Chapter 68. The Set-up
At 8 a.m. sharp, Joseph pulled his wagon up in front of Nathan's house. Nathan came out, and helped Joseph back up his wagon on the side of Nathan's house, closer to his workshop. Archie came out the back door, and helped them load Nathan's project onto the wagon. When everything was loaded, as well as all the tools they would need, Nathan carefully covered it all with a large blanket. Then, all three men climbed up into the wagon, and they were off.
Nathan had given the front seat to Joseph and Archie, who chatted happily between themselves, as they rode along. And, Nathan had taken a seat in the back, to keep an eye on his large cargo. As he sat with his back against the railing, so many beautiful memories of Julia rolled through his mind. He was reminded of so many moments that had planted her firmly in the soil of his heart, right where she belonged.
Nathan remembered the very first time he had laid eyes on her. Julia was crossing from the café to the infirmary, when he had been high atop Newton, riding through town. Even from a distance and after a long day of travel, Nathan had found her beautiful. Time seemed to stand still as their eyes met across the distance. Nathan had gone home and told Allie that he had just seen the most beautiful of women, and Allie had made him promise to stop by and introduce himself. Allie had said it was his duty as the town Constable. However, the introduction hadn't been necessary, because very next morning, he had caught her running through the flowers. And, that was an image that would never leave him. Nathan had prayed that very night, and asked the Lord for a way to talk to her, without being tongue-tied, or short on words. And, somehow, his prayer had been answered.
When Joseph had been hurt up on the mountain, and Nathan had sent Jesse for Faith, he had never imagined that Julia would come instead. Jesse had told Nathan later on, that much to his surprise, Julia had not wavered, but grabbed her medical bag and hopped on the back of the motorbike. Nathan remembered the very moment she arrived at the scene of Joseph's accident. He had been crouched on the ground, taking care of Joseph, when Julia walked around the side of the wagon. He hadn't been able to take his eyes off of her for the longest time, and thought her even more beautiful up close.
And, once again, she hadn't faltered, but immediately went into action, caring for Joseph. As Julia assessed the situation, and recognized Nathan's first aid experience, she set to work in equal partnership, together with Nathan. And, though he would have normally been nervous or shy, he hadn't even had the chance to become so. He had managed to be himself with her.
When they had talked in the cabin, the conversation had flowed freely. Between two people who were normally introverts and who didn't know each other at all. Nathan had shared things with her that he had never been able to share with anyone in Hope Valley, in all his four years of living here. All on her second day in Hope Valley.
He smiled as he thought back to the ride down the mountain, when they had been forced to ride together, so very close. Sure there had been nerves and butterflies, and tender feelings. But, it had felt natural at the same time. And, when they had stopped at the overlook as the sun rose, it was if God was showing off just for them.
Nathan chuckled when he remembered his feeble attempt to avoid her, after she'd overheard his private conversation with Joseph. It had been feeble, because even though they hadn't spoken to each other, Julia had still occupied most of his thoughts. His mind had kept replaying their conversations at the cabin. But instead of wondering what he could have done or said differently, as he had always done with Elizabeth, he had just remembered their time fondly. And, then there had been Allie, who had become friends with Julia, and reported everything back to him. Any interesting thing about Julia, Allie had repeated happily back to him in the timespan of a few short hours. Like a broken record. So, there had been no avoiding her.
Nathan remembered their first riding lesson, when Julia had surprised him with her adventurous side. The memory of them frolicking together in the stream, was still so vivid in his mind. She had inspired him to do something he would never have done on his own. And later on, after Julia had been scared on Lucy, Nathan's first instinct had been to pull her into his arms. He knew in that moment that his feelings for her were real, and serious. His protective side was one thing, but to want to hold her as badly as he did, meant quite another.
Nathan's jealousy had also been another indication of his strong feelings. When her brother had come for a visit, Nathan had first thought Jake a suitor. That had driven him crazy - straight to his backyard and straight to his chopping block. That was the other sign that Julia Matthews had firmly taken up residence in his heart. His feelings, as much as he hadn't been ready to face them, had been clear as day, as he chopped that wood in his backyard.
Then, there was the laughter. And, there had been lots of laughter. Laughter that was good for the soul. Before Julia, Nathan couldn't remember when he had ever laughed so much. Up at the cabin, when she wore his serge and the arms were too long, and nearly slapped her in the face, she had played the comedian. And, when he and Allie had dinner with Jake and Julia, they had all laughed until their sides hurt.
And, then there was the flirting. No one knew how to open him up, and bring out his playful side, like Julia. She just had a clever way about her, that was fun, that made him want to be fun. And, he had flirted with her in a way that he had never flirted with any woman. It had been particularly fun at the Social Club, when they had played darts against each other. When they had tried to distract each other, and it had clearly worked. Even their friends had called them out on it, though neither had minded.
And, when he had been injured, it had been Julia who had taken care of him. In fact, she had put aside her feelings, and made his care her first priority. If at that point, she had felt one fraction of what he had felt for her, he knew it had not been easy.
And, somewhere along the way, that seed of hope, of what could be with Julia, was firmly planted.
When they started playing One Question, they had both truly opened to one another. He had enjoyed every minute of getting to know Julia that way, and loved everything he learned about her. Each day, he looked forward to One Question, and spent most of the rest of his day deciding what question he would ask her next.
It was true what Rosemary had said. They had gotten to know each other quickly, because of the intense circumstances of Joseph's injury, and his own. But, they had also opened to each other and shared with each other, and drawn close to each other. Nathan could truly say that Julia was his best friend. She knew him better than anyone else in his life, and he had shared more with her than anyone else. Even Colleen.
And now, he was ready for more. He was ready to ask her to spend the rest of her life with him. And, to build a life, together, with him. He was ready to live out all of his days with her. He wanted her by his side, he needed her by his side. His life could never be complete, without her. And, he planned to spend all of his days making her dreams, their dreams, come true.
Now, all he had to do was propose. And he planned to do that tomorrow. Even though he could guess her answer already, he wanted the proposal to be special, a day that they would never forget. He hoped that his plan would make her happy. He desired to make her happy.
Finally, the wagon pulled onto Nathan's land, and he was quickly pulled out of his thoughts. When they stopped, the three men unloaded Joseph's wagon. Nathan gave Archie and Joseph a tour of the land, showing them the beautiful property. He proudly showed them every square inch of his humble plot of earth, where he would build a future, together with Julia and Allie.
They spent almost all day, working and talking together, until everything was assembled exactly as Nathan had envisioned. When that was done, the three men covered the project with the blanket. Nathan placed some rocks around the bottom, so the blanket would stay in place. Then, Nathan pulled out his carving tools and went to work on the heart-shaped tree.
When he was done, Joseph took a few minutes to pray with Nathan. He prayed that everything would go well tomorrow. He prayed for both Julia and Nathan, as individuals, and then as a couple. He prayed for the details of their relationship, and for a smooth merging of their two lives into one. And finally, he prayed for the future- for a beautiful and long life together, for Nathan and Julia and Allie.
As they left his land and headed back to Hope Valley, Nathan felt so full of hope and promise. And, his heart was full as he thought of sharing his life with Julia.
Saturday was a hot day, and a slow one at the infirmary. Julia was feeling very bored, when she suddenly saw a flash of red across the street. She went out the door, and crossed the street. She plopped down in the chair, across from her brother, and smiled.
"Aren't you the busy Constable, now?" Julia teased him. He had abandoned his serge as soon as he'd come through the door.
"Yes, indeed. I had another dispute out at the oil rig this morning. It's getting to be a regular thing. This Bouchard seems to employ some shady characters." Jake told her.
"Well, Bouchard is gone to Hamilton all summer. Maybe you should talk with Henry Gowen about it. He is Bouchard's business partner, and a pretty reasonable guy. I'm fairly certain he'd listen to you, if you approached him the right way about it. Also, you know Mike is out there somewhere, and Fiona. Surely you could talk some sense into those two." Julia told him, fanning herself with a paper from his desk.
"Bouchard seems to only care about the bottom line. My guess is, he's the bankroll. So, I don't know how much leeway they have out there. But, it is worth a try." Jake told her.
"Hey, if you want, I could go out there with you. I'd love nothing more than to get back on a horse. And, I like Henry. He's a nice guy." Julia offered.
"Are you that bored at the infirmary?" Jake asked her with a little chuckle.
"Yes!" She told him emphatically. "And, it's so hot in there."
"Look, Julia. I can't involve you in Mountie business. You know that." Jake reminded her.
"Well, you wouldn't be involving me in Mountie business. I'd just be accompanying you on evening rounds. And, while I'm out there, I could talk to Henry. Faith and I already intended to offer them a free health clinic out there." Julia told him.
Jake looked at her, squinting and titling his head. It was a good idea, to at least make contact out there. And, Julia did have a way with people. They just naturally responded to her gentle nature and kind smilie.
"Ok. What time can you get off?" He asked her.
"4 o'clock." She told him.
"I'll saddle the horses and meet you out front at 4 p.m. sharp. We do my normal route, and then I'll take you to dinner at the café, as soon as we're back." He said, extending his hand.
"You've got yourself a deal, Constable." Julia said, as she stood and shook his hand. Then, she clapped her hands together, very excited, and ran back across the street.
At 4 p.m. sharp, Julia came out in her riding culottes and boots. When Julia saw which horse Jake had saddled for her, she laughed. "I'm back to Lucy, eh?"
"Well, I told Jed it was for official infirmary business, so he gave me Lucy. I didn't know if you had permission for Ginger or not." Jake told her with a little grin.
"Don't worry," Julia told him. "Lucy's just fine." She loaded the bag of flaxseeds for Henry into Lucy's saddlebags. She was much too excited about riding, to care which horse she rode.
They left quickly for the oil rig, and talked along the way. It felt so good to ride, and the breeze felt so refreshing. When they passed the bunkhouse, Julia pulled Lucy to a halt, and Jake stopped beside her. It had been completely rebuilt and looked very sound and sturdy now, much better than the last time she'd seen it. There were a few guys mulling around and sitting out front of some of the rooms. And, a tent had been added for summer, with tables underneath it, giving them a nice meeting place.
Julia nudged Lucy on and they soon came to the office that had been built out closer to the main rig. Jake and Julia dismounted, and tied the horses up out front. When they walked up to the office door, Julia knocked. A gruff "come in" called from inside, and Julia smiled. Henry.
Jake opened the door and in they went. Julia carried the bag of flaxseeds, though she had left them wrapped in the brown paper, for discretion. Fiona was also there, at another desk on the side, bent over a map with a young man with red hair.
"Hello, Henry." Julia said cheerily, as she entered. "Hi, Fiona." Julia told her. And Julia nodded at the young man she didn't know and said, "Hello."
"Hello, Miss Matthews, to what do we owe the pleasure?" Henry asked her, standing.
"I wanted to personally introduce you to my brother, the new Mountie in Hope Valley. I'm sure he's been by here already on rounds with Nathan, but I wanted to make sure you formally met him. Henry, this is my brother, Jake Matthews. Jake, this is my friend, Henry Gowen." The two men nodded at each other and shook hands.
"Nice to meet you, Jake. I'd seen you around, but didn't realize you were Miss Matthew's brother." Henry told him. "Please, both of you, have a seat."
Julia sat and told him. "Faith and I wanted to offer to hold a health clinic out here. We were recently given a sizable donation, for the infirmary, and we have a small budget to hold free clinics, around Hope Valley. Faith and I recently talked about where those kind of services might be needed. She was planning to talk to Fiona about it already. But, we thought of the oil rig employees." Julia paused and looked over at Fiona. "What do you think? Do your guys, and their families, need something like that?" Julia offered.
Fiona spoke up from the side, "I have to say, there are some families out here, that could really use the help, Julia."
Henry spoke up in agreement. "I agree, Julia. There are some newcomers who were hit hard when a factory closed outside of Buxton. Those men spent quite some time searching for work, before they landed here with us. I think it's a great idea."
"I'm wondering if that might help bring a little relief to some of the newer families, and perhaps a little more calm out here? Have there been some folks on edge lately? And is that causing some of the trouble out here?" Julia asked him.
"We have had some trouble, as of late. We've had to let a few guys go, and brought on some new ones. I think a health clinic might help show everyone that we care." Henry told her. "Fiona, Mike, and I have been trying hard to change the climate out here. To get rid of the riffraff and calm down some of the trouble." He looked over at Fiona. "Do you think this would help, Fiona?"
"Maybe. We've gotten rid of most of the troublemakers now. I don't know if it will necessarily calm down any of the trouble, per say. But, I do think it could help us get these new families integrated. And, they could sure use the medical help. I think it's a great idea." Fiona told him.
"Well, we can start with one clinic, one afternoon, and see where it goes from there." Julia told them. "Maybe what they really need is a fun day of team building, or community building, amongst themselves."
"That's not a bad idea, Julia." Fiona said pensively, tapping her finger on the desk, where she had been looking at a map with the red headed fellow.
"Well, I'll talk to Faith and get the clinic scheduled, and then I'll come back to you with a date." Julia told them.
"That sounds wonderful, Julia." Henry told her.
"Well, I'll step outside. I think Jake had something he also wanted to talk to you about, Henry." Julia stood, and then turned back. "Oh, Henry. I almost forgot. I picked up something for you in Benson Hills." And, Julia set it down. When Henry picked it up, he knew what it was.
"Thanks, Julia." He told her, with a gentle grin.
"Sure thing, Henry." Julia smiled and started to go. Fiona and the red head walked out with her. "Take care of yourself, Henry." She told him, on her way out.
Once they were outside, the red headed young man headed back towards the rig. Julia looked at Fiona, "Still lots of trouble out here, Fiona?"
"Yea, it's never ending with these guys that Lucas hired. We've almost gotten rid of them all, but there are a few that are too valuable, till we can train more guys for their position." Fiona explained. "Take that red head for instance, that guy is trouble with a capital T. But, he's a foreman, and until we can replace him, we are stuck with him."
"Is William still working out here?" Julia inquired.
Fiona told her, "He sure is. And, he's one of my favorites. He's smart and honest, and willing to work hard."
"Why not make him foreman? His friends all seem to listen to him, I'm sure the other guys would, too. He's a natural born leader, and he's got a good head on his shoulders." Julia told her.
"I've been going to bat for him, for a while now, with Henry and Mike. But, Lucas hired Danny, the red head. And, till he's gone, we can't pay another foreman." Fiona explained.
"Sounds like a catch-22." Julia giggled.
"Business always is." Fiona said with a broad smile.
"But, that's why you love it." Julia told her, knowing Fiona like the challenge.
"You know me so well." Fiona said with a happy chuckle.
The door opened behind her, and Jake came out. "How'd it go, brother?" Julia asked him.
"Very well. I like Mr. Gowen. He's honest and fair." Jake told her. "Though, Fiona, I have to be honest, I don't know how you do it with some of these guys. You are one tough cookie."
"She's from San Fransisco." Julia said with a huge chuckle.
"Oh, that explains that thick skin." Jake told her with a smile.
"And, her sense of adventure." Julia said, smiling.
Fiona smiled proudly, and shrugged. She told them, "Well, I better get back to work, if I'm ever gonna get finished up here today."
"See you later, Fiona." Julia told her cheerily. Jake gave her a little nod.
"Bye, you two." Fiona said as she headed back toward the oil rig.
Jake and Julia mounted the horses, and finished Jake's rounds. It was fun to see all the territory he covered everyday. And, Julia got to see what Nathan had been doing as Constable, oftentimes twice a day, for all those years. They covered some beautiful territory, and met some lovely people. Many of whom asked after Nathan, they all seemed to really like and respect him. One lady even sent them on with a jar of jam for the former Constable. She told them it was "for Allie."
When they finally arrived back in Hope Valley, they stalled the horses and headed to Julia's apartment.
Back in Julia's apartment, it was hot. They entered by the infirmary door, and Jake once again abandoned his serge, hanging it up near the adjoining door. Julia went and opened a few windows, and Jake plopped down in a chair.
Once Julia had changed and freshened up, they headed over to the café. Jake stayed in his Henley as they walked arm in arm down the street, thankful for the cool breeze that was blowing now.
As they walked, Julia heard footsteps running up behind them. She quickly turned her head, just as Nathan tapped her on the shoulder, and said, "I win!"
Allie was hot on his heels and giggling uncontrollably as Julia and Jake turned around. Julia looked at Nathan and back at Allie, and just shook her head at them.
"Were you two racing, to me?" Julia tilted her head and asked them, with a curious grin.
"Precisely." Nathan told her, out of breath and red-cheeked.
"He's too fast." Allie told her, as she also tried to catch her breath. Julia just shook her head at them.
"So, I'm home base, now?" Julia joked with them.
Nathan pointed to Allie, with a deep rolling chuckle. "It was her idea." Then he added, perfectly imitating Allie, "Last one to Julia is a rotten egg." Julia pursed her lips together and rolled her eyes. He smiled mischievously and pointed one more time to Allie, "She's the rotten egg."
Allie let out a loud, "Haha!" and punched him in the arm. That got laughter out of both Julia and Jake. But, in all honesty, Julia found them perfectly cute together, and was glad they were having fun. She didn't mind being "home base" for these two.
Nathan looked at them and asked, curious, "Are you guys headed to the café?"
Jake nodded and told him, "Yes we were. Would you two like to join us?"
Allie spoke up. "We were just headed there ourselves."
"Well, let's go then. And, since your Dad called you a rotten egg, he's buying!" Julia joked to Allie, taking her arm on the other side.
"You're the boss, Miss Matthews." Nathan said with a big playful smile.
"Hey, where's Archie?" Julia asked both Nathan and Allie.
"He was tired. We worked all day on one of my projects, and I think I wore him out." Nathan told her, with an easy smile.
Julia felt sad to miss Archie. "Make sure you tell him we missed him tonight." Nathan nodded happily at her.
When this cute foursome walked into the café, Bill got them a table for four, near the back. They were in a jovial mood, and it showed. They all ordered the special, which much to Allie's delight was Chicken Pot Pie. In fact, when Bill announced it, both Allie and Julia said, "Yes!" In unison. That got a chuckle out of the guys.
They ate together and Jake told more stories, and had everyone in stitches. Julia didn't even mind anymore, even when he told stories that should have been embarrassing. She just laughed right along with him. And, Julia tried to entice some more stories out of Allie, but she was loyal through and through. The only thing Allie would offer up were some of Nathan's "horrible dad jokes," which Julia didn't find horrible at all, but cute.
When Bill brought the dessert, he sat with them a while. They discussed some of the town happenings, and then Jake gave Julia up.
"Guess who went on evening rounds with me tonight, and might have made some real progress in solving some of our problems out at the oil rig?" Jake said, looking coyly at Nathan.
Nathan looked at Julia. Jake told him, "That's right, it was Julia."
"I did not do that." Julia said, shaking her head.
"You had Henry Gowen eating out of the palm of your hand. He would fire anyone you asked him to." Jake told her.
"I did not have Henry doing any such thing. And I would never ask him to fire anyone. He and I are…friends." Julia told them.
"Well, he thinks a lot of you, and is ready to try some of your ideas to change the work environment out there." Jake told her.
"Good for you, Julia. If it makes any difference. There has been trouble out there from the get-go." Bill told her.
Julia put her hands up and told them all. "All I offered to do was a free clinic out there for some of the new families who have just arrived. Something that Faith and I had been discussing already. It was nothing special."
"And, you suggested they do some community activities out there to better the relations between the employees. Fiona liked the idea right away, and knowing her and her social event planning, she will probably run with it." Jake told them.
Nathan spoke up. "Well, if it keeps things calm out there for a while, then it was worth mentioning, Julia."
Julia didn't want to forget. "Oh, Nathan. I have a jar of jam in my apartment for you. From a Mrs. Bush. Although, she did say it was for Allie." Julia told them both. Nathan smiled thinking about old Mrs. Bush on the outskirts of town.
Julia put up her finger and teased Nathan, "And, I have a long list of people who asked us to say hello to you." Julia smiled. "Do you remember all the names, Jake?" She teased.
"No, there were so many, I don't know if I can recall them all, Julia." Jake replied.
"You are a popular guy, Inspector." Julia told him. Nathan smiled timidly at her, and took another bite of pie.
Jake piped in, "And there is an old man out there that often asks about Bill. What's his name?" Jake asked looking at Bill.
"That'd be Mr. Jenkins, I presume. Has he got a lot of chickens?" Bill asked them.
"Exactly." Jake told them. "He wanted to give us eggs to bring to you, Bill. But, we only had our saddlebags, and didn't imagine that would end well." Jake ended with a chuckle.
"I'll go out and see him tomorrow. He's got the best eggs around, and must have quite a load ready." Bill told them, looking happy about that.
After all the hot drinks and desserts were done, Jake started to excuse himself. He didn't want to enter the Coulter's house too late, in case Rosemary was resting. She was still not feeling very well, and Jake didn't want to disturb her.
"That's sweet of you, Jake." Julia told him.
Jake smiled at them, "Well, I'm set to move in with Mike Hickam next week, and then it will be different." Jake started his good-bye's around the table.
"Bye, Jake. Please tell Rosemary I plan to come and see her on Monday." Julia told him. "Though I guess I could tell her myself if she's at church tomorrow."
"Ah, yes. Church. I'll see you all there, then?" Jake asked them.
"Yes, see you then, Jake." Nathan told him. Allie nodded too.
"Have a good evening, Jake." Bill told him, and he left.
Allie, Nathan, and Julia also bid good-bye to Bill, who got back to work. And, then the trio walked out together. They stopped by Julia's apartment, and she gave them the jar of jam from Mrs. Bush.
Nathan took a deep breath. Here it goes. "Julia, would you take a ride with me, in the afternoon, tomorrow?"
Julia smiled at the prospect of time with Nathan. And, another ride, well that was a bonus. "Yes. I would love to, Nathan? What time?"
"Could we leave right after church?" Nathan asked her.
"Sure." Julia smiled big. He liked how happy she was about a ride with him. It was going to be perfect.
Allie looked a little bit jealous, but Nathan would explain to her later.
Julia gave Allie a big hug. "Thanks for a fun evening, Allie." Julia told her, with a big giggle. "And, I don't think you are a rotten egg."
"Thanks, Julia. If anyone's a rotten egg, it's my Dad when he chops wood." Allie said with a mischievous smile.
"Ha ha, Allie." Nathan replied.
Julia let out a soft giggle, and looked timidly at him. The two times that Julia had seen Nathan chop wood, she didn't think him a rotten egg at all. But, terribly masculine and…attractive.
Julia grabbed Nathan's lantern from right inside the door. The one she had carried home last night. She also grabbed her matches, and lit it for them, to carry home.
Julia looked up at him, not sure how to say good night to him, with Allie looking on. "Good night, Nathan." She said quietly, handing him the lantern.
Nathan took it from her and handed it to Allie. Then he slowly wrapped her in his embrace, even with Allie watching. It was a warm hug, and Julia relished it, even if he kept it short. "Good night, Jules." He whispered to her.
Nathan slowly let her go, and started to walk away with Allie. Julia kept her eyes on them, until the lantern light disappeared, already excited about tomorrow.
On the walk home, Nathan had something to talk to Allie about. He hooked his arm through hers, and took a deep breath. "Allie, tomorrow is a big day. I have an important question I'm going to ask Julia."
Allie's face shot up immediately to look him in the eye, her face beaming, completely excited. She actually squealed, and her voice got about 2 octaves higher as she asked, "Really? You are going to ask her? Tomorrow?"
Nathan just chuckled, so full of excitement himself. "Yes. On our ride after church tomorrow. That's why I didn't invite you, Allie."
"Oh, I totally understand! Dad! I'm so excited!" Allie told him.
Nathan chuckled long and low. So happy to see Allie's obvious approval. "So, it's okay with you?"
Allie giggled huge. "Of course it's okay with me! Are you kidding?" Allie laughed, "I'm the one who gave you the deadline, remember?"
Nathan did remember, but he just wanted to make sure Allie didn't have any reservations that needed to be addressed, before he asked. "But, Allie. I really want to make sure you realize what this means. It won't be just me and you anymore. There will be someone else sharing my attention. And, then perhaps, later down the line, more children. Are you okay with all of that, Allie?"
Allie couldn't believe her ears. Was he serious? "Dad! Are you kidding? Are you serious? I'm okay with all of that. And, I hope there are more children. Brothers and sisters for me, and a full house to make all our dreams come true." Allie couldn't believe her ears. "Of course I agree to it all! Dad! Seriously?"
Nathan just chuckled. "Okay, okay, Allie. I get it. You are on board." Nathan paused and looked at her. "I just had to make sure, Allie. You are my daughter, and up to this point, the most important person in my life. So, I had to ask."
Allie smiled up at him, and felt very blessed. "Thanks for asking, Dad. But, I love Julia. And, I'm one hundred percent on board." And then she added with a broad smile, "Ask her, already!"
"Ok." Nathan said with a chuckle. "I will ask her. Tomorrow."
Later that night, when all the lamps had long been extinguished, and the town was sleeping, something was amiss.
BOOOOOM. SMASH. CRASH.
Julia was sleeping soundly in her bed, when a loud noise, and crash rang out from next door. Her eyes shot wide open. She was suddenly dragged from her dream of Nathan and Allie, and startled awake by strange noises coming from the infirmary next door.
Her eyes were wide in alarm, and there was no mistaking the sound of someone or something…next door.
Julia quickly rose and headed towards the adjoining door. As she passed the hook, she grabbed Jake's serge that hung there, and put it on, over her night-gown. She grabbed a candle from the counter and quickly lit it. Then, she opened the door and stepped silently through.
Julia could hear the rummaging louder now, and thought she saw candle light. As she came around the curtain, she only saw a flash of red hair before THUMPF something struck her hard on the left side of her face, and sent her tumbling, tumbling, down, down into a deep well of black…