A/N Well, here it is, the final chapter that will conclude the Inquiry. I hope that you will enjoy it as much as you did the other two and that justice was served. A special shout out to Chrissy Sengle for the idea of the Superintendent telling Nathan about CV. I don't deal with Lucas in this chapter because I felt like this was Nathan's moment.
Looking at the time, Patrick said, "Mayor Stanton has arranged for a brief repast for us here before we continue with the Inquiry and questioning. May I remind you that all parties must remain inside unless escorted? Please be aware that anything said here pertaining to the case will be monitored. Corporal Williams, will you please note those instructions in the record?"
Gabe and Henry had already taken positions by the door once Wynn revealed the counter-charges, so they opened it up to see Clara, Rosemary, and Amber standing there. Amber had indicated to Henry that she needed a brief word. The others stepped away to give the couple privacy. Hargraves only glanced briefly at the couple before turning back to sifting through all the paperwork to see what was coming, so he missed her pointing to something outside. She whispered a bit more, and then the ladies departed. They watched Henry go over to his father and whisper something in his ear that had the older man glaring at Superintendent Hargraves.
Before long, it was time to resume the proceedings.
"Attention, we will now call this proceeding to order. Corporal Williams, please resume the recording. May I also remind everyone that you are under oath? "Chief Superintendent Delaney, you may proceed with your next witness," Patrick stated.
"Thank you, Superintendent O'Reilly," Wynn said. "I would like to call to the witness stand Judge Bill Avery."
"Judge Avery, were you or Mayor Stanton ever given any information on Corporal Grant's connection to Fort Clay, and if so provide the details?
"I was," Bill said. "It was a few days after Corporal Grant arrived. I received a phone call from Superintendent Hargraves telling me that Corporal Nathan Grant was responsible for Jack Thornton's death. I was informed that Corporal Grant liked ingratiating himself with others for what they could do for him. At the time, I was also cautioned to watch out for Jack Thornton's widow because Nathan would probably seek to take advantage of her for her money."
"Had you or Mayor Stanton inquired about this information out of concern?" Wynn asked.
"No, this information was freely offered," Bill said.
"I see. Tell me, at any time since Nathan Grant has been assigned here, have you had any reason to want to look into his background?" Wynn queried.
"Since Corporal Grant arrived, he has shown himself to be the very definition of what a Mountie should be. There has never been a moment's concern."
"Have you seen any evidence that Corporal Grant has tried to ingratiate himself or get close to Elizabeth Thornton for nefarious reasons?" Wynn asked.
"I have not."
"Have you any reason to believe that Nathan Grant would not fully discharge the duties of his office, perhaps for personal gain?"
Knowing where Wynn was going, Bill gave him a look before answering. "I have no reason to believe that he wouldn't. As proof, I recently required him to take Elizabeth Thornton into custody. During that time, he acted professionally and above reproach at all times and followed standard prisoner protocol with her.
"May I direct everyone's attention to a copy of the completed report and final disposition of that case contained in the discovery packet?" Then he turned back to Bill. "Judge Avery, that was right after she returned from encountering Superintendent Hargraves, correct?"
"Yes, it was," Bill said flatly. "It wouldn't have been necessary otherwise."
"Judge Avery, do you have a prior relationship with Andrew Hargraves?" Wynn asked, trying to get Bill to refocus.
"Yes, when he was at the Academy, I was assigned as his mentor and subsequent training officer," Bill said. The disdain for his former mentee was evident in the tone.
"In your opinion, do you believe Nathan Grant is responsible for the death of Sergeant Jack Thornton?"
"Absolutely not. Given everything that has been discussed, I think it is a travesty that we are even having this inquiry." Bill growled. "You certainly didn't learn any of this from me, Andrew."
"Judge Avery, please refrain from addressing Superintendent Hargraves personally." Patrick cautioned. He saw the Hargraves was starting to squirm and shuffle through his papers, hoping to find something he could use to counter Bill's testimony.
"Unless anyone has anything for Judge Avery, you're excused," Wynn said.
There wasn't a response from Hargraves, so Bill rose to leave but stopped and said, "There was one last thing that Andrew Hargraves said to me."
"What was that?" Wynn queried.
"He stated that Nathan Grant always acted rashly and wasn't to be trusted with important stuff and that he was working to rid the Mounties of Corporal Grant."
Hargraves felt all eyes shift to him, but he refused to look up. He had forgotten what he had said and knew it had been a huge mistake coming here now. What was it about these men that they could garner such loyalty and praise from this town? They were nothing compared to him. Jack Thornton just rode on the coattails of his father, and Grant had to know someone to garner Wynn Delaney which
"Is there anything else you would like to add?" Wynn asked.
"I would. I agree with Elizabeth Thornton's assessments regarding Superintendent Hargraves having a personal agenda. It is my professional and personal opinion that Superintendent Hargraves is abusing his position to the point of harassing Nathan Grant and Jack Thornton's family. After everything I've heard and seen from him, it seems obvious that this inquiry is not about seeking justice or discovering what went wrong. This is strictly a blatant attempt to exact revenge though the reason remains unclear." Bill stated.
"Do you have proof of this?" Wynn asked.
"I do," Bill answered. "A few nights ago, Mayor Stanton and I were on our way to talk with Nathan Grant, who was working late in his office. As we approached the door, I could hear Superintendent Hargraves talking with him."
Hargraves, at this point, started to object but was silenced. "You will have your opportunity, Superintendent Hargraves, to cross-examine this witness," Patrick said. Gabe moved closer to Hargrave while Henry moved to block the entrance as they could see him cast frantic glances towards them and the door.
"Did you hear the conversation?" Wynn asked.
'Oh no, this does not look good for me,' Hargraves thought, trying not to react visibly.
"I did. Upon entering, Superintendent Hargrave said, 'Busy at work doing Mountie business?' The tone could not be considered respectful by a stretch of the imagination. However, Corporal Grant maintained respect during the exchange and said the paperwork wouldn't complete itself. Then he asked if he could help the Superintendent using his title.
"How did Superintendent Hargrave respond?"
"He told him not to get used to sitting at the desk or wearing the Serge because he would have his badge this time. He also stated that Grant would be lucky to get a job anywhere when he was done. Then proceeded to say that he had noticed that Elizabeth Thornton had left after their discussion. This also leads me to feel like it is personal because he seemed to be gloating about her leaving town. His parting words were to enjoy pushing papers while he could before leaving and heading back to the saloon."
"Superintendent Hargraves, do you have a question for this witness?" Patrick asked, seeing that Wynn was finished.
Knowing that they had heard him and that he was quickly losing the case, he declined. At this point, he needed to focus on damage control and thought that by not cross-examining them, he could still get out unscathed though he started calculating whether he could make a run for it as he cast a glance at the door once more.
"You may step down, Judge Avery," Wynn said. "I would like to call Mayor Abigail Stanton at this time."
Abigail stepped forward and corroborated what Bill had said occurred inside Nathan's office that evening. She confirmed that Bill had shared the information with her about Nathan.
Then Henry testified and provided a sworn statement from the newspaper's publisher, who could not travel due to health conditions. It showed that Hargraves was the one whom he met with and leaked the information.
Then Gabe was called to the stand and gave the missing sworn statements of both women and contact information if they were needed. Henry and Gabe also served as character witnesses to Nathan's ability as a partner on various missions. By the time Wynn concluded his case, it was evident that Wynn had ultimately proved his counter-complaint while Hargraves failed on all counts. But formalities had to be preserved.
After Wynn concluded his summation, the three board members retired to Bill's room upstairs to deliberate while Henry, and Gabe remained on guard by the door to prevent Hargraves from slipping out the door. They could see that he was sweating and had to be aware that his reign of terror over Nathan Grant and, by extension, the Thornton's was over.
Before long, they returned with grim faces but not giving anything away.
"After a thorough preponderance of the evidence presented by both sides, It is the decision of this board, by unanimous decision, that Corporal Nathan Grant and Sergeant Jack Thornton be found innocent of any wrongdoing.
"Mrs. Thornton, we are appalled at what you have had to endure, thanks to one of our officers. It was bad enough that he even approached you with the details he gave. But the fact that he chose to do it while at the graveside of your husband, a fallen Mountie brother, is inexcusable and violates the Mountie Code in one of the worst ways. Please accept our apologies and know your voice was heard and will not go unpunished. Though nothing will ever take away the pain you suffered, we hope our decision will give you a sense of justice being served as well as a sense of peace.
"In the case of Corporal Thornton, it is hereby ordered that his full pension and any benefits that had been withheld be restored posthumously and his record cleared of all charges and restored. It is further ordered that the accurate details of his heroism that day be presented to the public as well as the details that have occurred since, including from this Inquiry.
"In the case of Corporal Nathan Grant, it is hereby ordered that his record reflects the outcome of these proceedings and that matters presented here today are recorded, including the two witness statements added to the original arrest report of the Rustlers.
"It is also the order of this board that restitution be made for the error regarding his suspension without pay. All money that would have been paid to him during his suspension is to be paid to him without delay." Sam Collins said.
"Corporal Grant, it is unfortunate that you have been the victim of harassment from those leaders appointed above you. Please be assured that this matter is permanently closed, and your record will be cleared. You are now restored to full duty and are to resume your post immediately," Patrick said.
"In regards to you, Superintendent Hargraves, It is hereby order of this board that you are officially suspended without pay and are under arrest for the crimes committed against Corporal Nathan Grant, Mrs. Jack Thornton, and her son. You will also be charged to the full extent of the law for attempting to mislead this board, interfering in multiple investigations, and dereliction of duty. I suspect that more charges will be added as a deeper investigation ensues. Corporal Grant, would you and Corporal Kinslow escort the prisoner to the waiting Prisoner Transport Wagon that he had the foresight to prearrange for you before the trial?" Sam asked.
"Gladly, sir," Nathan said with a grin as he and Gabe approached Hargraves to relieve him of his sidearms and placed him in cuffs.
As they walked outside, they were observed by a group including Florence and Molly. They had been gathered outside since after lunch, keeping watch on everything. So when they escorted Hargraves outside in cuffs, and Nathan was the one doing it, a cheer rose from the townspeople who bore witness to it. Bill, Elizabeth, and Charlotte weren't far behind, so they were close enough to hear Hargraves trying to find a way to get a few last digs in.
Thankfully Henry and Gabe had already planned on riding along with the Mounties to transport the prisoner, but it put everyone's minds at ease knowing the two Mounties there were honest ones and were known by Henry personally.
"You know, Grant, how do you always land on your feet? Between you and Thornton, I couldn't catch a break. All those years ago, when I switched the orders around so that I could get the orders I was meant to have before Thornton somehow stole them."
"What lies are you trying to spew now, Andrew," Bill said.
"Only that Grant was the original Mountie that should have been here. I came across the assignment folder on Superintendent Marshall's desk for his approval. I was sure I would receive the recommendation for an assignment to Cape Fullerton. Imagine my surprise when the name attached to the assignment was Thornton's while I was assigned to Calgary. I saw Grant had been tapped for Coal Valley and saw an opportunity. So I switched the names around, sending Grant to Calgary and Thornton to Coal Valley while I went to Cape Fullerton.
Thornton ended up in Cape Fullerton anyhow, though he chose to come back here. I can't imagine anything in this town worth giving up Cape Fullerton for," Hargraves sneered as he looked at Elizabeth with boldness. Elizabeth returned his look, unwilling to turn away as she addressed him.
"I guess I owe you a huge thank you then because your actions brought me into contact with two of the best men I know. You know your mistake was underestimating the people of this town and me, sir. After this wagon pulls out of sight, we won't even be giving you another thought, but I'm sure that where you are headed, you will think of us for the rest of your life." Elizabeth said.
He just glared at her as they secured him to the wagon floor and shut the door. As the wagon began to pull away, Elizabeth hollered out. "Enjoy the rest of your day, if you can," Elizabeth turned and embraced Nathan, which is how she caught Lucas lurking with the ever-present teacup. When he raised his cup in way of greeting, she deliberately turned her back on him. The time to deal with him would come later that evening, and she couldn't wait.