The Thornton Trust
Chapter 2:
Constable Thomas Thornton
Author's Note: WOW! I have four reviews for my story already! Thank you so much! I am touched by all your words.
I know that this may not make sense to some with the Thornton's in Hamilton...but have faith that I will make the connection and it will be satisfactory to everyone who reads this, I hope!
Jack and Tom were ready for school. Their ma who had been giving them lessons since they were four and two, helped them with their coats. She kissed them both on the cheek and Jack led Tom out the door.
On their way, Jack and Tom saw the girl they had met the other day. She smiled at them as they walked passed her window. She looked like a bird in a guilded cage.
'She must have a tutor.' Jack thought a little saddened for her. 'I sure am glad, that my ma is having us try out our new school. This will be a welcome change from being at home with ma all day long and then all night.' Jack continued on his way, pulling Tom along.
The girl watched the two boys walk away and was crestfallen. She longed to be going to school with them. She felt cheated somehow. Her ma would brook no oposition. She was ready for her daughters to learn the finer things in life and they were ready to run for the hills. At least, she and her younger sister, Julie were. Viola on the other hand, seemed to be keen on learning about etiquette and high society social events and boys and parties and boys.
"Elizabeth Anne Thatcher! Come at once. You are expected in the library for your allocution lessons!" William Thatcher bellowed.
"Yes, father. I'm coming!" Elizabeth called out dejectedly. She put on a brave face and plodded towards the dreaded allocution lessons.
Several weeks went by and Tom Thornton was settling into his new post with ease. He was ready to take on the cases thrown his way. He suspected that Constable Clive Houston was just trying to discourage him from staying, but that only bolstered Tom Thornton's resolve to show him that he was the Mountie for the job.
Constable Tom Thornton made his way to the first string of homes effected by the suspect. He knocked on the door of a young widow who had given every last cent to the man who claimed to be able to get her the house she wanted. One with three rooms so that she and her two kids could have the room they needed to grow in comfort. She had lost her husband in a boating accident. She was scraping by just barely. When the man had come to claim that he could save her and her family, she jumped on the promises that this man was professing.
In the parlor of Mrs. Constance Hemmings, Constable Tom Thornton sat waiting for her to bring him his tea that she offered upon his arrival.
"Thank you for seeing me, Mrs. Hemmings. I do apologize for the nature of this visit, but I have a few questions for you."
"Of course, Constable. Anything I can do to help. Please know that I have been hoping that someone would come talk to me about this. I don't know why no one has come to ask me what happened. It was six weeks ago." Constance trailed off.
"I understand, Ma'am." Constable Thornton reached out and rested his hand on hers for a moment.
"This man came to see me. He was dressed in fine clothes and he had a ready smile. He seemed to have the answers I needed to help save my family. We were in great need of a bigger house, one with land attatched so we could hold farm animals to help us out. My children were excited about the prospect as the man painted a marvelous picture of their future." Constance explained.
Contsable Tom Thornton listened at length to the widows story and took notes. He excused himself after greeting the children who came down to see the man in red serge. He took his leave and continued on to the other four homes that were affected by the man's promises to make their lives better. He grew angrier with each new tale of woe. He left each house with new determination to solve this case.
Back at the Mounted Police Headquarters...
He spent every waking moment on the cases and interviewed several of the victims which linked to one common thread...they had all been duped by someone who had promised to make their dreams come true. Each one had their life savings taken from them and the odd thing was that their money had been replaced with phony bills. No one knew until it was too late. The perpetraitor was at large and everyone looked to the Mounties to solve the case. Constable Tom Thornton finally cleaned up his desk and decided to take his work home with him. He walked down the street, several blocks to the rooms he shared with his family. He was ready for some quality time with his boys and his wonderful, loving wife!
"Good evening, Char!" Tom called out as he opened the door. Charlotte Thornton turned from her place in front of the stove and beamed brightly.
"Tom! I'm glad you are back. Your boys have missed you and I am busy getting dinner ready." Charlotte turned back to the stove.
Tom took that to mean that she couldn't step away so he went up to her, wrapping his arms around her waist. He nestled his chin into her neck and kissed her skin. He relished in the feel of this woman in his arms. After his long day, he just wanted to hold her and then play with his boys until bed time. At length, he released her and went to the boys' room.
"Hello Jack! How's my favorite older son?" Tom smiled down at Jack, who had snuck his hat from the hook by the door. "Or should I say, 'Constable Jack Thornton!'" Tom saluted his son.
"Yes, sir. I'm Constable Jack Thornton and this here is my prisoner, Connor Horton." Jack indicated Tom, who was wearing an old shirt of Tom's with a belt wrapped around his head. His shirt was dirty, indicating that he was a vagrant and was caught stealing.
Tom laughed at his sons' imagination and joined them in their 'Mountie game'.
Author's Note: This is a short chapter on purpose...I hope you enjoy this story...Stay tuned to see how I connect the dots regarding Tom Thornton and his family. Will they find true happiness in Hamilton?