Chapter 35

The previous night had been full of revelry in the town as the birth of baby Nate was celebrated. Somehow his arrival seemed like a sign, the start of a new chapter in the life of Hope Valley and something that everyone liked to think Jack had given them all as his parting gift. Those involved in the baby's delivery had finally managed to get some sleep with Maggie and Abigail sharing the care of Faith, while Eileen and Cecilia looked after the baby. Whilst the surgery had gone well there was still the danger of puerperal fever, for a long time the cause of death for many mothers after a caesarean section and Mathew's greatest concern for his wife, and so preventing infection was something that needed to be carefully controlled.

Faith was besotted with her son, as new mothers are, and although unable to do anything but feed him with assistance she anxiously watched as he was cared for by the others, not wanting to miss any part of this new life they had created. She was the perfect patient as she knew the risks to herself so was determined to do everything she needed to make sure she was there for him.

Sitting at a table in the cafe earlier as they shared in the joy, Nathan and Fiona had a long discussion about the changes happening around them and he told her that as far as he could see there was no reason for her to put off making her suggestion. So this morning before her nerves failed her Fiona had walked across to the Judges Office to see if Bill had a few minutes to speak with her. No matter how much she had rehearsed what she needed to say, when the time came she still found herself nervous. Peering around the door as she entered she spotted him at his desk, his head down studying some papers in front of him. "Bill, do you have a moment?" she quietly asked.

As soon as he looked up she continued, not wanting to give her courage time to fail. She had remained standing just inside the door, having made sure that none of the Mounties were there. "I know how busy you have been working on this case and how lucky we are to have you here alongside Nathan. So of course I also realise that it is taking up a huge amount of your time and that other things have to take a back seat. But there are matters that need to be done here right now." She began to pace, her uncertainty showing on her face. Would Bill be offended and think she was criticizing him? Or would he think that because of her incident with Lucas she was not a stable enough person?

Bill sat back in his chair, watching the struggle in front of him and when her hands twisted one time too often he spoke up. "Fiona, I have no idea why you are so nervous but let me just say a few things that may make it easier for you. I too have been thinking about what needs to be done in the immediate future for Hope Valley." He stood up and moved around the desk to take up a position leaning against it, hoping that his relaxed stance would put her more at ease. Then he continued. "One of the priorities is to appoint an interim mayor until we are in a position to hold an election. Along with getting all the town's services back in place that person's responsibility will be the setting up of the home for the refugees at The Tipperary. It's not going to be an easy job and so I have given considerable thought to who would be the right person to do it."

He paused, choosing his words carefully. "There will be difficult times, moments when it can all seem too much as you have to deal with the negativity that is bound to come. A lot of people are still carrying the hurt of the past with them and so they have to know that their mayor has felt that pain too. That they are understood." Fiona had moved away from the door now and as Bill paused she began to speak. "That's what I came to say…"

He interrupted her again, "I know and I understand how difficult it is for you to put yourself forward like this. I have one question I need you to answer and if I am satisfied then I would like to recommend to the Town Council that you be appointed as Mayor of Hope Valley." Looking back at him she took a deep breath and nodded. "That seems fair, what is the question?"

Bill pushed himself up off the desk and walked across, stopping just in front of her. Before he spoke he took both her hands in his. He could feel a nervousness running through her and so he gave them a slight squeeze. "Are you doing this for yourself or because you think you owe it to Mike's memory?"

Nathan had spent the morning out at the warehouses catching up with the progress of the previous few days. It was a grim atmosphere, all that they had found during the dig at the back of the site now laid out and logged in the front building. A pattern had clearly emerged indicating that the youngest and oldest, most likely the weakest amongst the people being trafficked, had either succumbed to the hardship of the journey or been deemed too much trouble and their sad lives had come to an end here.

Walter and Patrick, who were the two most devoutly Christian amongst his men, had overseen the task with care and respect, offering prayers for each of the poor souls discovered even though they hadn't shared the same religious beliefs. Every one of God's children was precious in their eyes and with each new finding they vowed they wouldn't stop until they had brought those responsible to justice. In most other men this zealousness could have been worrying but knowing their backgrounds Nathan understood what drove them and how important it was for them to see this investigation to its conclusion.

For Patrick it was the knowledge of what his forefathers had suffered during the Great Hunger, or "an Drochshaol" as it was called in the part of Ireland they had called home. It had driven his great-grandparents and many others to make the hard decision to leave the country they loved rather than watch more of their children die. His understanding of what these poor Chinese people had gone through was founded on his family's stories of the injustices that had been perpetrated by the absentee landowners on an Irish population that was already suffering because of the potato blight affecting so much of Europe.

The Highland Clearances in Scotland were the cause of Walter's great-grandparents leaving behind everything they had known to cross the ocean to a new life. With their farming existence gone and nothing else on offer to ward off poverty and starvation they had no choice but to accept when their landowner chose them as tenants for whom he was willing to pay the cost to emigrate. They had arrived in New York first but soon realised that was not the right place for them so when his great-grandfather's brother wrote of the town where they had settled in Canada and how it reminded him a little of home they had made the journey north hoping that a better future lay ahead in a country of which they knew very little.

Both of these men had grown up with the struggle of desperation and displacement as an integral part of their being. It was why they had recognised the emptiness in the eyes of the Chinese refugees, the fear of the unknown, of not belonging, and the longing for what they had left behind as they had seen that same look on the faces of their own families all their lives.

Nathan was proud of all his men. Each brought with them a history that made them fiercely determined and yet vulnerable, something he tried hard to manage as he also knew how much the past could shape the way one dealt with the situations faced in their job. It was about using those feelings in the right way and knowing when to step away from something you couldn't handle alone and ask for help. At some point each of them had done that and become better men for it.

That Gabe had made a breakthrough yesterday when he was questioning Lucas was the boost they all needed right now. It had been decided that the best approach was to steer the interrogation away from his mother and towards the other investigations, specifically the people smuggling. At the mention of the warehouse Lucas jumped in, as though he had been waiting to plead his innocence on this one thing in the hope that everything else would be forgotten. That he had both been part of the smuggling operation was not denied by him and he explained how the serious gambling debt he was in with Shue Moy's mob had enabled them to force him into setting up the storage facility and The Tipperary. That his mother brokered the deal was the confirmation they needed of the connection between Helen Bouchard and the gangsters but it became clear that they had not been part of the worst of the crimes, although no-one considered ignorance to be any excuse in this case.

Then Lucas began speaking about Mei Sou, the bitterness in his voice so clear that Gabe was surprised. Had they not been lovers? He wondered if Lucas knew she was dead or had he been responsible for her murder. There was something in the man's manner that made Gabe realise this was a line of questioning he needed to explore further. "It was my understanding that you were in a relationship with the Chinese woman Mei Sou," he probed, trying to gauge his reaction. He could see Lucas struggling to control his emotions before finally replying. "At one time that was my understanding too but it appears that the whore was just using me on behalf of her real lover. I will tell you everything I know about her and him but first I want to speak to Nathan Grant about a deal".

The message was relayed back to Nathan who decided that, aside from being too tired to be able to negotiate properly with Bouchard just then, it would do the man good to wait and wonder just what would be offered. He also needed to discuss this with his superiors as there was no way that any of them wanted to see the criminal escape punishment.

In the meantime, all of the information gathered so far had been passed on to the Mounties in Benson Hills where the gang members from The Tipperary were being held for questioning and to Vancouver where a continuing investigation into the Chinese mobster was being carried out. The more links that could be found to Rocco Perry's organization in Hamilton then the easier it would be to tie all of the crimes together.

For now the feeling of joy that had spread throughout the town with the arrival of baby Nate had been tempered as word filtered out of the poor people who had perished right here while none of them were aware of what was going on. Yes there had been signs of illegal activity out at the storage facility but it had been easier to focus on their own troubles and not think of what may actually be happening. As more news of the horror hit the people of Hope Valley they were reminded once more of how important it was to come together as a community and ensure that nothing like this happened again. So when Bill called an extraordinary meeting of the Town Council that evening there was unanimous agreement to his proposal, without a question being asked. Fiona Miller was now the interim Mayor of Hope Valley.

Surprised with the ease of the decision but delighted to get the town's approval, Fiona didn't want to waste any time in asking people to be involved in planning out the direction Hope Valley was going to take. The first thing on the agenda was the refurbishment of The Tipperary so that it was ready for when the Chinese people were able to leave the hospital. She was meeting with Bill tomorrow to discuss his plans and how they would deal with the regulations to enable the refugees to stay here while their applications were processed. With the backing of Thatcher Shipping they could see no reason for any to be refused.

After her endorsement from the town council she had walked across to the office of The Valley Voice with the faint hope that Rosemary would still be there and was surprised to find not only her but also Cecilia Grant and Eileen Handsworth. The three women were having what appeared to be a serious but surprisingly friendly chat and motioned for her to come in when she paused outside the door. "Fiona, just the person we want to see. Come in and sit down with us." Rosemary called out as she entered.

"I don't want to disturb you ladies if you are busy. I could come back in the morning," she quickly replied, not sure that she wanted to have her first discussion with them in the presence of this other woman about whom she had mixed feelings. Eileen obviously read the look on Fiona's face and stood to leave, quietly saying "I don't want to be in the way if it's a problem for Miss Miller."

Horrified that her thoughts were so clear on her face Fiona hastened to reassure her that she didn't need to go, while Rosemary and Cecilia watched with interest the interaction between the two women. This would be a good test and, if it worked, a positive way to change the attitudes of some less than agreeable people in the town. As Fiona took a seat at the table it was Cecilia who spoke. "Actually, we were just talking about you and what we could do to help you with what we all know is a big task you have undertaken."

Still uncertain about the other woman's presence Fiona turned towards Rosemary. "Actually, that is what I came to speak to you about. I was wondering if you would do an article in The Valley Voice for me. I want to get as many people as possible involved in the future of Hope Valley, let them know that their voices will be heard and that what they think matters. I'm not going to promise that everyone will be happy with all that is decided but at least they will have had the opportunity for good honest discussion on it all." Rosemary smiled. When Bill had asked her what she thought about Fiona being appointed acting Mayor she had been in full support, knowing that finally a corner had been turned for the young woman. She would always mourn Mike but now she was looking forward rather than back, with so much positive energy to give to the future of this town.

That there appeared to be a growing relationship between her and one of the Mounties was just what she deserved and from what Nathan had told them about Ed Harter she believed he would be there to support her all the way. That bright ray of sunshine who had arrived in Hope Valley full of courage and determination hadn't gone away and Rosemary had no doubt that she was exactly who they all needed. "We have just discussed that. We would like to write an article about you, for those who don't know just how clever a person you are. I do believe that being mayor of a town is no different to running a business and we need to highlight the experience you have had with that."

Fiona gave a nervous laugh, "I'm not sure anyone would think I did very well with the oil business, although I suppose on reflection I can now see that Lucas undermined me at every stage. I guess it was either part of some long term plan of his or he was just not very good at it himself." Rosemary patted her hand, knowing how hard Fiona had tried to keep Gowan Oil afloat but it had definitely seemed that Lucas was hellbent on destroying everything that she, and Henry before her, had attempted to do. "Don't you worry about that Fiona, we all know the truth of what happened and I have no doubt there will be more to emerge by the time Nathan and Bill have finished questioning him."

Finally Fiona could feel herself relax, grateful for the support she was already receiving from so many people in the town. "In answer to your suggestion, yes I would be happy to have such an article written. I want everyone to know me and feel that they can reach out about anything that concerns them." Giving a little tap on the table in front of her, Rosemary nodded. "Good. We have agreed that Cecilia would be the best person to write that. You have many similar characteristics, both modern forward thinking women with experience of the world and I think she would best capture the true essence of who you are." Fiona didn't know what to say. Without taking anything away from Rosemary, to have someone of Cecilia's standing as a journalist write the article was both flattering and exciting. "I would like that very much. Just tell me what you need from me." Cecilia was pleased to see a little weight lifted off the shoulders of their new mayor, as though she was just realising for the first time that she really could do this. "I think we should get together as soon as possible so that we can get the article out. If you are free tomorrow perhaps you could come to the house, I can do some lunch for us and we would not be disturbed."

Happy to have that sorted Rosemary began to speak again. "Then we need to write about what you have planned for Hope Valley. I know that it is early days and this will be a developing situation so I think we should shadow you and keep people informed. I was thinking of maybe a regular column to explain what you are doing." Again Fiona was surprised that this had obviously been given quite some thought by the women here. "I think that sounds wonderful, Rosemary, it will make people feel that they are involved in everything as it is happening. But will you have time to meet with me so much?" Rosemary paused for a moment before answering. "Actually, I wasn't planning on doing the column, we thought Eileen could write it."

Knowing the attitude that this woman had expressed in her own publication Fiona wasn't quite sure how to react. Instead of speaking she merely indicated for Rosemary to continue but it was Eileen herself who spoke next. "I can understand if you don't want me involved in this Miss Miller. There is a lot that I have written in the past that I now regret and I could spend a long time here trying to make you understand why I have acted in this way. Can I just say that out of the near tragedy of Dr Carter's labour came a different blessing to the birth of their son. For the first time I was able to see the truth about something on which I had allowed myself to be misled by others even more ignorant than myself. I make no excuses but would hope that maybe I can give you a little understanding of what brought me to be like that."

She waited for a moment, not sure whether to go on until Fiona nodded. "My husband died not long after we moved here and the unfairness of it left me so angry and bitter, the situation eventually becoming so bad that my children no longer wanted to be around me, even though they don't live far. I blamed everyone but myself for my loneliness, looking for enemies in every corner of my life, and channelled so much of my hatred into what I wrote. The simple fact is that I was not a nice person." Neither Rosemary nor Cecilia spoke, leaving Eileen to continue directing her words towards Fiona as they knew it was important for her to hear what they had already been told. "I had been a midwife before we moved here but Edward didn't want me to work anymore. He had come into some money and planned a quiet life for us, living on our smallholding and keeping to ourselves. It never occurred to him to ask me if that was what I wanted."

Fiona could feel herself softening towards the older woman, the sincerity in her voice clear to hear. "So you started publishing The Plain Speak?" she asked. The woman nodded. "You have to understand that Hope Valley was not the easiest place to settle at that time and I was very much limited to hearing about the town from those around me, many of them disgruntled by the feeling that they were being forgotten. I had always wanted to write so thought that perhaps this was the plan God had for me here, to give a voice to their feelings. I can't believe how wrong I was."

Finally the emotion she had been holding back became too much for Eileen and she dropped her head into her hands. The other women waited, giving her time to compose herself and continue. "I am so sorry. It was spending time in the hospital hearing the stories of those poor people and seeing who they really are that made me view things differently. That and the kindness and understanding shown by everyone there and then here with these two ladies. They didn't judge me, which I know I deserved as that is what I had been doing to others. Instead they showed me there was a way out of the misery that had engulfed me for so long."

It took a lot of courage to be as honest as this, Fiona thought. Someone who could do that could be the right person to help open the eyes of others whose prejudices would make them oppose the plans they had for the Chinese refugees. It would also give those making the decisions an understanding of why some parts of the community had felt excluded, something that was just as important for them to deal with if they wanted to see all of Hope Valley prosper. She wanted to know and understand this woman more but for now it was enough to accept that reaching out with kindness was perhaps the most important step she could take as mayor. When Bill had asked her why she wanted to do this job she had been honest in her answer, it was for both reasons he had stated. She wanted to make a difference and she was determined that in everything she did as mayor she would strive to make Mike proud of her.

"I think we should give this a go, see how well we work together. But I must ask, are you not interested in going back to being a midwife now that the town is more settled? The expression on Eileen's face changed and Fiona wondered if she had said something wrong. "I'm sorry, should I not have asked that!"

Rosemary quickly spoke, "I don't think Dr Walter was meaning our new mayor when he asked you not to discuss it with everyone just yet." Eileen then nodded to Fiona, in response to her question. "Yes I am and I have agreed to take on the role. But it is not a full time job as there are not that many young families here at present. So it was decided that there is no reason why I can't do both. As long as everyone is happy that when I am needed at the hospital that must take priority." Finally Fiona's face broke out in a big smile. "I think that is just fine. What a wonderful start this is to my time as mayor. So much positivity. We just need to spread this feeling around the whole community, and we will, as long as we can all work together."

Looking at the faces around the table she took strength from knowing that there was more good than bad in this town and as long as she had people like these women by her side then she was confident they would find their way. She reached out to take the hands of the women around her, "I hope you are all ready for this journey we are about to take, it is going to be a bumpy ride at times."

There was something about Andrew Hargreaves that Greg Aldritt could not fathom. He had read his file thoroughly a number of times, surprised that someone who had been touted as a potential shining star when he left the academy had ended up like this. Somewhere along the way things had changed and it was knowing exactly what had happened that would give him the understanding of why subsequent events had then unfolded. One name in the file stood out to him. A man who had personally mentored Greg himself in his cadet days. He was older now, retired to an apartment in Union City having lost both his wife and only daughter some years earlier. Perhaps a telephone call to him would help fill in the information that Greg was certain had been left out on purpose. There was certainly more to Andrew Hargreaves' past than what was written in front of him.

He could see the superintendent across the other side of the room, his expression clearly showing that the conversation he was having with Mountie Headquarters was not going the way he wished. Finally he put down the receiver and turned away towards the window, his head down as he was obviously thinking through what his options were. It was never an easy position to be placed in. Every Mountie wanted to see just punishment for those who had committed a crime but sometimes that didn't happen. If doing a deal with even the most despicable of people would help them capture the bigger criminals it was hard to know what to do. Whatever the rights or wrongs, there was always an element of selling one's soul in these moments.

Greg wondered whether he should approach his boss and see if there was any way he could help him. Sometimes just expressing your frustration about a situation was all that was needed, in other instances nothing could make up for the anger you felt when forced to do a deal with someone you had spent so much time gathering evidence against for their arrest. It was clear that Nathan Grant was having to wrangle with those emotions right now and it was a position that none of his men envied. Whatever the instructions were, he knew that the superintendent would do what was right for the bigger operation, no matter how great his dislike for Lucas Bouchard. To Greg, the fact that they were clearing out the lowlifes from Hope Valley was an equally important thing. He had listened to the concerns of the citizens, to their stories of how bad it had been without a proper Mountie presence in recent years and how happy they were that at last the men in red serge were back on the streets of their town.

Selfishly he wanted to familiarise himself with everything and everyone, his hope that he would be able to stay always at the forefront of his mind. His thoughts turned to Cat Montgomery and how in such a short time, and despite the difficult circumstances, she had brought a light to his life that he hadn't realised was missing. The depth of feeling he had for her was something he had never experienced before. He had seen other women over the years but never anything that lasted and certainly nothing that gave him the joy he felt in being with Cat. They had spoken of the possibility of him staying here in Hope Valley, neither wanting to count on it too much but determined to do everything they could to put him in the running for the position when it was being appointed.

He hadn't said anything to her but he had decided that if he didn't get chosen then he would leave the Mounties. After this length of service it was time for him to have a life for himself and it was with Cat that he hoped to share it. He had other skills, he just had to find the right way to use them. Once things settled down here there would be the matter of what was now The Little Gem saloon. A town this size needed a good hotel. Not a drinking and gambling establishment but somewhere families could meet for celebrations, where out of town businessmen could stay in comfort, a place for all of the community to gather. Perhaps that was something he should look at?

His attention was brought back to the present as he saw Nathan lift his hat and serge down from the wall, a determined look on his face as he nodded to his men and headed out the door. Had he decided, Greg wondered? If he knew anything about his boss he would be going to seek the counsel of the two men he trusted the most before announcing what was to happen. He encouraged his team to work together and always value other's opinions as he believed that two heads were always better than one in any situation. Suddenly the door opened again and Nathan walked back in, looking across at Greg. "I'd like you to come with me for a while, I think you should be part of deciding what is going to happen."

At the other side of the room Ed Harter looked up, aware of what was unfolding before him. He wanted to stay here in Hope Valley more than anything but he understood that Greg not only had superiority over him for any position but that he also deserved this opportunity more than anyone Ed knew. The man had done his duty following orders that took him wherever the Mounties needed him most and now perhaps it was time he had the chance to settle down. Fiona's sweet face was always there before him and he wondered how he would know what was the right thing to do. Not only did he not want to leave her, right now she needed his love and support more than anything else as she faced the difficult task of leading Hope Valley forward.

It had been obvious that he had been given duties that allowed him to spend more time with her, presumably so that they could properly explore their feelings towards each other and he could decide where his future lay. Would Nathan have done that if he wasn't thinking of the possibility of Ed staying in Hope Valley? Perhaps it was not a foregone conclusion that Greg Aldritt would be the new Mountie here after all.

In Bill's office there was a sense of calm for a change as the judge caught up on the matters that had been pushed to the side because of the investigation. Any urgent judicial work had either been dealt with as he went or handed over to the judge in Benson Hills, once it was determined that he was on the up and up. While there had been no indication that any of the judiciary were corrupt, it had been decided that all should be checked out to be certain. Fortunately, Judge Fellows had passed the test.

For now Bill was busy writing up his notes on what needed to be done regarding the status of the Chinese refugees and how they should deal with the immigration rules that would be imposed on them as soon as they were able to leave the hospital. After already offering him invaluable advice, he was pleased that Sam Madison had now agreed to come through to help him represent all these people, William Thatcher once again being the benefactor when it came to any costs. After helping the Hope Valley widows win their battle with the Mine Company, Sam had gone on to establish a successful practice in Union City but had remained in contact with Bill, particularly as a great source of information over recent years regarding the town's legal standing against what was happening.

Now, there was a formidable woman, he thought! As brilliant as she was beautiful, Bill had always admired the uncomplicated way she went about her business. With a kind and gentle manner she put her clients at ease, while at the same time her ferocious take down of prosecutors had become legendary. He had a feeling that Miss Madison may soon be following Agnes MacPhail (4) into the hallowed halls of parliament, something of which he knew many in Hope Valley would be fully supportive.

Bill had spoken at length with Julie Thatcher about what her father felt was his responsibility in all of this, not believing that he should feel obliged to make good on every evil that Lucas and Elizabeth had committed. She had assured him that was not the case. Her father had a high regard for the good people of Hope Valley, she said, and as it was his grandson's home he was determined to do everything in his power to assist the town in its recovery from the hard times brought about by The Bouchards.

His concentration was broken as Nathan entered the office, Gabe and Greg close behind him. By the look on his face Bill knew it was not good news. "What concessions do they want us to make to get him to talk?" he asked.

Nathan almost spat out his reply, "Everything he has asked for!"

Bill was on his feet, his incredulity showing. "What do you mean, everything? They are willing to let Lucas walk free?"

There was so much anger in Nathan's voice as he confirmed that was right. "They think it is our best chance to get the information we need to go after both Rocco Perri and Shue Moy. More importantly, they say, it will help to shut down any criminal activity inside the RCMP. Nothing I said would change their decision."

Dropping down into a chair Nathan looked defeated. Bill knew that in time he would understand the decision but for now it must feel like a punch to the gut to be told that the man who had wreaked so much hardship on the town was going to be allowed to walk. Even worse, someone was going to have to explain this to the people who had suffered under The Bouchards' regime all these years. Silence hung in the room for a few minutes, each man caught up in his own thoughts, until finally Gabe spoke. "We can still get him later, Nathan. Trouble is second nature to Lucas so it is only a matter of time until he transgresses again, we just have to make sure someone is waiting to catch him in the act."

It was small consolation but Nathan knew his friend was right. Men like Lucas didn't change. While part of the deal was passage on a ship to France, it was unlikely he would be able to resist finding some way to make money before that time came and that would be his undoing.

He stood then, wanting to get this over and done with. "I've sent word for Lucas to be brought here so that I can inform him that his terms have been accepted. Of course, it only counts if what he tells us is valid information that we can use. I want you three as witnesses, everyone taking notes so that nothing is missed. Who knows, maybe he will incriminate himself in some other way that isn't covered by this deal!" The others all nodded in agreement, determined that if they had to be in bed with the devil then at least they would make sure they got everything they could out of him.

As they saw the man and his escort approaching down the street Bill smiled, before turning to the men beside him. "Of course, it won't have occurred to Lucas that he will soon be wearing a huge target on his back and Rocco Perri in particular has far reaching contacts. Even if he manages to get on that ship, it's only a short hop across the border from Italy to France!"

(4) Agnes Campbell Macphail, 1890-1954, first woman elected to Canada's House of Commons.