Chapter 14

"Molly!" Cecilia gasped, "you gave me such a scare! I was letting my mind wander down a rabbit hole trying to figure out what is going on around here and you took me by surprise. You have no idea how glad I am that it's you."

Carefully she placed the pistol back in the drawer before the other woman saw it, not wanting to admit just how frightened she had become a few moments earlier. "Now, tell me what brings you here at this hour of the night?" Looking up at the clock on the mantelpiece she realised the time was much later than she had thought. She spoke again quickly, trying to hide how flustered she was, "Goodness, it is quite late. I really did get carried away with working."

Closing the door behind her Molly walked across the room, taking Cecilia's hands in hers. "You are shaking, my dear. I am so sorry to have done that to you. Come here and sit on the sofa while I get you a glass of water." She settled the younger woman down before rushing off to the small kitchen at the back of the office, concern on her face at the reaction her sudden appearance had on Cecilia.

"Here, take a sip of this and then some deep breaths," she said softly as she handed over the glass. Then sitting down beside her Molly waited patiently until she could see that steady breathing had returned.

"I am so sorry Molly, you must think me quite a silly woman. I guess I was just so focused on what I was doing that I wasn't taking any notice of anything else. I am fine." Her words said one thing while her voice told that everything was not right.

Molly explained what had been happening regarding Elizabeth and how Bill had asked her to come and stay with Cecilia. "I went to the house first but when you weren't there I had to think of where else I might find you. Of course, I should have thought about this office. I would have been here earlier had I only used my brain!"

"Well, I'm glad you are here now. It is time for me to call it a night anyway, I really shouldn't have stayed working this late. Please don't tell Nathan, he is so protective of me that it will just give him one more thing to worry about." Reaching for her jacket she switched off the last of the lights before locking the door behind her.

In the shadows at the far end of the boardwalk a lone figure watched the two women emerge from the newspaper office, ruing the missed opportunity. A few minutes earlier and everything could have been so different.

The cool night air was refreshing for Cecilia as they walked along in silence, although her heart was heavy with the memories that had just resurfaced. She knew that tonight she would have the nightmares and she prayed that Nathan would be there to hold her. The thought of being alone with it was too much to face.

Molly was also pensive, wondering if there was a way to let Cecilia know that she was here if she needed to talk. There was something hanging over this young woman, something that it seemed even the love of Nathan and Allie had not dispelled. Was it her place to ask, she thought? Or would that be overstepping the boundaries of their new friendship?

Suddenly Cecilia stopped and turned towards Molly, a look of uncertainty on her face. "I know what a good friend you have been to Nathan and the fact that Bill loves you says so much to me. There is a reason why I was so frightened back there, terrified in fact. It is something that I have told few people, an incident that has been like a dark cloud over me for so long, but for some reason I feel it is important for you to know and understand. Would you be willing to listen? It's not a pretty story, I'm afraid."

Reaching out to pull her into a hug Molly could feel the tears spring to the corners of her eyes. It meant a lot that this woman, so special to the people she cared about, was willing to trust her with what was obviously a very troubling tale from her past. "Of course, I am here for you in any way that can help. Shall we make ourselves comfortable at home and then you can take your time telling me what it is that troubles you so much?"

In the shadows the dark figure was pushed back tightly against the wall, listening and wondering just what story Cecilia Grant had to tell.

At the livery Patrick and Walter were unhitching the horses from the wagon while Ed and Harold brought the prisoners down from the back and using rope through their handcuffs tied all three together for the walk across to the jail. The nervousness that these men had shown at the prospect of returning to the warehouse compound had made the Mounties wary and as all four of them had experienced times in the past when following their instincts had been a lifesaver they decided that it would be better to come into town with all the evidence and the prisoners to consult with Superintendent Grant and the Judge as to how they wanted them to proceed, with Walter and Patrick offering to stand guard at the livery for the night.

The warehouse would still be there to check in the morning, especially as they had secured the gate before leaving the area. They had to trust that no-one would stumble across the car until they were able to return to it.

The two dogs had been left tied to a tree in the woodland with a small shelter made from some canvas off the wagon, the untainted meat fed to them and a bowl of water filled from the Mounties' canteens. There would be time later to decide what to do with them but for now they were safe and out of the way and someone would go each day to replenish the water and food until they could be released.

They had waited until dark, hoping that no-one would recognise the wagon and it would just be regarded as another one rumbling around the corner into the livery. They could see that The Little Gem Saloon was quieter than normal, the music and gaiety a little more subdued from the people spilled out onto the benches outside. The Mounties knew that this was because of the game taking place, the relevance of it in this operation having been explained in the messages left at The Mercantile by Bruce and Antoine.

The Detective Service of The RCMP had only been formed a few years and it was already gaining a reputation within the Mounties for changing the way that investigations were carried out. To have Bruce Wilson and Antoine Dupont working on this case, both of them members of that department although assigned to work with Superintendent Grant, was a privilege and something from which the other four experienced Mounties were determined to capitalize.

They each had their own ambitions and knew that they were the envy of many others for being part of this team and having one of the best officers the RCMP had ever produced as their mentor and boss. If nothing else, the desire to make Nathan Grant proud was their greatest motivator. For each of of these men it had been his trust and belief in them that had made them who they were today.

They took a path around the back of the buildings at that end of Main Street , careful to stay out of sight of anyone who may be part of the smuggling operation, "if that is what you would call it", Ed said out loud. The quick search they had carried out on the car and wagon gave little clue to what was really going on.

The wagon was loaded with a small amount of bootleg alcohol, although there was something about the way it was crated that made them think there was more to this than just rum running. The two packages hidden in the trunk of the car contained cash and apart from some ledgers in a case on the rear seat it appeared to be otherwise clear. A thorough strip out in the morning would reveal anything else that may be hidden and would hopefully give some answers. That and a search of the warehouses.

Opening the back door of the Mountie Office, Ed was surprised to see Nathan, Bill and Greg all there. Any joke about them taking it easy died on his lips as he saw the looks of concern on all three faces. "Has something happened?" he quickly asked, looking back at Harold who nodded that he understood and would wait outside.

Stepping into the room he closed the door behind him before proceeding. "We have three men here for questioning, all fleeing what appears to be the deserted warehouse compound. Something strange is going on there as they were decidedly nervous at the mention of going back this evening, which was our original plan. We thought it was wiser to bring everyone and everything here and then go back in the morning to find out the cause of their fear. But I get the feeling that something else has been going on here? We could see the saloon and all seemed to be calm so I am assuming it isn't to do with Bruce and Antoine."

Nathan quickly put the other Mountie at ease. "No, nothing has gone wrong there, as far as we know the game is proceeding as expected although I imagine it won't be too much longer until Bouchard has some sharp words with Bruce about not doing as requested and then Antoine will go ahead as planned." Ed felt relief at that news. There was nothing worse than hearing of a fellow Mountie being in trouble and trying to figure out how to help him.

Nathan continued, "But Elizabeth Bouchard is missing. Why don't you bring in the detainees and get them settled in the cells, then we will update you on everything and work out our next course of action."

Harold, who had been listening at the door, quietly entered, pushing in front of him one of the men while the other two remained tied up to the railing. "This is the one we saw at the warehouse over the past few days, obviously in charge of whatever has been going on there. The other two," he indicated to the men outside, "were on a transport wagon."

Nathan nodded as Greg and Ed moved across to escort the first man towards the cell as he was stubbornly standing his ground. "Come on, it is easier if you go in willingly rather than have a group of Mounties manhandle you." The man acquiesced and the other two were then brought in quickly, Harold ushering them from behind until they were safely in the other cell, where he then uncuffed them.

While Harold remained inside writing up some quick notes on the apprehension of the three men and the impounding of the two vehicles the others stepped out onto the boardwalk so that Ed could update Nathan and Bill on what had happened. While this was happening Greg made his was around to the back of the saloon, ready for his part in the plan that had been agreed upon.

As he listened, Bill couldn't help but think how good a job Nathan had done in choosing the right men for this task. Astute and brave, they all worked together so well to achieve the needed results in a manner that made being a Mountie look easy, something he knew was certainly not the case.

Then there was Nathan Grant himself, comfortable enough in who he was and with faith in the men he had mentored and trained to trust in their judgement, knowing that they had the ability and confidence to make the correct decisions. The way they worked as a team was indicative of how good a leader he really was. Bill's pride in this man he thought of as a son was immeasurable.

Nathan then spoke, telling Ed, who seemed to have become the unofficial head of this small team, about the disappearance of Elizabeth Bouchard. "We have been trying to work out where she would have gone, presuming that she still wants to speak with me as she told Cecilia. My thinking is she is heading out to The Coulthard's house, realising as we did when the children were leaving that it was a place where the least number of people could observe what was going on. I am also certain that she will want to ensure Little Jack's safety before doing anything against Bouchard."

"How do you think she will react when she finds out that he isn't there?" Ed asked.

Nathan's brows knitted together worryingly. "To be honest, I don't know. I have telephoned Lee to warn him that she may be on her way and also asked Minnie and Joseph to meet us there, they seem to have a calming influence on Elizabeth so it could be helpful to have them on hand."

The younger Mountie nodded, aware that his superior officer would do everything he could to treat Elizabeth Bouchard with kindness and respect, no matter what she may have done to him in the past. Not knowing the woman, he had no thought on how she would act but from the little he had heard he had a bad feeling that things were not going to end well for somebody tonight.

In the saloon the game had resumed, although Lucas's concern about what the Australian was doing had not abated even though he had assured him that he was just luring those watching into thinking that things were going one way before he turned the game around.

Gustav stood listening, a little gallic shrug of his shoulders saying that he was not convinced. A feeling in the pit of his stomach told Lucas that this was not good as one or the other of the players would be displeased and that did not augur well for him with the people to whom he answered.

Seated at the blackjack table Antoine watched the clock, waiting as the agreed time to cause a distraction edged closer. This was to give Greg Aldritt the opportunity to get into the back office and try to find some evidence of who was behind what was going on in Hope Valley. They had planned this in the aisle of The Mercantile, during what appeared to be a casual meeting to any outside observer, Ned keeping watch so that they had a few moments to talk.

Whatever he did, it had to be big and it had to give Greg enough time to not be disturbed in his search. Waving the bar girl over for more drinks he made an exaggerated movement with his hand, knocking the half empty bottle on the table onto the lap of the blackjack dealer.

The man jumped up, cursing loudly as Antoine also rose and, in his attempt to help, sent cards flying onto the floor. As the others around the table became involved the shouting grew louder, causing both Lucas and Gustav to come running to find out what was going on. It was at that moment that Antoine briefly caught a flash of Greg's back as he slipped into the office.

With an eye on two doorways, one into the kitchen and the other to the room where the game was being played, Antoine kept the shouting going, biding his time until he knew it had to be taken further. Suddenly he grabbed hold of the dealer and shouted out loud for all to hear, "I'm going to throw you out of here if you don't shut up", as he pushed the man to the ground.

Lucas watched in horror as his normally civilised patrons then threw themselves into the melee, seemingly released from their usual constraints. While he ran a speakeasy saloon here, there had always been a code of conduct that never seemed to be crossed, at least not until the early hours of the morning when liquor got the better of some. Now it was as though pent up frustration between patrons was boiling over the top.

Turning to Gustav he shouted "Run to the Mountie Office, tell Nathan Grant that it is time for them to earn their keep here in Hope Valley!" With that Gustav rushed out the door as Lucas quickly turned back to the room where the game was being held, further horror greeting him as he realised that all the players were packing up, not wanting to be involved in whatever was going on in the main saloon.

"Gentlemen, please! This will be sorted quickly and you will be able to continue as before." His words died on his lips as first one, then the rest of the players pushed past him in their rush to be gone before The Mounties arrived.

Turning to run he was stopped as Bruce reached out to grab his arm. "I know the look of a man who is about to flee Bouchard. Before that there is the little matter of my payment. I would be obliged if you would sort that out before you go."

As Gustav rushed towards the Mountie Office he was concerned to see men in serge disappearing on horseback down the Main Street, before he caught sight of Bill Avery seated on one of the wicker chairs. Rushing forward he spoke quickly, "Bon soiree monsieur le juge, nous avons un problème et j'ai besoin d'un gendarme".

Bill looked up slowly, then waving his hand wildly at the Frenchman he replied. "Speak English, my good man. You are not in France, nor even Quebec for that matter!"

Gustav bristled at the judge's words but continued as requested. "We have a problem. There was a disagreement at The Little Gem Saloon and now all hell has broken loose there. Monsieur Bouchard….Lucas, needs some Mounties to come and sort things out."

Bill sat back a little deeper in his seat, knowing that nothing untoward was going to happen at the saloon while Bruce and Antoine were there and wanting to delay going to sort out the situation until Greg had sufficient time to accomplish his task. "Now then, why don't you sit down here and tell me what is going on?"

Gustav could feel the panic rising inside but scared as he was of the judge he quickly obliged. "There was an accident with a spilled bottle, nothing serious, but you know what men here are like….all that masculine pride, plus liquor, and suddenly everyone is shouting at everyone else."

Bill found it hard to keep his face straight at the description Gustav was giving. Aware of the plan that had been devised between Nathan's men, he had been left sitting here for the very purpose of dealing with it at as leisurely a pace as possible. The fact that it would be driving Lucas Bouchard into a frenzy was an added bonus as he firmly believed that when a person was under pressure they usually made mistakes.

He sat silently for a moment, fingers pressed together as he appeared to be deep in thought. Gustav waited, the light tapping of his foot on the boardwalk indicating his impatience. He had been on the wrong side of Bill Avery before and didn't want a repeat of that, but then he reminded himself that the other people they were dealing with were not going to look favourably on tonight's events.

After what seemed an eternity to Gustav the judge finally nodded, pushing himself up from the chair and quickly saying, "Right, let's go see who the troublemakers are and decide what to do with them".

Gustav was surprised. "Just you? None of the Mounties?", he asked.

Bill gave him his most scornful look. "The fact that you are shaking in your boots just coming to tell me this should answer your question as to why it will just be me," and with a slap on the other man's back he strode off in the direction of the saloon, throwing back over his shoulder "and I am a Mountie!"

Molly added a plate of cookies to the tray with the cups of hot chocolate before heading through to the living room where Cecilia sat waiting, the twisting of her fingers the only sign of the nervousness she was obviously feeling. "Here we go, this will warm us up. I'm quite happy to sit here as long as it takes for you to be ready to talk."

She could see the turmoil in Cecilia's eyes until suddenly, as though driven by a newly found inner strength, she began to speak.

"When the war broke out and Canadian soldiers were sent to Europe I wanted to get over there and report on what was happening. The authorities were reluctant at first to send women to France, in fact they refused to accredit any of us. But there were some of us who were determined, of all nationalities but mainly Australian and British."

Cecilia paused for a moment, gathering herself again before continuing. "Access to the war theatres and reporting conditions for women differed considerably. The most restrictive regime was that set up by the Allies on the Western Front. But I managed to get an assignment in Belgium, working as a war correspondent for The Newspaper Enterprise Association and writing about the human side of the war".

A range of emotions were passing across Cecilia's face as she struggled to continue. "I entered occupied Louvain disguised as a peasant refugee and was the first Canadian journalist to witness the town's burning by the Germans. I escaped and moved around Belgium, passing through German lines, writing my notes on the inside of my blouse, sometimes on my undergarments, before finding a way to smuggle my stories out. Then one day we were betrayed. I and my three male colleagues were arrested and imprisoned by the Germans for spying. It was horrendous".

Again she paused, reaching deep inside to find the strength to go on.

"I was kept in solitude, away from the men, in the dark all the time and treated badly by the guards who took pleasure in threatening all manner of hideous things they were going to do. They appeared at all times, just coming and standing at the entrance watching me. After a while the simple sound of someone unlocking the door terrified me, in fact it still does, as I just sat there and waited, wondering when they would begin. I guess that, by itself, was a way of torturing me."

A deep shudder shook the younger woman. Molly reached out her hand to Cecilia, knowing that there was nothing that she could say at this time but hoping that the reassurance of her touch would enable her to go on.

"I knew that other people were being held there as well but didn't realise that one of them was another woman until I heard her screams across the central compound. It went on at all hours of the day and night, for two or three days and then it stopped. It was at that point that I wondered if I should try to end my own life before the Germans did. Then suddenly one day different guards came and we were released back across into France and behind the Allied lines. I tried to find out who the woman was and what happened to her but was never able to. It haunts me to this day."

A tear fell slowly down Cecilia's cheek and she lowered her head.

Almost in a whisper she continued. "I remember the terror of that time so clearly. Then I feel guilty because a part of me is grateful that they didn't come for me first. What type of person does that make me?"

Molly took a moment before she spoke, careful of the words she chose. "My dear, that is a heavy burden for you to carry and one that is so unjustified. You were not responsible for what happened to her, it was the evil of others. God did not put us here to suffer for other people's actions, regardless of the challenges allocated to us, and believe me we do each receive our own. You must find peace, above everything else, and move on. Live the life you have been blessed with and in so doing you will honour the memory of that poor woman and what she fought and died for."

Taking a deep breath Cecilia nodded, knowing that each time she shared this it was a step forward in overcoming the guilt she felt, yet realising that it was something that would never truly leave her. One day she would write about it, but not quite yet.

As she moved out from the back of The Tipperary, Elizabeth found a comfort in the darkness, the anonymity of being able to move around without being observed suiting her purpose tonight. She was trying to focus her thoughts as she walked, mentally setting in order the different tasks she needed to accomplish so that she could finally put an end to the torment that the actions of others had placed her in for so long.

Stepping carefully around the back of the buildings she made her way across the open ground, a sudden memory of a baseball game with Jack and the school children trying to invade her thoughts. She shook her head to clear it, determined to keep her mind on what she needed to do. This was the moment, when she would be able to end the nightmare and get the life that she should have had. Nothing was going to spoil that.

A figure suddenly appeared out of the shadows, standing in the centre of the path in front of her. No! This wasn't happening, she thought, just when she was so close. Why had he come to Hope Valley? Why now? Deep down she knew the reason why. It never changed.

Holding her head high she walked forward until she was standing just a few feet in front of him. "Hello Charles", she said, "I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you are here again."