Notes: In your kind reviews, some of you expressed concern that Ann didn't work with Sarah. In my mind, Ann is rather "old school." "Old school" in 1910 would mean that students with special needs do not attend school with other students. Therefore, Ann would not be accustomed to working with Sarah (and her need for much of the teacher's attention) and juggling all of the students working on their grade level materials. Ann has some things happening in her life that will be revealed in due course. In the meantime, she needed to walk a mile in Elizabeth's shoes!
I hope you enjoy this chapter. Please consider sending a review to let me know your thoughts. Thanks for reading!

Chapter Twenty-three

"Nothing makes us so lonely as our secrets."
~Paul Tournier

After school was dismissed, Ann gathered all of Elizabeth's materials and books and returned them to the basket. She straightened the slates, chalk, and rags on the front table. She turned toward the chalkboard but was startled by the sound of running feet behind her. She swiveled around and saw Albert running to his table and grab something under it.

"Oh!" she called to him, prompting him to stop short and look at her. "Albert... right?"
He nodded as he looked at Ann through wide eyes.

"Did you forget something?" Ann asked him.

He nodded again and held up a rather large bone.

"Oh my!" Ann cried. "What is that?! How did I miss that being in the room all day?"

Albert shrugged. "Dunno," he answered. "I found it walking in to school this morning. I think it might be from a bear!"

Ann was repulsed and intrigued. "You say you found it?"

Albert nodded. "Yes ma'am. It was under some bushes near the path from the row houses to town. I, also, found this." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a brass object He held it up proudly. "I don't know exactly what it is but I really like it."

Ann's eyes focused on the badge. "May I see that?" she asked, beckoning Albert to come closer.

He moved towards her and held the object out for her. "It's a nice one, isn't it?" he asked.

"Do you mind?" she asked, putting her hand out.

"Okay," Albert obliged as he placed it in her hand.

As Ann studied the badge, she asked Albert, "Oh, would you mind erasing the board for me?"

"Sure," Albert answered as he grabbed the rag from the side of the chalkboard and began erasing the words from the board. He turned around and saw that Ann was still studying the object.

"Do you know what it is?" he asked her.

"I believe I do. It might belong to my son," she told him. "It looks like the badge he wears in his collar. Would you mind if I held on to it and asked him?"

Albert face fell with disappointment that he might lose his treasured find. Ann noted his expression change. "Okay, you hold into it and I'll ask him. If it is his, I'll let you know and you can bring it to him. If it's not, then it's all yours."

Albert's expression brightened a little. He nodded and told her, "Okay."

"Thank you for your help," Ann told him. "Have a nice evening."

Albert nodded, collected his badge and bone, and headed out of the saloon.

Ann grabbed the basket and followed him out of the saloon. She crossed to Abigail's Cafe and went inside. The dining room was empty, as it was late afternoon. She spotted Abigail in the kitchen and walked toward her.

"Afternoon, Abigail," she said as she entered the kitchen.

Abigail swiveled around to face Ann. "Oh, hello, Ann! How was your day at school?"

Ann considered her answer carefully. "It was a successful day. I followed Elizabeth's lessons and the students completed their assignments," she replied. She walked into the sitting room and replaced the basket to where she'd seen Elizabeth retrieve it that morning. When she returned to the kitchen, Abigail was kneading some bread dough. "Would you mind if I prepared myself a cup of tea? she asked.

Abigail shook her head as she continued kneading. "Of course not. Please help yourself! I'd get it for you, but I really want to get this bread in the oven."

Ann replied, "I can certainly make myself a cup of tea!" She gathered a teacup and saucer along with the tea canister. Then, she walked over to the stove to move the kettle over to the eye to warm the water. As she lifted the kettle, she lost her grip and it slammed down on the stovetop with a thunderous noise.

Abigail dropped the dough and spun around. "My goodness! Ann, are you alright?" She scrambled to the stove, righting the kettle and replacing the eyes which had been tossed pell-mell on the stovetop. When she turned around, she saw Ann standing a few steps away, her left hand holding her right. She had look of horror on her face. Abigail crossed to her and placed her hand on her elbow. "Are you okay? Are you hurt" she asked.

Ann stepped back when Abigail touched her. "I'm fine," she answered, though her strident voice revealed otherwise.

"Well, let's get your tea," Abigail offered as she reached for the tea canister.

"You know," Ann began, her voice still a bit shrill, "I didn't realize how tired I am. I think I'll just head back to my room." She didn't look at Abigail. "I'll see you tomorrow. Good night." She turned and headed out of the café.

"But, Ann, what about dinner? You need to eat something?" Abigail called after Ann.

Ann didn't slow or even turn around as she answered, "I'll have some of Mr. Trevoy's coffee and cornbread. Good night!" She opened the door and exited the café.

Abigail stood in the kitchen, her expression a mixture of shock and concern.

Outside, Ann continued toward the saloon at a quick pace. It appeared that every muscle in her face was tense and she was frowning. She was singularly focused on walking to the saloon.

"Ma?"

Her escape to the saloon was interrupted by Jack calling to her as he crossed the street from the jailhouse. She slowed her stride just a bit as Jack fell in step with her. "How was your day?" he asked.

"Alright," she answered succinctly, as she stepped on to the saloon porch.

Jack reached for the doorknob and opened the door for his mother. "Ma, Elizabeth and I would like to have dinner with you. She doesn't have her voice back, yet. Maybe we could have dinner tomorrow night, if she gets her voice back. Okay?" he asked her as they stepped into the saloon.

Ann stopped walking and looked at Jack. She shook her head as she replied, "I don't know, Jack. I'm very tired right now. Can we talk about this tomorrow?"

Jack's expression clouded, a mixture of frustration and concern. "Ma, are you alright?"

"Of course," Ann answered quickly. "I'm just tired."

Jack sighed with frustration as Ann started to move toward the stairs. "Uh, Ma?" he inquired.

Ann stopped and looked up at him, her expression severe.

"Elizabeth really wants to get back to her students, but I don't think she'll have her voice back completely by tomorrow. She's probably going to insist on going back to work, anyway. Would you be willing to work with her? Maybe you could be her voice?"

Ann's eyes widened and her mouth fell open. "Oh, Jack, I don't know..." she began.

"Please, Ma," he interjected. "I know her. She's pretty stubborn and she wants to get back to her class. Please? Please help her," he pleaded.

Ann closed her eyes and exhaled. "Alright," she told Jack as she opened her eyes. "But only if she is still hoarse. Now, I'm going upstairs and I'll see you tomorrow." She turned on heel and headed for the stairs. Then, she stopped suddenly, turned back around, and asked, "Jack, have you lost one of your badges?"

Jack, confused by the question, repeated, "Lost one of my badges?"

Ann nodded. "Yes, one of the students found what looked to me like a Mountie's collar badge. You haven't lost one?"

Jack reached up and checked his collar. Both badges were there. "No, ma'am," he told her.

Ann shook her head. "Well, I wonder where that badge came from?" she mused.

"Who found it?" Jack asked.

"Ummm, Albert," Ann answered.

"Did he say where he found it?" he queried.

Ann thought for a moment before replying, "I think he said it was under a bush near the path to town."

Jack nodded and considered that for a moment. "Okay, I'll talk with Albert tomorrow."

Ann turned and began to climb the stairs.

"Ma?" Jack called, prompting her to stop and look over her shoulder. "Thanks for agreeing to help Elizabeth!" he said, smiling.

Ann gave him a half nod before ascending the stairs.

Jack watched her until she disappeared down the hall, his face filled with concern. Then, he turned and spotted Trevoy at the bar. "Hey, Tom. How are you?" he asked as he walked over to the bar.

Trevoy looked up. "Well, my earnings are still going downhill," Tom almost growled. "Any idea who's robbing me blind, Jack?"

"I'm working on that, Tom," Jack assured him. "Tell me about the new barkeeper you have. Allen? Where'd he come from?"

"Yeah. Edmond Allen. He said he came here from back east. He's heading west to work for his uncle," Trevoy answered. "Do you think it's him?"

"I'm not sure," Jack told him. "I'm still investigating. He didn't say where he was from back east?"

Trevoy shook his head and frowned. "No. He, uh..., he said something about working at his uncle's saloon when he was back east."

Jack's eyebrows shot upwards. "He's got a lot of uncles, doesn't he?"

"I hadn't thought about that," Trevoy admitted. "You know, he did say something about being in school in Regina."

"Saskatchewan?" Jack asked, surprised.

"Guess so," Trevoy said.

Jack looked away, contemplating the situation.

"Jack, you will let me know if I should be concerned about one of my employees?" Trevoy questioned.

Jack nodded. "Of course," he agreed. "But, honestly, you should be keeping a close eye on everyone."

"Agreed. Will you be back later?" Trevoy asked.

Jack nodded as he headed for the door. "I'll see you later."