you needed to do to make me safe. You are a strong young man. Thank you for your help today."
Henry smiled at Jack's words and then Frank squeezed his shoulders. "Thank you, Investigator Thorton. I am glad you are ok."
"I'm ok because you told us what you knew." Jack gave him a smile and ruffled the hair on top of his head.
The press conference was rescheduled to begin in fifteen minutes. The interview of Snake will take place after the press conference. Two of the state troopers would remain with him to make sure everything would be fine.
…
Elizabeth walked straight to her father and took his hand and pulled him out of the room. She did not give him an option to walk with her or not. She didn't even notice when her mother and sister spoke to her. She was on a mission, and no one was going to derail her.
"Father, I love you and I respect you."
"I feel a but coming…" He started but she cut him off before he could continue.
"Jack and I will get married when we both agree on a date. If that date is tomorrow or next year, that will be our wedding day. I'm sorry if you are having problems with how fast this is, but this is what is going to happen. Jack and I will discuss it and once we agree on a date, we will plan our wedding and you are invited. I was hoping you would give me away. However, if you are not happy for us, I do not expect you to come. I will ask Frank if he will walk me down the aisle to give me away. After our wedding, Jack and I will set up our home. You are invited to visit whenever you want. If or when we have children, I expect you to come and spoil them as much as humanly possible. I think you would be a great grandpa. But if you can't accept this, I will email you pictures so you can keep up with your grandkids that you haven't met. I do not want this type of drama in our life. I will not put up with it."
William was standing there feeling like he was back in sixth grade when Mrs. Williams would give him a stern lecture when he was caught doing something he wasn't supposed too. He tried talking a couple of times but quickly realized Elizabeth would not allow it. He has seen this side of her before but not to this level. So, he stood there and took the tongue lashing his middle daughter was giving him.
"I love Jack and he loves me. I am not a fifteen year old kid who is lost in lovey dovey feelings. This is not a puppy dog love. I am a young lady who has been taught by a good father and good mother to take up for myself, to think for myself, and to know what I want, and then do what I have to do to take it. I will always be your little girl, but father I am not ten. You will have to respect my decisions even if you disagree with them."
With that, she leaned in and kissed his cheek. Then she gave him a hug and turned to go back inside. William stood there with his mouth opened a little. He still had doubts about how fast her relationship was going, but, for the first time, he realized she was her own person. His beautiful little daughter was now a beautiful strong woman.
…
Frank was talking with Abagail and getting her caught up on everything that happened. Julie and Tom were going through the drink and snack collection with Henry so his little ears couldn't hear everything.
Elizabeth walked up to them and gave Abagail a hug. Elizabeth whispered into Abagail's ear, "Thank you sis for kicking my backside."
"Your welcome sis. I was just returning the favor when you kicked mine when I was dragging my feet on the background check for becoming a foster parent."
They smiled at each other knowing this was the kind of friendship that withstood everything. They had each other's back and would do whatever it took for the other person to get what they wanted. They were both thankful for each other.
…
Five minutes after the press conference was rescheduled to start, Superintendent Johnson, Police Chief Bill Avery, and Investigator Jack Thorton walked onto the stage to stand behind the platform. Bill stood behind the microphone and Johnson was to his left and Jack to his right.
Suddenly, Jack felt a small, warm hand fit into his. He didn't have to look to see who it was. He knew who it was. Elizabeth squeezed his hand when Jack looked at her. She gave him a reassuring smile as he intertwined his fingers with hers. Jack still had many questions, but he was grateful for her presence beside him.
"Thank you." Whispered Jack.