CHAPTER 9

Elizabeth spent most of her time at the Thatcher Estate, not wanting to get out much. Her mother would come in to try to encourage her, but nothing helped. She only left the house attend some church services. Well, there was also the testimony she had to give against Charles. It was quite the news event in Hamilton, and one she didn't enjoy being a part of in any way. To testify against a life-long friend was one of the most difficult things she had ever done. The evidence was strong, and Charles was quickly convicted and sent to prison for a long time.

Jack still made no attempt to reach her, so after the trial Elizabeth decided to return to Hope Valley. There was still a lot of time before school started, but she no longer had a desire to stay in Hamilton. She would need to begin again in Hope Valley, perhaps even consider a new teaching position elsewhere.

Her parents walked her to the car in the front. "Elizabeth, I'm sure Jack will come around. Just give him some time."

"No, Mother, he's made his decision. I can't change it, and I won't keep trying," she replied with tears forming again in her eyes for the thousandth time. "I love you and will miss you very much."

"We love you, too, dear," William said. She hugged them both and climbed into the car.

A few minutes into the drive, she told the driver, "Please stop by the hospital on the way to the station." He nodded his agreement.

Jack happened to be standing and looking the window when he saw the car approach the hospital. He watched as she got out and stood at the entrance.

Elizabeth wanted to go in, but instead just stood there. She looked up at Jack's hospital room. She saw him looking out the window watching her. Her heart leaped with hope. He only needed to give her a sign, one small sign, and she would gladly postpone her trip back home. She waited. Watching. But no sign came. Dabbing her tears from her eyes, she resolutely turned around and got back in the car and left, never looking back.

His jaws clenched and tears came to his eyes as he watched the love of his life leave for good.

He went back to his hospital bed. Elizabeth was gone. He had arranged for Patrick to meet her at the train station and accompany her on his way back to Fullerton. Next Jack needed to follow up on the status of his transfer request.

With this new turn of events and evidence that had been uncovered and shared by Bill Avery, Bill was cleared, and he was allowed to go back to work immediately. In a few weeks the doctor would be releasing Jack to start work again. He wondered where he might be assigned this time, hopefully he'd be re-assigned before having to report back to Hope Valley. Perhaps he and Patrick would switch assignments after all, although his previous longing to take down pirates and whiskey runners no longer held much interest. He sighed, never more confused about the direction of his life than he was right now.

To be continued...