Chapter 43

Patrick O'Reilly had waited behind the Mountie Office while Greg went to find Nathan, not wanting to go upstairs and have to answer the inevitable questions about how his search was going. Once he had decided it was better to restrict knowledge of this information to only a few people he didn't want to have to face the other Mounties.

It didn't take long before he saw Greg return. One of the brightest cadets to have passed through Depot during the short time Patrick was in Regina, he came striding around the corner, understanding of the seriousness of the situation written on his face. Alongside him was someone so highly respected within the force that even he found himself in awe of the man at times. Nathan Grant had first become renowned for his tracking skills but what he had achieved after that put him up there with the best of them. That he always put his family first was something that Patrick could relate to, the correct attitude for a Mountie he thought. Now the team he had assembled around him bore witness to his skills so he had great faith that Nathan would know the best action for them to take. "Nathan, thank you for coming. I hope I didn't pull you away from something important?"

Smiling back at Patrick he answered cheekily, "Well, kissing my wife probably ranks at the top of my list for importance but fortunately she understands a Mountie's duty." Immediately Nathan saw a cloud pass across Patrick's face and he regretted what he had said so quickly moved on. "But Greg tells me you have some information so let's go over to Bill's office and hear what it is."

Patrick stopped him as he was about to walk off in that direction. "No, I'd rather not. I think this should be kept amongst the three of us for now until you work out what we need to do. It's not that I don't trust your men but when you hear this you'll understand that we have to act quickly so there is no time to brief everyone before deciding how to proceed."

Nathan's face dropped. "Is someone in danger, Patrick?"

Shaking his head the old Mountie replied, "I'm not sure and that is why we need to talk without others around us. I would have asked for Gabe to be included but too many of us gathered would possibly let them know that we are on to them." Both Greg and Nathan looked confused, so Patrick continued. "You'll understand when you see what I have found and, I'm sorry to say, it goes very high up. In fact, right to the top."

Suddenly Nathan had a bad feeling about this. "Okay, we'll go to the newspaper office. Only my wife is there working and I'm sure she will be happy to pop over to the café for a while to let us have the privacy we need."

There was a seriousness to Patrick's voice as he replied, "This is something you definitely cannot discuss with Cecilia. At least not until we have it all sorted."

Surprised by the statement Nathan nodded. "I don't make a habit of discussing the finer details of a case with her while it is still active but, as you will know, sometimes our wives make the best sounding boards. But if this is as urgent as you seem to think then I hope we will have it sorted before I would even get around to that anyway."

Once he had heard what Patrick discovered Nathan didn't need to be asked not to discuss this with Cecilia, he doubted he would be able to find the words until they found out the truth. He was struggling with the news himself so even then it would be difficult. But with Philip Simpson, who he now remembered how he recognised him, here doing the dirty work it meant that their immediate priority had to be stabilizing the situation in Hope Valley.

Turning to Greg he said, "So we can assume that they are here to free Hargreaves but we don't know how they intend to do that? I guess we had better make sure first of all that they don't succeed and then we can start to chase it back up the chain to the one who is giving the orders and make sure Patrick's evidence backs that up." He then spoke again with Patrick, "We have to assume that once knowledge of this link you have found gets out…and it will…then you could possibly be targeted as well. Are you armed?"

Patrick nodded in response, "Of course, old habits die hard for a retired Mountie."

"That's good but I think I am still going to put someone with you. Both you and that evidence need protecting. We can't keep it at the house so I suggest we get it into the vault at the bank. I want a man stationed in there at all times too." The look on Greg's face stopped him continuing. "Is there a problem with that?"

"I'm not sure, sir" the other man replied, "It's just that with Jim Buchanan home with his family and Walter and Patrick through in Benson Hills, there are only five of our original team left here. Plus you and Gabe Kinslow. We thought that all the corrupt Mounties had been identified but this shows that is not the case. Do we know that we can trust all of the others here now?"

Nathan pondered this for a moment, once more fighting the bitterness he felt knowing that a few bad seeds were destroying the force that so many good men still fought for bravely. "There is the possibility of that so we'll have to mix them up, make sure that they are always teamed up with one of us until we know who we can trust." He paused again, mentally picturing how he was going to utilise the manpower he had at his disposal to cover all their needs, then he smiled. "Actually, I think we may put something else in the bank vault as well. Or should I say someone else!"

Greg Aldritt couldn't stop the big grin that spread across his face as he understood exactly what the superintendent was thinking. "Welcome back sir!"

Ned had found the Mountie Office deserted when he got there and wasn't sure where to try next. The jail was out, as was Bill's office, and so it was in either the saloon or cafe that he was most likely to at least find a Mountie to ask. He had come around behind the buildings so now returned that way and it was as he was crossing towards the saloon that he caught sight of the three men in deep conversation at the newspaper office. Quickly he turned back around.

They were all surprised when he knocked on the door and it was Greg who answered. "We're quite busy in here just now Ned, did you want to speak to Rosemary?" Ned could see Nathan in the room behind him and could only think to blurt out "I don't suppose Gabe is with you too?"

Greg shook his head. "No he's overseeing things out at the warehouses while Patrick and Walter are in Benson Hills. Is there something you need him for?" Not wanting to be visible outside any longer, Ned pushed forward to enter the building, despite the man in front of him being so much bigger. "No, we can do this without him, if you will just let me in."

Nathan had listened to this with interest and having known Ned for many years he could tell that the man was becoming agitated about something. "Come on in. We can give you a few minutes to say whatever you have to."

Looking down at the telegram clutched in his hand Ned suddenly felt a bit silly. Had he misread the urgency of the young Mountie's request? "I am very sorry to bother you all and this may seem rather odd but one of your men has just asked me to find you." He paused then, not sure whether to continue in front of Patrick O'Reilly. Nathan noticed the look he gave and quickly assured him it was ok, "Don't worry, he's one of the good guys." Feeling relieved Ned continued, explaining what had happened and what he had been asked to do, then watched as Nathan walked across to his wife's desk without saying a word. Picking up the telephone he asked Florence if she could please send Constable Duncan across to the newspaper office but to instruct him to come to the back door, which would be open for him. Before she could ask any questions Nathan had hung up.

It was only a matter of minutes before the Mountie walked into the room and he wasted no time getting down to business. "Constable Roberts and I were just about to head out to do rounds, as you requested sir, when the two Mounties who arrived today with the Inspector walked into the livery. Don't ask me why but for some reason we both decided to remain silent. We were at the farthest stalls so couldn't be seen at this time but we could clearly hear what they were saying. It appears these men are not as they seem. They are here to help Andrew Hargreaves escape and the plan is to abduct Mrs Avery to force the judge to help them."

Nathan kept his face impassive, knowing that they had to act quickly but not wanting to panic Ned by reacting. "Do you know when this is going to happen?"

George continued to speak clearly, impressing Nathan with his calm manner. "They didn't say specifically but from what we could gather it would be around dinner time, so not long from now." Greg spoke up then. "So you went to The Mercantile to find us? Why not straight to the Mountie Office? And where is Constable Roberts?"

"To answer your last question, he went to the Avery house to make sure the judge's wife was ok and protect her if necessary." The others nodded upon hearing this, glad that these men had taken such a proactive approach to what they had heard. George continued, "I didn't go to the Mountie Office because I wasn't sure if I would be able to speak freely there, not knowing who was present. I know Mr. Yost, so trusted him to get a message for one of you to come to me."

"Well this certainly changes things. Greg I want you take charge of moving Hargreaves over to the bank. Patrick, I want you to come with me to the house, we need to make sure Molly is safe and then pack up all the evidence. We'll bring everything and her back to the Mountie Office, except the relevant files going into the vault."

Suddenly realising Ned was still there Nathan looked at him. "Is there a reason why you are clutching a telegram?" The storekeeper laughed nervously, "Oh…that was just my silly plan to pass the message to one of you if I didn't trust the other people in the room." Nathan gave him a generous smile. "Well I think that's quite a brilliant idea actually. How brave are you feeling Ned? Could you do one more thing for me?"

Ned knew he wasn't nearly as brave as these men but there was nothing Nathan Grant could ask him to do that he would refuse, so grateful was he to the man. "Anything, Nathan, you just have to ask. I am a bit rusty at using a gun, which Florence has been nagging me about for a while, but I can get mine from the shop if needed." Putting his arm around his friend's shoulder Nathan reassured him that would not be necessary. "I just wonder if you would be willing to take a message to Bill for me, using that clever ploy you came up with. I need to warn him about Simpson and his men but can't tell him about the threat to Molly or it could make things worse. So I need you to keep that to yourself."

Molly moved quietly through the house, staying close to the walls so that she couldn't be seen from outside. She could see a shadow pass across the glass of the front door. Was that a hint of red? She wasn't sure. This is silly, she kept telling herself. Bill hadn't presided over any serious cases for years as Lucas had made sure none of them ever reached the court, so who would be coming after her. Or did this have something to do with The Bouchards?

A knock on the door made her jump. Shrinking back into the wall she could definitely see some red now but for some reason that didn't give her the reassurance she would normally get. "Who is it?", she nervously asked. Inwardly she was telling herself to be the strong woman that Bill thought she was, while outwardly her hand was shaking as she tightened her grip on the gun in her pocket.

"It's Cecilia. Nathan needed to use my office and I was going to go along to the cafe then decided to come home instead. In my hurry I left my purse and keys in my desk drawer but with my swollen feet it was too far to go back for them once I realised."

Molly hurried to unlock the door, relieved to hear the familiar voice of her friend. "Oh my goodness Cecilia, you have no idea how glad I am that it's you. I've been getting myself all worked up over noth…" Before she could finish she spotted the Mountie also standing on the porch. She fumbled for the gun in her pocket, for some reason needing the security of knowing it was still there, but felt a hand on her arm as the young man spoke "It's alright Mrs Avery, I'm here to help you. If we can just come inside I'll explain everything."

Cecilia looked just as confused but was quickly ushered in as Molly stepped back to make way. Why she was hesitant she didn't know but that feeling she had in the kitchen was still with her. Smiling politely she turned towards the living room. "Let's go in here. I would like to know what is going on."

The young Mountie was a bit short in his reply, adding to the tension she was already feeling. "The kitchen would be better. I need to have a clear view of both the front and back doors to see anyone approaching."

Silent until now Cecilia spoke up as she spun around to face the man, the closeness of her baby bump forcing him to take a step back. "I have no idea what is going on here but I think you need to tell us exactly what is happening before we agree to anything you ask."

She immediately felt sorry at the harshness of her tone as she saw him wilt a little in front of her. "That is the problem, I don't know. All I can say is that I came here because my partner and I overhead a possible threat to Mrs Avery. He has gone to get tell the Superintendent and I am here to protect you until they arrive."

"A threat to me?" Molly almost spat out the words. "Who would do that? Yes, my husband is a judge and has put bad people away, but there have never been so many Mounties in this town to keep us safe as we have now!"

"That is the problem, ma'am, it was two Mounties we overheard."

In what had been The Tipperary bar Fiona was looking around with a big smile on her face. Lee's men and the volunteers from the town had worked hard and despite the strong paint smell she was happy just walking from room to room imagining how it would look once all the decorative items had been added.

The paint colours used were in stark contrast to the more muted shades found elsewhere in Hope Valley. Here it was all green, yellow and red. Strong, bright colours that were such a change from what was here before. They had done their research. Or more precisely, Cecilia had asked her friend to do it having heard how much significance Chinese people placed on the meaning of different colours. All the walls had been painted a pale yellow and then here in the main public rooms red had been used to symbolize the happiness and good fortune they hoped would be forthcoming for these people from now on. The translator had written out some phrases in Cantonese saying such things as happiness, good luck, friendship and Katie Yost had offered to draw these out on linen and get the children to paint them in gold, before Florence's sewing circle turned them into wall banners, complete with red fringing along the bottom.

In the bedrooms green was the main colour used, its meaning of health and healing something that they all wished for everyone. Once more the children had been called on to paint, this time pictures for the walls, inspired by the colour plates in some books they had found in the boxes packed up from the library. Harold Bishop had admitted having a secret talent for woodworking and had turned Cat's work shed into a picture framing area for the time being, having been coerced into doing it by his partner who wanted to please his girlfriend.

Then there was the sign to go up at the front of the building, which was being made by Kevin, the blacksmith. They had chosen Azure blue for this, the colour associated with health, prosperity and harmony. Now they just had to choose the name and that task had been given to Allie and Emily to be decided during their afternoon classes. This building was for the Chinese people and so it was only right that they name it.

Ed had stayed on after everyone else had left, wandering the rooms with her as she talked about her hopes for this town and its people. She explained how after Mike was killed she had almost packed up and left. "Why didn't you?" He asked gently, reaching for her hand. "From what you have said your family would have been happy to have you home."

"I know, they tried to persuade me to come back but I couldn't. I guess it would have felt as though I was betraying Mike by doing that." She told him how at her lowest times she would hear Mike's voice reassuring her. Reminding her that there is always darkness before the dawn. He was right, after everything the people here had been through finally they could see the light of a new day dawning, for all of them, and she was so glad she had stayed to witness it.

She gave him such an alluring smile then that he almost felt his knees give way. "Well I'm certainly glad you didn't" he said, kissing the end of her nose. "Now before you use more of your siren-like qualities on me I must get back to other duties". Watching him walk away she thought how happy Mike would be that she had found her own very handsome new dawn.

The delay in starting the meeting at the Judges Office was now quite drawn out, with the two constables having disappeared a while ago and not returned, so Bill decided that it was time to speak. "I'm not sure exactly what you are doing but if you don't start explaining the purpose of your visit soon then I'm going to have to put a call through to Headquarters. Commissioner Weston is an old friend of mine so I'm sure he'll be happy to answer my questions." He stared straight at Inspector Simpson, his hands on his hips to emphasise the seriousness of his challenge. While he was willing to be patient when he thought it was about Nathan getting approval of his plans for a Regional Mountie Training Centre, this was beginning to have a sinister feel about it.

Without answering the inspector moved away from the door, allowing Bill to see Ned approaching the steps, a telegram clutched firmly in his hands. "Are you expecting some communication Judge?"

Bill shrugged. "I'm always receiving updates on cases that I may have some input with, usually lawyers leaving things to the last minute then needing answers urgently, hence the telegrams. They won't spend the money on telephone calls. You'll know the type as I'm sure you have dealt with some like that when you've given testimony on a case." He had kept his voice casual, not wanting to let on that he was beginning to have doubts about the other man. "Let me just deal with Ned and then you can start explaining to me why you are here."

Bill stepped outside, greeting Ned as he reached the top step. Conscious that every word could be heard inside he made some small talk about the weather before taking the telegram from Ned's shaking hands. "Are you ok, Ned?" he asked quietly. Seeing something close to fear in the man's eyes he simply patted him on the back rather than wait for him to answer. "Let me see what this is and whether I need to send a reply."

Bill opened the envelope, then nodded as he read the words. "That's pretty clear. If you can send a message back for me please'" Ned fumbled in his pocket for his pad and pencil.

"Understood. Was beginning to question situation and am dealing with my end. Hope other factors are under control. Await further updates." Waiting until the other man had finished writing he then added, "If you could pass a message to Molly for me please. Tell her I'm sorry but I don't know when I'll be home or what state I'll be in."

A little further down Main Street Rosemary Coulter was in a hurry and two excited boys in the back of the car were not making things easy for her. Their relief at knowing Dougal was going to be okay had turned into a determination to make the most of this unexpected time out of school and their energy levels were very high. "I just need to pop into the bank for a moment to hand over some paperwork Daddy has signed so you boys need to wait here and be good. No getting out of the car, is that understood!"

Two cheeky faces grinned at her and she wondered why she bothered sometimes. Then she smiled, knowing full well that she wouldn't change any of it for the world…Patrick and Little Jack were everything to Lee and her.

As she climbed out she could see Fiona approaching from the direction of the old Irish bar, soon to be home to the Chinese people. It was wonderful what they were doing there and once everything was ready she intended to do a full spread in The Valley Voice about it, perhaps even syndicating to other newspapers to highlight how Hope Valley was leading the way in showing kindness towards people who had suffered so much. "Good afternoon Fiona! Lee tells me that everything is almost done there. Just say the word and I will be along with my camera and pen and notebook to write that article. Along with everyone else I think it is wonderful what you are doing."

This was the best thing, Fiona thought to herself, to hear the enthusiasm from the local people for all the projects that were being proposed, this one in particular as she knew it could be a divisive subject. Without their support nothing would ever change. "I'll look forward to that Rosemary. How is your poor dog? Florence told me what happened, although I'm guessing from the way the boys are acting up over there everything must be fine."

Rosemary resisted the temptation to turn around and just smiled. "He's going to be fine, thank goodness. As for those two, I can live in hope that they won't get into too much mischief while I'm in the bank! Is that where you are headed?" Fiona nodded and stepped into place alongside her.

At the newspaper office Nathan and Patrick had just come out of the door, the urgency for action making them move fast but carefully as they didn't want to alert anyone to the developing situation. Stepping off the boardwalk to cross Nathan glanced quickly towards the Judge's Office, just catching Ned's eyes as he turned away from speaking to Bill. The other man nodded. Next door at the bank he saw the backs of Fiona and Rosemary disappearing inside and hoped they wouldn't be there too long. He didn't need to have people in the way if things started happening.

Nathan knew he couldn't let the situation escalate so they had to appear to be doing nothing out of the ordinary. They had become more relaxed in the past week, perhaps his fault, as he felt he had all the suspects well controlled. What they hadn't been doing, however, was checking all the unknown people in town, determining who they were or what business they had here. After the misery of their time under The Bouchard regime the happiness everyone was showing at life beginning to get back to normal had perhaps clouded his judgement on how much of a presence they needed to be.

Now as he walked out onto Main Street he could see people unfamiliar to him, which meant he didn't know if the three Mounties who arrived had any further back up in town. He casually scanned the faces, looking for anyone he had seen on wanted flyers that came through regularly or in a Mountie station somewhere. The men who rode into town with him were possibly not the last corrupt ones left. Patrick stood alongside him, feeling that old adrenaline rush at being involved once again in Mountie action, but he kept his face relaxed as he spoke. "How are we going to play this? Do you want me to go in first when we get there?"

Nathan shook his head. "No, we're going to keep it casual, just two men returning to where they are living right now. Nothing unusual about that. We don't want to alarm Molly any more than I'm sure Constable Roberts already has. If everything is fine we'll collect the relevant files and bring them and her across to the bank. Any doubts and we will need to adopt a different approach to ensure everyone's safety.

Glancing across at Minnie's Place, Nathan stopped, "Just give me a minute, Patrick. I want to let my wife know that we are finished at the newspaper office." In truth, he was going over to ask Cecilia to remain where she was for now. He felt happier knowing that she was with other people.

Surprised to see the place empty he called out as he walked towards the kitchen. Minnie was just descending the stairs as he parted the curtains. "Nathan, I didn't expect to see you again so soon. Did you want coffee?"

"Not right now, thank you Minnie." He kept his voice low and steady, not wanting to give any hint that something was wrong. "I was expecting to find my wife in here, that's all. You don't happen to know where she has gone?"

Minnie shook her head. "No, I haven't seen Cecilia since you were with her. Is she not over at The Valley Voice?"

He could feel the start of panic rising as the possibility hit him that she had gone home but somehow he managed to quell it for the moment. He had overreacted once before so was determined not to do that again. "No, I've just left there. If she does come in could you please ask her to wait here until I return or send someone we know to get her?" Seeing the look of concern on Minnie's face he knew there was no time to explain so could only give her his most reassuring smile before turning to leave.

Crossing the road to The Mercantile he indicated for Patrick to follow. The older man realised there was a problem immediately, rushing to catch up with Nathan as he took the steps two at a time. "Has something happened?" Nathan glanced across at him, "I'm not sure. I think Cecilia may have gone home, which means she is in the house with Molly and Constable Roberts."

Surprised to see Nathan burst through the door, Ned quickly looked around to see where customers were before quietly asking, "Has something else happened? Do you need me to help?" Nathan shook his head. He could hear Allie's voice at the telephone board but immediately knew that Cecilia wasn't there. "Thank you Ned but I just need a quick word with Allie."

He briefly explained the situation to her before extracting a promise that she would stay there until he sent word that everything was OK. "You know our code word, so unless you are given that I don't want you to leave here. Is that understood?"

For the first time Allie could feel her resolve weakening at the thought of her mother being in trouble and questions began forming in her mind. "Why is this happening to us, Dad? To Mrs Avery? It always seems to be the good people who have to suffer." Nathan didn't know how to respond. He drew her into his arms for a moment. "I don't know Allie. I keep asking that myself. What I do know is that we are strong enough to get through all these challenges placed in front of us. As long as we have each other...you, mum and me...there is nothing that is insurmountable."

She held him a bit tighter for a moment then drew away. "You are right. I promise to stay here so you needn't worry about me. Go and make sure mum is ok and then get this whole thing finished. I don't want to hear the names Bouchard or Hargreaves ever again after that. In fact I hope they rot in hell!" Taken aback by the forcefulness of her feelings he knew he should say something but in reality she was only expressing what he himself was thinking. How could he reprimand her for that after all she had been through?