Chapter Fifty-Five

"The love of family and the admiration of friends

is much more important than wealth and privilege."

~Charles Kuralt

The next afternoon, Gowen and Pinkerton Richardson were seated in the jailhouse, across the desk form Jack. Neither man looked at Jack. Richardson was fussing with his bandaged right hand that he cradled in his lap. Gowen was staring at the wall to Jack's left, his scowl revealing that he clearly wished to be anywhere but there.

Jack say quietly, was studying the men. He noted their reluctance to make eye contact and anxious body language. "So," he announced, breaking the tense silence, "Both your statements indicate that you both mistakenly went out the back door instead of the front door. You both forgot the plan we'd discussed just two hours before. Is that right?"

Richardson didn't answer, continuing to fiddle with his bandaged 'hand. Gowen nodded, "Yes, Constable. That is what we said. Do you have a problem with that?"

"Yes, I do," Jack answered, anger creeping into his voice. "Your mistake meant that three people were shot and a dangerous criminal nearly escaped. You put the entire town in danger!"

"Don't exaggerate the situation," Gowen countered. "It is the responsibility of you and Inspector Avery to protect and serve Coal Valley. It's not my job nor is it Mr. Richardson's. If this town was in danger it was because you involved us in a poorly devised plan."

Jack's expression showed his fury with Gowen's brazen charge, but he managed to keep his voice even. "Why were you both back inside the mine office? That was never part of the plan. If you went out the back and realized your mistake, then why not come looking for the inspector and I?"

Gowen shifted his focus, squarely meeting Jack's gaze for the first time since Jack had begun his questioning. "Because we chased him back inside after he tried to escape through the back door," Gowen answered in a low, smooth voice.

Richardson's head swiveled to face Gowen, his eyes flashing with surprise at his boss' blatant lie.

Jack was taken back. "Wiley ran out the back door and you two forced him back inside?" he asked, incredulous.

Gowen nodded. Jack looked to Richardson. "That's how it happened?" he asked, watching the Pinkerton's face for his reaction to Gowen's assertion.

Richardson worked to calm his nerves and to make his face unreadable. He nodded but didn't speak.

Jack's eyes narrowed as he studied Gowen and Richardson. Though he was sure they were lying, he had no evidence of that.

"It's all a lie!" Wiley's voice crashed through from the jail cell. "Gowen's a snake! He's been stealing from Pope! And he didn't chase me back inside! He and that Pinkerton busted in and started threatening me."

"Are you going to allow your prisoner to slander me and Mr. Richardson?" Gowen asked disdainfully.

Jack frowned. He slowly pushed himself up from the chair, wincing slightly as the ribs complained about the movement. He moved to the jail cell. "That's enough, Wiley," he admonished. "Quiet down."

Wiley, who was sitting on the bed holding his bandaged arm, frowned. "He's lying!" he insisted to Jack.

Jack shook his head. "Perhaps but you yelling at him is not helping matters," Jack told him.

Wiley released an exasperated sigh and shook his head. Jack walked back to his desk.

"Are you accusing us of lying, Constable?" Gowen asked Jack pointedly.

Jack stood behind his desk but did not sit. "I think I've got a pretty good picture of what happened yesterday," he said. He stared at Gowen, wanting to make it clear that he was well aware of Gowen's deceit.

As Jack and Gowen were exchanging icy stares, the jailhouse door swung open and two Mounties entered. "Constable Jack Thornton?" a middle-aged officer with dark hair asked as he removed his Stetson hat.

"Yes," Jack replied as he stepped around his desk.

"Constable Glenn McTavish," the man offered as he removed his riding gloves and extended his hand.

Jack shook McTavish's hand. Then, he turned to the other Mountie and offered his hand. "Constable David Cooper," the other man said as he shook Jack's hand.

"We understand you have a prisoner that needs to be escorted to trial. Is that correct?" McTavish asked.

"Yes," Jack answered. "Just give me a moment." He turned to Gowen and Richardson. "Thank you for your time. We're done, for now," he told them.

Gowen and Richardson left the jailhouse without saying a word. Jack watched them leave, his face revealing his anger.

That evening, Abigail's Cafe was filled with people for Ann Thornton's farewell supper. Tomorrow, she'd be taking the stagecoach back to Regina, but tonight they all were enjoying Abigail's delicious food and warm fellowship. As the evening wore on, friends began to leave, all wishing Ann a safe journey home and hoping she'd visit Coal Valley again soon. Ann was very gracious and bid them all farewell, though Jack could tell that the party was taking its toll and she was getting tired.

After the last of the partygoers had left, Jack, Elizabeth, Abigail, Bill, and Ann sat around a table, resting after the busy last few days.

"I'm glad so many townspeople came," Abigail remarked. "It shows how much they have enjoyed your visit, Ann."

Ann smiled. "Thank you, Abigail, but I have a feeling it has more to do with their admiration and friendship with my son."

Jack looked over at Ann and began to say something.

"Don't protest, Jack," she advised him. "It's been clear to me since I arrived how much you mean to everyone here. You've really become an important part of this community. Which is exactly as it should be. You are their constable, after all."

Jack nodded. "They are important to me, too," he told her.

Ann nodded and looked at Jack, clearly very proud of him.

"I'm surprised Gowen didn't show up tonight," Bill added. "He usually likes to stick his nose in all these town events."

"Thank goodness he didn't! I don't think anyone would want to socialize with him!" Abigail asserted.

With Gowen's name brought into the conversation, Elizabeth finally asked the question she'd been holding onto for well over a day. She turned to Jack and asked, "Okay, now will you please tell me what happened yesterday? How were you two injured?"

Jack exhaled and looked at Bill, hesitating.

"Jack Thornton," Elizabeth said sharply, pulling Jack's attention back to her. "You told me yesterday we'd talk about it today. You told me this morning we'd talk about it later. It is now later."

He sighed and nodded, realizing she was not going to let this go. "Okay," he began, "we had a plan. But, it seems Gowen decided he didn't like our plan. He had his own plan."

"HIS plan?" Abigail asked, surprised.

"Yeah, HIS plan. Gowen had his own agenda for Wiley," Bill explained.

"Though his story is that he was confused and just made a mistake," Jack added.

Elizabeth scoffed, "I'm sure. Confused? Gowen?"

"Well, anyway," Jack continued. "Long story short, Gowen and Richardson confronted Wiley on their own. Bill burst in on them first, through the front door. Wiley shot him. Then, he shot Richardson. When he tried to run out the back door, I stopped him. I shot him, hitting him in his shoulder, but that didn't seem to faze him. He took a shot at me, but I was able to get away."

"He dove away!" Bill interjected. "I've been meaning to ask you. How'd you know which way to dive?"

Jack shrugged. "Training," he answered plainly. "He was turning to his left. So the bullet would likely go left. I dove to his right. The bullet went past me."

Elizabeth expelled a fearful breath. "Jack!"

"Then," Jack pressed on, attempting to ignore Elizabeth's exclamation. "I ran at him, tackling him from behind. He fell through the doorway, back into the office."

"Where were you?" Abigail asked Bill.

"Still in the doorway, using the door for cover and trying to figure out how to help Jack get Wiley in custody before he shot anyone else," Bill replied.

"He was out of control," Jack explained. "When I hit him, his gun fell out of his hand onto the floor. I was reaching for his arms to pull them behind his back when he suddenly shoved backwards, knocking me into the door frame."

"Oh my goodness!" Elizabeth exclaimed.

"Is that when you broke your ribs?" Ann asked.

Jack nodded. "Must've been," he replied. "The blow knocked the wind out of my lungs and it took me a minute to catch my breath."

Elizabeth reached for his hand and squeezed it. Jack met her gaze and gave her a reassuring smile.

"How did you stop him?" Abigail inquired.

"He reached for his gun and I shot him," Bill answered. "Shot his shooting arm. That finally stopped him."

The group sat in silence for several seconds, mulling the incredible events of yesterday. Finally, Ann broke the silence. "Abigail, thank you so much for that wonderful supper!" she changed the subject. "You have been such a wonderful hostess and friend! How can I ever thank you for your generous hospitality?"

Abigail smiled. "There's no need, Ann. You're family now! You've shared Jack with us and that makes you one of us now. You are welcome any time. I hope you will be able to come visit us, again, soon!"

Ann smiled. "I'd like that," she told Abigail before turning to Elizabeth. "I'd like to tell your students goodbye in the morning. Will that be possible?"

"Of course!" Elizabeth assured her, smiling. "You are most welcome to walk to school with me and see the children as they arrive."

"I'd very much like that," Ann said before turning to her son. "Jack, what time is the stagecoach?"

Jack thought for a second. "Well, it usually rolls in here sometime around midmorning, but could be in the afternoon. Depends on the road conditions and weather. It hasn't been very rainy, so maybe they'll be on time."

"That's plenty of time for me to bid farewell to the students then come back here for a soothing cup of tea before the rough ride," she observed, nodding to Abigail. "But, for now, I need to finish packing and get some rest." She stood and headed for the door.

"Wait!" Elizabeth exclaimed, getting everyone's attention. "Don't go just yet, please!"

Ann looked at Elizabeth, confused. "Why?"

Elizabeth stood and walked into the kitchen. She disappeared from the others' view for just a moment before returning with Jack's guitar in her hand, "Jack, do you think you can play? Even with your broken ribs?"

Jack moved his arms as though he was holding the guitar and strumming it. He didn't wince. "I think so," he replied.

Elizabeth smiled. "Good!" she declared as she handed him the instrument. She looked to Ann. "I thought it might be nice to have some music before you leave. Especially since you were so kind to bring Jack's guitar to him."

Ann was deeply touched by Elizabeth's gesture. "Thank you, Elizabeth. I would love that!"

Jack warmed up, practicing some chords. After a few moments, he stopped and turned to Ann. "What would you like to hear, Ma?"

Ann considered her answer for a few moments. "You know 'My Darling Clementine' has always been a favorite."

Jack's eyes widened with surprise as it had been quite awhile since he'd played that song. He concentrated, trying to remember it. He tentatively began playing. After stumbling over the tune momentarily, Jack began singing the first verse:

"In a cavern, In a canyon,

Excavating for a mine,

Dwelt a miner forty-niner,

And his daughter Clementine.

Oh my darling, Oh my darling,

Oh my darling Clementine,

You are lost and gone forever,

Dreadful sorry Clementine."

Halfway through the others all joined him singing. When they finished that song, Jack looked to Ann. "What's next?"

Ann shook her head. "That was my favorite."

Jack nodded as he looked to Elizabeth. "Any requests?" he asked as he smiled and raised his eyebrows teasingly.

Elizabeth shook her head. "I don't know," she answered with a shrug.

"Shall I play your favorite song?" he asked, suppressing a laugh. He plucked the first few chords of "Cowboy Jack," which he'd played for her the other night and she'd found so sad.

Suddenly, she recognized the tune. "Oh, no! No! Not that sad thing, again!" she chided him.

He laughed out loud. "Okay, okay," he agreed as he changed chords and began playing Amazing Grace. Everyone joined in after the first line.

Bill looked at Abigail. She was singing and watching Jack play. Bill reached for her hand. Instead of clasping his hand, Abigail pulled her hand away and folded her hands in her lap. She continued singing but Bill knew that something was bothering her. Bill's mouth dipped into a frown and he looked at her with concern. She looked away and continued to sing, ignoring him. Bill's frown remained though he rejoined the others singing. They sang-a-long as Jack played guitar for several minutes before Jack announced, "I'm afraid I'm going to have to stop." He rested his guitar against the wall next to him. "My ribs don't seem to like guitar playing, after all."

"Well, I really need to go so I'm ready for the stagecoach tomorrow," Ann said as she stood. "Abigail, I cannot thank you enough for this lovely evening!"

Abigail smiled. "I'm glad you enjoyed it, Ann. I'll see you in the morning."

Ann nodded and headed for the door.

"Ma, I'll walk you back to the saloon," Jack called.

Ann nodded and waited at the door for him.

Jack turned to Elizabeth. "I'll be right back," he told her with a grin.

Elizabeth shook her head and chuckled. "I'm sure."

Jack pushed back from the table and emitted a low groan as he stood.

"Jack?" Elizabeth whispered with concern.

Jack shook his head. "Just the ribs," he mumbled in explanation. "I'm fine, Elizabeth. Few broken ribs won't stop me!" he told her cavalierly.

She smiled and shook her head. "Alright," she conceded.

He walked over to Ann, extended his elbow, and they exited the cafe.

Elizabeth stared at the door for several minutes before she became aware of the heavy silence hanging in the room. She glanced over at Abigail and Bill. She saw that Abigail was pushing the remains of her pie around on her plate as Bill was watching her intently, frowning. Suddenly feeling awkward, Elizabeth stood and excused herself, "I'll start the dishes." She scooped up several dishes and quickly headed to the kitchen.

"Abigail," Bill called for her attention. "Is there something wrong?"

Abigail didn't look up or answer.

"What is it?" Bill asked.

Abigail exhaled sharply. "Why didn't you tell me about Wiley?" she asked, her voice strained.

"Abigail," he began, "I couldn't tell you. It was police business."

"But you were investigating him because he was making unwelcome remarks to me, weren't you? I believe I told you that I could handle him myself," she reminded him.

"As it turned out, he was a dangerous criminal. You couldn't have handled him yourself," Bill corrected.

Abigail's jaw tightened and her eyes narrowed. "I wish you had told me," she said. Realizing that he was about to protest again, she quickly added, "Jack told Elizabeth part of what was going on. He didn't tell her everything but at least he told her something! Knowing something is better than knowing nothing and imagining the worst."

Bill frowned. He hadn't known that Jack had told Elizabeth anything about Wiley. "I'm sorry, Abigail. I'm a Mountie, an investigator. I'm not in the habit of sharing my investigation with others. I usually work by myself and don't have anyone with whom I can confide."

Abigail's expression softened slightly. "I understand that. But, you need to understand that if we are going to make our," she hesitated for a moment before continuing, "our friendship work, then you need to confide in me. I know there are some things you can't tell me. But, please, trust that I won't betray your confidence."

Bill protested, "I know you wouldn't betray my confidence!" He stopped when he realized how loud his voice was. Before continuing he lowered his voice. "Of course I know that, Abigail!"

Abigail nodded. "Then, show me."

He exhaled slowly and reached for her hands. She allowed him to pull her hands into his grasp, though she didn't clasp his hands in return. "I will try. I think I've got a lot to learn about," he fumbled for words for a moment before continuing, using her word, "friendship. I hope you'll be patient with me." He gave her a charming smile.

Her expression softened more and she squeezed his hands. "And I'll, also, be happy to help you learn from your mistakes," she told him with a mild laugh.

Bill laughed, too. "I'm sure you will!"

Author's Notes: Hope you're still enjoying this story! We're moving right along and the final chapter is coming very soon! I really appreciate the story follows, favorites, and reviews! It's very nice to know people are reading and even better that you are enjoying the story. Please write a review if you have a few moments. I noticed that some of you may not be Hearties, yet! If you like my story, I urge you to check out the series, When Calls the Heart, on which it is based. Season One is available for download on iTunes, Netflix, and Amazon Prime. Or DVDs can be purchased from Walmart, Fishflix, Christianbook, and other retailers. Check it out! Season Two starts this Saturday (april 25th) on Hallmark Channel! Less than a week! My goal is to wrap up this story before the premiere. Stay tuned!