Chapter 26
The question section of the press conference went well. Chief Avery shared the part about the Aces of Spades and how Jack found that link in the case. When pressed about his find, Jack just chalked it up to luck. It was just a happen chance he found it. Jack also gave credit to a special person who help connect the dots with the card. When doing so, Elizabeth placed her hand on Jack's back. The simple touch made his toes tingle.
After several more questions regarding the case that was answered by both Jack and Bill, Bill took over the next section of the press conference. He began with some background information on Jack, his education and work history. The fact that Jack is the youngest investigator impressed the press. Jack played it off as no big deal. He was just blessed to be in this position. Bill shared that he knew Jack his whole life, and he was friends with Jack's father in the police academy. He also shared the story of Jack's father passing away in the line of duty.
After all the background stuff, Bill introduced Jack as the new detective for the next couple to three months while he learned the job of Police Chief. Once Jack was ready, Bill would step down in retirement and Jack would take over.
"Investigator Thorton, do you feel qualified to take over the position of Police Chief once Chief Avery retires?" Asked one reporter.
"Yes, sir. I have worked my entire career in the police department. My college degree is in Criminal Justice and my training as an investigator gives me the qualifications. Chief Avery will be schooling me every day for the next few months on what it takes to be a Police Chief. I look forward to learning from him, but I know he will be harder than the professors at school and the instructors at the police academy and the investigator training."
Everyone laughed. Bill gave him a stern look but couldn't keep the smile from forming on his mouth.
"Chief Avery why are you retiring now?"
"I have served over thirty years in the community in serving people. I wanted to retire a few years ago, but I wanted to make sure the town of Hope Valley would be in good hands. Once Investigator Thorton agreed to take the position, I knew I could retire with a clear conscious and that Hope Valley would be in very capable hands."
"Investigator Thorton, on a personal level, are you married? Have children?" A beautiful reporter asked.
"I do not have children and I am not married, but I do have a beautiful fiancé."
The woman asked her next question and you could hear the disappointment in her voice. "Are you getting married soon?"
Jack gave a half grin before he answered. "We were just engaged this morning. We haven't spoken about a wedding date yet."
Everyone else let out a soft laugh, but Elizabeth sensed a trace of disappointment in his voice. She reached out and placed her hand on his back to let him know she was there.
After another ten minutes of questions for Jack, Bill, and Johnson, the press conference was finally over. Jack was relieved. He didn't like to be the center of attention like that.
…
Jack stepped down from the podium and was instantly surrounded by two reporters who were seeking more background information. Jack exhaled a deep breath slowly. He was tired of the questions but understood this was a part of the new job.
After a couple of minutes, Elizabeth squeezed in between the two reporters and reached for his arm. I'm sorry gentlemen, but Jack, I mean Investigator Thorton is needed elsewhere for the moment.
Jack reached up and covered her hand that was resting on the crevice of his elbow and whispered "Thank you" to her.
…
Grace watched Elizabeth during the press conference. She noticed that something was a little off with her daughter. She leaned over toward William and asked if he noticed it too.
"Oh, dear, I know she is upset."
"Is she upset with you?"
"Yes Grace. I would say she is." Was his quick reply.
"Willaim, I saw you two walked out before the press conference, what happened?"
"Well, first of all, she escorted me out of the room by dragging me by my arm."
"Oh no. What did you do?"
"I didn't get to say too much, she was doing all the talking." William shared with Grace everything that Elizabeth said to him. He didn't spare any facts. He told her everything.
"No wonder she is upset."
"I know dear. While I was upset that she was talking to me like that, I was also proud that she stood up for herself and for Jack. Honestly, I still feel this relationship is happening way too fast, but I love my daughter and trust her that I will go along with whatever they decide."
"Smart move, William. You need to apologize to her."
"I will when she will allow me to speak." He chuckled.
…
Elizabeth escorted Jack to his office. She was desperately wanting to clear the air between them. They stopped in the middle of his small office facing each other. "Jack, we need to talk and clear the air. I think there is some miscommunication that is between us."
Jack nodded his head. He loved this woman and was saddened that something came between them. "Elizabeth, I don't understand."
She waited for him to continue, but that was all he said. "Jack, I am sorry that I have caused you confusion. It was not my desire."
She was also saddened that he used her name instead of one of the nicknames he always used. She was reminded of the previous conversation when he did the same thing.
"Jack, before we continue this conversation, may I ask you a favor?"
Jack was not expecting that. He was a little shocked. He looked at her confused.
Elizabeth did not give Jack an opportunity to answer.
"When we talk, could you please use one of the nicknames you have given me instead of my actual name?"
"What?" He was shocked.
She repeated her request. Once it finally registered what she was asking, he chuckled at her request. "Do you really like those nicknames?"
Her face turned a light color of pink because of embarrassment. "Yes. I love those nick names." She barely said out loud.
Before Jack spoke, Bill stepped into Jack's office and requested to speak to him concerning the arrest of Snake. They needed to finish the paperwork and question him. It wasn't until he finished his request that he noticed Elizabeth's expression.
"We'll be done in a few minutes, Bill. Then he can finish what he needs to do with you." Her tone wasn't mean, but there was no question she was going to relenting to his request.
"I'm sorry Elizabeth, but he…" He stopped mid-sentence when he noticed her expression changed. He instantly felt bad for her students who would get in trouble. "I think I'll come back in a few minutes." He left without saying anything else.
They stood and looked at each other for several moments. "Bella, we can wait as long as you want. We don't have to go full speed with this. We can take our time."
"Jack, I don't want time."
"Elizabeth, don't you remember the conversation we had before the press conference? There is something wrong. You said it wasn't any doubts with us, but your father has a problem with how fast this was happening. And then you were having those same doubts too."
"Jack, I have no doubts concerning us. I love you."
"Sweetheart, I understand, but you were having an issue with how fast this was happening. It's ok. We can slow it down to a speed that you are comfortable with. We will figure this out."
"Jack"
"I know Elizabeth. I remember the conversation."
"Jack, you need to listen to me."
"Nani, I did. You mentioned you…"
She cut him off before he finished.
"Thomas Jack Thorton, you need to listen to me and you need to listen good. I am not doubting us. I know we are meant to be together. I think I got afraid of how fast this is going, but that was because of my father. What Abagail said to me made sense."
He looked at her questioningly.
She stepped closer to Jack. "It is going fast, but this is the speed I am comfortable with. Abagail told me no pulling back or pushing forward, to go at the pace that I am comfortable with. Jack, I accepted your proposal this morning with my eyes wide open. I know what I want."
Jack exhaled a breath he didn't know he was holding. She was standing in her scary teacher pose with her hands on her hips with a very serious tone.
"I meant it when I said yes this morning."
Jack cut in. "Well, technically, you didn't say yes. You tackled me and kissed me."
She didn't miss a beat. "I meant it when I tackled you and kissed you. You placed your mom's, excuse me, my ring on my finger. It is not coming off. I meant it when we talked about two weeks before getting married as we drove into town."
She was so adorable when she was in her scary teacher mode. He couldn't resist her. She took a little piece of his heart each time she did that. He stepped closer to her and placed his hands on her hips and kissed her on the tip of her nose. "I love you, Nani."
She let out a sigh. She was determined to express herself so he would understand, but she couldn't help feeling loved when he kissed her nose like that. How does that move me so much? I don't think I will tell him that. She slid her hands over his shoulder and clasped them together behind Jack's head. She played with the hair on the back of his head.
"Jack, I love you and I want to marry you."
"So do I, sweetheart, but if you want to take some time…"
Remaining in his grasp and looking directly in his eyes, she stated, "If you say that one more time, I will tickle you senseless. Do you hear me?"
He loved it when she pushed like that. He never had any intentions in telling her. He smirked at her and nodded his head in agreement.
He took one more small step closer to her so they were touching from chest to toe. "Soon, Bella, soon!"
She smiled when he used one of her lines.
…
As Jack and Elizabeth stepped out of his office a few minutes later, they separated. Jack went left to finish the paper work and begin the questioning of Snake. Elizabeth went right in search of her family. When they were about ten feet apart, Elizabeth stopped and turned. "Hey Jack!"
Jack stopped and turned to face her. "Yes, sweetheart."
"Yes!" And with that she turned and continued toward the lobby.
Jack smiled. He loved that woman, her personality, her strength, her willingness to chase after what she wants. He loved her completely.
…
Jack walked back into the booking section of the station. He noticed Johnson and Bill standing by a desk talking. He also noticed Snake was in the interrogation room sitting by himself. He walked up to the two men and heard them discussing the case.
"Bill, I think Jack should question him. He was thrown off earlier by Jack and I think he is still on edge."
Bill thought for a moment, "Why don't you and Jack question him. You can play bad cop and worse cop."
Jack looked a little surprised, "Do you think that would work?"
"I do Jack. He knows of me and you, but he doesn't know Superintendent Johnson at all. We can use it to our advantage. I believe it will work. I think the only question is who plays bad cop and who plays worse cop." Bill stated with a huge smile.
"Oh, this could be fun." Stated Johnson.
…
Elizabeth walked into the lobby and notice there were still a lot of people left. They were in groups chatting while enjoying drinks and snacks. Her mom and dad were talking to Tom. Abagail, Frank, Henry was in a group with Julie and Charlette. She decided to join the later group.
"Hey Elizabeth. Everything ok?"
"Yes Charlette. Jack is back with the person they arrested before the press conference. They need to do paperwork and begin the questioning." She noticed a sad expression on Charlette's face. "Charlette, are you ok?"
Charlette offered her a small grin. Elizabeth knew it had to be hard to hear about Thomas during the press conference. Bill did a great job of talking about Thomas, but it still had to be difficult.
"Charlette, do you think Tom would be proud of Jack?"
This made Charlette smile. "Yes. I know he would be. Tom would be proud of him for his career, but most importantly, for the man he has become."
"Jack is the best man I have meet. He is so perfect."
"As close as my Tom was, no man is perfect."
"Jack is perfect for me."
"Tom was perfect for me."
Both ladies stood and smiled at the memories of their lives. The longer they thought about their significant others, the bigger their smiles grew.
"Charlette, thank you for raising Jack and helping him turn into the man I love today."
"Oh dear, Tom did that."
"Officer T may have played a role in that, but you did as well. I can't imagine how hard it was after Officer T passed, but you did that on your own. You are a strong woman, Charlette."
Charlette smiled at her soon to be daughter. "Elizabeth, I've never had a daughter before, and I am looking forward to having a daughter."
"Thank you, Charlette. I hope to be a good daughter-in-law."
"No sweetie, not a daughter-in-law…a daughter." Charlette's smile was as sweet as possible. She wrapped Elizabeth into a hug, tears were flowing down both of their cheeks.
…
Jack and Johnson opened the door to the interrogation room and walked in. Johnson slammed the box on top of the table making Snake jump in his seat.
"Superintendent Johnson, why don't we uncuff Snake here and let him get a little comfortable?"
"What in the world are you talking about? He is not going to get those cuffs off!"
"But Johnson, it's just us."
"Jacky boy, you touch those cuffs, and I will arrest you myself and place those cuffs on you."
Wow! He plays a great worse cop. Jack thought as he jumped back just a little. "Yes, sir!"
The fear in Snake's eyes were easy to see. At that moment, they knew Bill was right. All they had to do was to continue to play this right.
"Johnson, you need to calm down or you will get in trouble again."
Johnson laughed. "Trouble…what trouble. Nothing happened to me. It's my word against a criminal's word. Who are they going to believe? A man in handcuffs who is about to go on trial or the superintended of the state's investigators?"
"Maybe, but if you leave marks again like that one time, it will be harder to convince internal affairs."
"Yes, the cuts and bruised were a mistake, but I've learned how to do it without leaving so many marks."
Snake was looking back and forth like he was watching a tennis match. "Oh, I get it! This is good cop – bad cop routine."
Jack straightened up and stuck out his chest. "Snake, there is no good cop in this room right now." With that, he turned around and placed a 11 inch leather blackjack on top of the small table in the corner. The loud sound echoed throughout the room.
"Jack, you can't use a leather blackjack on a suspect. It will leave too many marks." Johnson said shaking his head.
"It doesn't if you wrap a towel around it. Plus, some of those marks could be argued that they came from when we took him down. There is plenty of videos of it. Didn't you grab him by his throat?"
"Is that what you used on Jackson a few months ago?"
"Yeah. He talked within a couple of minutes. These things hurt."
Bill was standing in the side room looking through the mirror and listening on the intercom. He couldn't help but laugh at the scene in front of him. Jack and Johnson were trying to out do each other on who was the worse cop. Snake looked terrified. The only think Bill was missing was some popcorn.
Bill pushed the intercom and spoke, "Fellas, don't forget why you are in the room and please don't do anything stupid."
"Oh, yeah. Sorry I forgot about you Snake." Johnson stated.
"So, Snake, how did you get such an awful nickname?"
"Jack don't insult the poor guy. You know how these guys are with their nicknames."
"Fine" Jack huffed. "Snake, why did you come here today with a gun?"
"Jack. Why do you have to be so mean? This idiot has the right to be stupid."
"Listen Johnson. The last time we did this you got me in trouble by your little stupid stunt. That will not happen again."
"Alright Jacky boy. You didn't get into too much trouble with that. You were only suspended for two days."
"Yeah, and a mark on my record, you jerk!"
"Jerk, listen here boy, you are my little boy here. You may be a detective and future chief of something, but you are not the Investigator Superintendent like I am. Show me some respect you little spoiled brat!"
Snake's head was turning back and forth and you can see the fear on his face. He didn't know what to think about the two men standing in front of him. He thought they forgot all about him in the middle of their argument.
"Spoiled brat?! Listen her you senile old man." Jack stepped closer to Johnson and pushed him when the door opened. Bill rushed in and separated the two men.
"Guy! Hey guys! Not this crap again. Listen, you two need to get it together. You are supposed
to be on the same team. I am not…" He was cut off when Johnson again tried to get to Jack because of the face Jack was making. "Hey!" Bill yelled. "I am not filling out a report with you two. Do you understand me!"
Both men looked at Bill and nodded.
"Now, question this guy and get him into a cell before you two do something really stupid!"
All three men turned to look at a scared Snake.
"Fine. Let's get this over with as quickly as possible. I don't want to be here with him…or you!"
Bill looked at Snake and whispered, "Don't let these two idiots scare you. I think they have learned their lesson the last time with that guy. If not, just yell and I will get back in here as fast as possible."
Bill turned and smirked at both Jack and Johnson when his back was to Snake. "Play nice gentleman. Any mess you make you must clean up yourselves."
When Bill stepped outside into the hallway, he busted out laughing. "Man, those two are really good."
Johnson and Jack turned their attention back to Snake. "Now, why are you here again?" Johnson stated and he leaned on the table.
Once Snake started, he opened up completely. He shared that his name was Jamie Smith and he was close friends with the Harveys. Basically, the whole issue came down to the arrest of the Harveys and the disruption of the drug ring. His target that morning was both Jack and Bill. After discussing all the talking points with Snake for two hours, Johnson and Jack felt comfortable they have all the details.
They excused themselves to the room where Bill was sitting. "What do you think, Boss?"
"I think you and Johnson enjoyed the little game of bad cop and worse cop a little too much."
"Yes. That was a lot of fun. It has been a while since I was able to do that." Johnson laughed.
"Bill" Jack looked in his direction. "What do you think?"
"I think we have enough to charge him and more evidence against the Harveys. I also think he told everything he knew. He didn't seem to have any more pieces of evidence."
…
After her conversation with Charlette, Elizabeth was feeling much better. She was however feeling drained from the day. The really early morning with Jack was terrific but way too early for her. Then the emotions of being asked to marry her love was overwhelming. The misunderstanding with Jack was another draining part of her day. She didn't like that one bit, but they learned they need to work through their misunderstandings with communication. The words with her father were also exhausting. She texted Jack to let him know she was heading home. He texted her a thumbs up emoji. He would send emojis when he couldn't text a full reply. She appreciated the thought. She knew that was all he could do at that moment, and she loved him for it.
…
After a light dinner, Elizabeth laid on the couch to watch a little TV and grade some papers. She had school tomorrow and wanted to give the students their easy papers back. After grading the papers, she laid down with a light blanket covering her legs and feet and watch one of her favorite movies, How To Lose A Guy in Ten Days. About forty five minutes into the movie, she was asleep.
Jack finished up his report and leaned back in his chair. He was tired. It was a long day for him too. He texted Elizabeth but she didn't respond. He knew she must have been asleep. He didn't want to wake her, but he wanted to see her. He still had the key to her apartment, and he decided he wanted to go to her.
He stopped by the store and bought a vase of daisies before heading to her house. He also picked up some cookies for a snack for them.
After stepping into her apartment, he noticed the only light on was from the TV. He quickly remembered the movie that was playing. It was his mom's favorite. He laughed at the scene. Elizabeth was laying on her back in a loose t-shirt and a blanket from her waist down. Her auburn hair was swept over her left shoulder with a few strains framing her face. Her mouth was slightly open, and she would softly snore every so often. The engagement ring was displayed on her finger and would capture the light form the TV. At that moment, she was the most beautiful woman in the world. He was grateful to spend time with her.
He took the flowers and the cookies into the kitchen and plated the cookies and grabbed himself a soda from the fridge. He walked back into the living room and sat at the opposite end of the couch. He placed her calves and feet in his lap carefully. He changed the channel to a baseball game. Elizabeth did not wake up. He watched the baseball game, drank his soda, nibbled on the cookies, and rubbed the top of Elizabeth's foot softly for about thirty minutes. He loved kissing her and talking to her, but he also loved this. Just the two of them being together.
Elizabeth's eyes opened slowly and she felt Jack rubbing her foot. She instantly smiled. "Hey, what are you doing?" She asked sleepily.
"Enjoying time with you watching the game."
"I thought I was watching a movie."
"Oh, you were until you feel asleep. I didn't want to watch a chick flick alone, so I turned it to the game. I hope you don't mind?"
She smiled at him. "What do you have there?" As she nodded toward the plate of cookies.
"I brought cookies to share."
"It doesn't look like you are sharing." She sassed with a grin.
"Well, you were sleeping, and I didn't want to wake you."
"So, you sat here with me feet in your lap, rubbing my foot, eating my cookies, and watching a baseball game instead?"
"Yes."
"Fair enough." She laughed. When did you get here?"
"About thirty minutes ago. I hope you don't mind that I came over and let myself in?"
"Jack, of course not."
"You know, you snore a little while asleep."
"Jack Thorton. I do not snore. Ladies do not snore. I…Do…Not…Snore."
He smiled at her denial. "Yes sweetheart." What he didn't share was that he actually recorded it.
They settled in and watched a few innings together while Elizabeth took some of the cookies from Jack. Before long, she was asleep again. After the game, he put the plate away and cleaned up the mess he made. Coming back into the living room, he took the blanket off Elizabeth and folded it and placed it on the back of the couch.
He gently picked Elizabeth up and she instantly wrapped her arms around his neck without waking up. He walked into her bedroom carefully not bumping her into the door frame. He laid her down on her bed and covered her with the blankets. She settled in without ever opening her eyes. When he went to the kitchen to wash the plate, he noticed a sticky note pad. He wrote a quick note to her and walked back into her bedroom. Again, she was slightly snoring and settled into her covers. He placed the sticky note on her forehead after placing a gentle kiss on the end of her nose. He smiled at her as he walked out of her bedroom and her apartment.
…
Abagail walked into her living room and gasped at the sight in front of her. "Frank! What are you doing?"
Henry and Frank jumped a little at her voice. They were busted and they knew it. They had stayed up past Henry's bedtime watching the baseball game. Evidently Henry loved baseball as much as Frank.
"Oh, sweetheart. What are you doing?"
"I think I should be asking you two that question. You know it is past Henry's bedtime. He has school tomorrow."
"Yes honey, but it's the Yankees playing the Red Sox."
"Is that suppose to mean something to me?"
Both of the boys looked at Abagail like her head spun completely around.
"Well, yeah. It's the Yankees and the Red Sox."
"Five minutes. You have five minutes to be in bed with teeth brushed and face washed. Five minutes young man." She said sternly with a slight smile.
"Does that apply to me too?"
"Don't push it old man."
…
Grace walked into the bedroom after preparing herself for bed. William was leaned against the headboard reading a book he just bought for the trip. He smiled as he looked up and looked at his beautiful wife. They have been marred a long time and raised three daughters and growing a successful business together.
"Grace, you are a beautiful woman." William stated with a seductive grin.
"It's not me that you have to get out of trouble with."
"I know, but that doesn't change the fact that you are beautiful. I will speak with Elizabeth tomorrow after school."
"Why didn't you speak with her today?"
"Well, I tried when we were outside, but she wouldn't slow down long enough for me to get a word in. You know, she is just like you."
"Watch it old man." She sassed.
By then, Grace sat down on the edge of her bed and rubbing lotion on her hands and arms.
"Grace" he started as he scooted closer to her. "I have an idea of what we can do before we go to sleep."
She sighed and then smiled. She sure did love this man. "Like what. You want to read your book together."
He started to rub her back and kissed the back of her neck. "Not exactly."