. .
Chapter Nineteen
. .
A Hero!
. .
"Dr. Carter, these brownies are delicious! Homemade meals speak right to the heart of single Mounties, at least this one." Cal grinned.
"They are delicious, Faith. I didn't think of it last night when you gave Allie and me a taste, but didn't you say you didn't bake?" Nathan queried. "Obviously you can, and very well!"
With lilting laughter, Faith responded. "Constable, if you remember, I listed numerous items I cannot bake, but I did not list brownies! Those I have perfected by much repetition!"
"Well, since Brownies are one of our favorites, that's okay with us, right Dad?" Allie took a bite and rolled her eyes with pleasure.
"You've got me there, Allie-girl!"
The ringing telephone interrupted their dessert and with a quick couple of strides, Nathan answered. "Hello, Grant residence."
"Nathan? Lee, here. I just received a petition from parents of the youngest students who don't want older students teaching their children. Also, I heard from Cat, Bruce Weise, the Hayfords, Harper Tucker's parents, Kurt Lawson, Florence Yost, Richard Wolf, a very concerned Minnie and Joseph, and Shane Cantrell. I have asked each of them to put their concerns in writing and submit them to me for tomorrow's school board meeting. Would you be willing to write and submit your concerns? I would appreciate having the issues in writing although I doubt anyone on the school board will have trouble believing the accusations at this point."
"Sure, Lee, I guess I can compose something…" Nathan stopped as he was cut off by loud pounding and cries he could hear through the line. They came from Lee's front door.
"Hold on, Nathan."
Elizabeth fell into the room as Rosemary opened the door. Crying hysterically, Elizabeth could hardly voice her words. "Jack! It's Jack…! Is he here? He's… missing! It's dark and cold and….my baby is lost!"
Immediately alert, Nathan said loudly into the telephone. "I'll be right there." Hanging the receiver on the telephone and turning to those at the table, Nathan gave brief instructions.
"Jack is missing. Cal? Faith? Leave everything and come with me. Allie, I want you to stay with Aunt Rosemary wherever she is, okay? Faith, I'll bring you to your office as soon as we get the information from Elizabeth. We need to saddle up, Cal."
"Nathan, let me get a head start and run into town. I'll have the horses ready by the time you get there."
"Good idea!" Cal was out the door, running, before Nathan could finish his sentence.
"I've got to leash Prince and bring him." Nathan attached Prince's collar and lead rope issuing instructions as he did so. "Faith? I want to bring Elizabeth to your office should we need your services later, okay? Others in town can support you."
"Shall I sound the bell? You can leave me there and I'll walk to the office." Faith was buttoning her coat even as she pointed to Allie's scarf. "Wear that, Honey."
"No, Faie. Could you run up to tell Joseph and ask him to go ring the bell? I want you safely in your office before we split into teams. I need to get the story from Elizabeth right away."
Hearing the pounding footsteps run past his house, Bruce Weise opened his door and saw a young Mountie running towards town. Grabbing his coat and gear, he took his firearm out of his desk drawer and explained he'd go help with whatever was going on. As he stepped out, Nathan caught his eye.
"Bruce, Jack Thornton is missing. Can you notify everyone out here while I go to interview Elizabeth? Faith and Allie just ran to get Joseph to ring the bell and will meet me at the Coulters."
"Sure!"
. .
With a sharp knock, Nathan opened Lee's door to find him dressing and collecting lanterns and his gun. Rosemary was holding Elizabeth on the sofa.
"Lee, please check Elizabeth's house while I get a statement? Oh! And bring me a couple of articles of Jack's clothing and even a blanket he naps with?"
"Hello." Nathan spoke calmly as he moved nearer the sofa. "Elizabeth? I need you to tell me what happened. Everything you can think of. When did you notice he was gone?"
Bursting into tears again, Elizabeth couldn't speak.
Letting Elizabeth cry, Nathan turned to ask Rosemary what she knew. "Rosemary? Did she tell you anything?"
"Laura brought Jack to the schoolhouse after school. Evidently Elizabeth fell asleep and when she awoke she forgot Jack was supposed to be there…"
Her face red with embarrassment and her voice hesitant and shaky, Elizabeth continued the story. "When I got home, I realized Jack had been with me so I ran back to the school." She gulped. "He wasn't there! I called… I looked and called… I even began to call outside the schoolhouse, then ran here to tell Lee and Rose…"
"At what time did Laura bring Jack to you?" Nathan asked quietly while quickly jotting in his note pad.
"I don't know…" Elizabeth spoke brokenly between sniffs, "Maybe around half-past four?"
"And when did you awaken from your nap?"
"Maybe an hour later? I didn't really look…" Fresh tears fell and, embarrassed, Elizabeth could no longer speak.
"So Jack disappeared sometime after half-past four." Nathan made a mental note, then crouched beside Elizabeth. "I know this is hard to answer, Elizabeth, but it is imperative that we send people to search in the right directions. Does Jack talk about or like to visit special places around town? The Livery? The Café? The pond…"
"Noooo… I have to go look for him… the dock… Noooo…" Elizabeth struggled to stand, but Rosemary held her tightly.
"Look at me, Elizabeth." Nathan quickly and lightly touched her arm as he whispered, "Elizabeth? We will find your son, but you need to stay at the Infirmary as we will bring him there for Faith to examine him when he is found. Okay? Do not run off yourself. You are more valuable to Jack if you stay in one place so we can bring him right to you. Now, I need to get going. Elizabeth? Pray."
By now Lee had returned to report, "Jack is not next door. Shall I drive Elizabeth to the Infirmary so you can direct everyone in town?" He handed Jack's blanket, a shirt and pajama bottoms to Nathan.
"Thanks. Yes, please. Bring Faith with you? Can Allie stay wherever you are, Rosemary?"
"Yes. We'll go with Elizabeth and Faith." Rosemary stood to gather her outer garments as Nathan ran out the door and drove quickly to town, picking up Joseph along the road.
"Ring the bell multiple times, Joseph, then do a thorough search inside the building, okay? I'll direct the searches from the street. Anyone who finds him, shoot twice! Wait five minutes and shoot twice again. Please stay nearby and once Jack is in the Infirmary, peel the all clear."
"Got it. Godspeed, Nathan."
Nathan was focused and missed the waves of other menfolk hurrying into town, but Joseph hopped out at the end of the road and ran up to the schoolhouse.
The bell peeled as Nathan quickly parked outside the Jail to meet Cal approaching on Shadow while holding Newton's reins. Quickly, Nathan let Prince out of the car, shortening his lead and holding him tightly.
"I stopped for Bill and he's saddling Hero." Cal reported, staying on Shadow and waiting for Nathan to take Newton. "Where shall I begin?"
"It may seem odd, but you've worked with me and a dog before, so stay with me. Maybe tuck this shirt into your bag so it doesn't get windblown? I need to split up the men."
As Lee pulled up to the Infirmary, he helped get Elizabeth inside with Faith, his wife and Allie and hurried to meet Nathan.
"Men? Little Jack Thornton is missing." Nathan addressed the gathering group from the boardwalk. "Mike? Please direct four men in town to thoroughly search inside and around every building, okay? Start at that end and work towards the Judge's office. Get Lucas and Gustave to search the Saloon as they know all the nooks and crannies. Lee? Take Jesse and begin with the woods on that side of town. Kurt take a man and head out to the row houses, start there in ever-widening circles. Bruce? Look around the pond and stand watch there after you search. Jack is young. Everyone remember that after calling his name you need to be still and listen carefully before moving on and calling again. Ned? Please search the inside of the Mercantile. Bill? Your choice. I'm taking Cal and Prince and beginning outside the schoolhouse. Two shots when found and again five minutes later. Pray, men, pray."
Nathan mounted Newton and gave Prince a good length of rope as the two Mounties and dog headed towards the schoolhouse. At the steps, Nathan dismounted and held out Jack's pajamas for Prince to smell. Always willing to please his master, Prince nuzzled his nose into the fabric and then sat waiting expectantly. Nathan mounted Newton and gave the command, "Follow the scent, Buddy. Follow the scent."
With only a moment's hesitation, Prince put his nose to the ground and began to move. He sniffed about at the base of the steps, then headed towards the back of the schoolhouse, only to circle around and return to where they began. Nathan moved further from the steps and reached down with the clothing. Once again, Prince inhaled, then began to pull down the road towards town. Veering off towards the pond, Nathan held his breath and prayed.
On the dock, Prince sniffed around and turned, returning to Nathan and Newton. Giving him another sniff, Nathan backed away from where they had been and gave the command again. On a circuitous route, Nathan and Cal followed the movements of a little boy who seemed to have covered a lot of ground, yet remained unseen. When Prince led them to the door of Bill's office, the dog stopped and sat down. Dismounting, Nathan tried the locked door, peered inside and called Jack's name. Down the steps again, Nathan praised Prince, patting his head and allowing another sniff before backing down the steps. Handing Newton to Cal, Nathan followed on foot. Their next stop was the Livery and amazingly the scent must have zig-zagged in and around the stalls before exiting at the back door and following around towards the front again.
. .
Townspeople briefly stopped their search to observe Nathan, the dog and the new Mountie before returning to their prayers and inspections.
As Prince led Nathan to the boardwalk of the Saloon, it appeared that Jack had taken a sharp turn off the porch before nearing the door. He had crossed the street and hid behind some barrels between Coulter's Lumber and the Barbershop.
"Nathan? You need to see this." Bill's voice could be heard from the front of the jail. "Nathan?"
Coming around the corner, Nathan asked "What is it?"
"Go inside." Bill pointed and followed Nathan and Prince. "I doubt you left your drawer like that? With candy wrappers strewn all over?"
Chuckling in spite of the serious issue at hand, Nathan commented. "Well, we know he was here! Looks like Jack had candy for supper!"
By now, Prince was sitting in the middle of all the wrappers looking expectantly at his master.
"Try the shirt now, Nathan." Cal had tethered the horses and come in to hand Jack's shirt to Nathan.
Squatting down, Nathan held out the shirt and Prince buried his nose in it, then whimpered and began to sniff around. In and out of the jail cells the dog sniffed, then began to show signs of agitation.
"Good boy. What do you smell, Buddy?" Following the dog into the back room, Nathan immediately saw the back door was ajar. If it wasn't for Prince pulling on the leash, Nathan would have been discouraged. But Prince began to whine in earnest, so Nathan followed him outside and straight to the woodpile. Barking, Prince sat down.
Startled by the dog's bark, a sob escaped the little boy until he saw the red serge. "Mountie Daddy!"
"Jack!" Immediately Nathan was on his knees opening his arms to the boy and hugging him tightly. "We found you..."
"I'm scared." Jack buried his face into Nathan's neck and sputtered, "That doggie is loud."
"That dog rescued you, Son. Can you let him nuzzle you? He did such a good job!" Nathan motioned for Prince to come sniff Jack, although the little boy shied away.
Taking Jack's hand, he slowly guided Jack to pat Prince's head, then, after giving Prince a good pat himself, Nathan stood lifting Jack in his arms.
Cal was standing beside Bill, both men watching with glistening eyes.
"Bill? Sound the signal please? Cal? Head to the church and have Joseph ring the bell? I'm going to Faith's office!"
"Oh, Cal? Please take Prince with you then Head to the Mercantile, to see if Ned will open up and give our hero a B.O.N.E!"
Suddenly the street was filling with rejoicing townspeople as Nathan crossed with Jack in his arms.
Elizabeth and Faith had opened the door at the sound of the gunshots and hearing the cheers stepped onto the porch. It only took seconds for the women to see Nathan's red serge stride towards the Infirmary, Jack holding on tightly!
"Jack! Jack!" Screaming, Elizabeth flew down the steps, throwing her arms around Nathan and Jack together. "Jack!"
"Mommy!" Jack reached out to wrap his arms around his mother's neck.
Carefully moving back and making the transfer into Elizabeth's arms, Nathan questioned. "You've got him?"
"Jack!" Elizabeth didn't seem to be able to voice another word, just gripped her son to herself.
"Too tight, Mommy!" Jack exclaimed, "Too tight!"
"Elizabeth? Bring him inside for a few moments, please?" Faith stood beside Nathan, smiling and patting his arm then turning Elizabeth towards the office. "Let me check him over okay? Come inside."
Rosemary took Elizabeth's arm on the other side and, between Rosemary and Faith, they got Elizabeth and Jack up the steps and inside the doctor's office.
Meanwhile, Allie was down the steps, wrapping her arms around her father. "You found him, Dad…" She dissolved into tears.
"Prince found him, Honey!"
"Prince did? Where is he?"
"Hopefully getting a reward from Ned!" He kissed Allie's head then whispered, "I need to tell Faith something. Come on."
. .
While Bill surveyed the townspeople gathered, noting some significant absences, he motioned for quiet. Announcing to the crowd where Jack had been hidden, he mentioned that Nathan's dog had been instrumental in finding the boy. The townsfolk had many questions even as they rejoiced that Jack hadn't wandered too far.
Interrupting the discussions that ensued, Joseph stood on the porch and motioned for everyone to quiet again. "Let me lead us in a prayer of thanksgiving!"
"Father God?
Thank you! Thank you for returning Young Jack to us, apparently safe and sound. Thank you for our Constables and all our willing volunteers, always ready to pitch-in to search, including one special German Shepherd! Thank you for your protection and for this blessed outcome.
We pray you will heal any memories that Jack and Elizabeth carry as a result of these past few hours. Praise you, and in Your name we pray…"
Joseph closed his prayer, "And all the people said, 'Amen!'"
. .
Inside Faith's office, Nathan motioned to Faith to come to him then whispered. "Jack had a feast of candy inside my office, as evidenced by a lot of wrappers scattered around! Elizabeth will need to be forewarned that Jack may have a tummy ache later."
"Oh? Thank you. I'll mention that. Will I see you in a bit?" Faith asked hopefully.
"Yeah. Find me at my office. I have an interesting report to write!" Nathan chuckled. "I'll take Allie with me."
Making the shape of a kiss with his lips, Nathan headed to his office with his arm around Allie.
. .
Jed and Kevin stopped into the RCMP office and offered to take care of Newton and the other horse, for which Nathan was grateful. "That is an offer I will accept with gladness, gentlemen. Thank you! Cal did you meet our blacksmith yet? Kevin Townsend, meet Calvin Burns, my new assistant and his horse, Shadow. Cal, meet Kevin. You probably met Jed earlier? Jed, both horses deserve a treat if there are any around. They were extremely patient!"
As Kevin and Jed departed, Ned arrived with Prince in tow. "You have a happy pup here, Nathan. He was reluctant to move from the porch when I handed him the bone!"
"I guess I understand. He has no idea of the great job he did tonight, but I'm grateful for the reward. Please put it on my account, Ned?"
"As if I would do that! Prince is our hero tonight." Ned chuckled and added, "My treat! I think this bone will last a while!"
Ned handed the leash to Allie who knelt beside the dog and wrapped her arms around him. Prince dropped the bone temporarily to accept some loving from his girl.
Seated before his typewriter, Nathan began to write his report, beginning with Elizabeth's confession of how Jack went missing. As Cal swept up the candy wrappers, Nathan read it aloud to Cal, "Anything we need to add?"
"Just say that she went to the Coulters rather than to you as the RCMP. That delay could have been significant in my opinion. Who doesn't contact law enforcement first?" Cal commented.
Having not told Calvin any of his history with the schoolteacher, Nathan locked eyes with him for a few moments, then broke his gaze as he figured out how to word that fact.
Explaining how he had trained Prince, Nathan reported how he had tracked the boy's movements, clearly showing his meanderings, then how Prince led him to Jack as he was hiding right under everyone's noses! Nathan concluded that there was no criminal intent, but some negligence and then a series of unfortunate circumstances, but how grateful he was that the dog had partnered with them to find Jack Thornton, unharmed. Pulling the pages from the typewriter, he handed them to Cal to approve and sign.
. .
Faith entered quietly, not wanting to disturb Nathan as he re-read his notes. He stopped anyway!
"Hello! What a night, eh?" Nathan nodded at Cal who stood to offer Faith his chair. "We are almost finished here. I wanted to try to recreate the meanderings of a five year old escapee! Jack got around and managed to avoid being seen. Elizabeth will have to watch out for him! Maybe he inherited some stealth from his Mountie father?"
Cal questioned the doctor, "Did Mrs. Thornton head home with Jack?"
"The Coulters gave them a ride," Responded Faith. "I think her legs were like jelly after what she went through today. I pray she will sleep well."
Glancing from Nathan to Cal to Allie, Faith asked, "Gentlemen, may I speak to you both outside for a moment? You may want to add something to your report."
"Of course. We'll be right outside, Allie." Nathan nodded to Faith to go first.
Out on the street and far enough from any listening ears, Faith explained what she had seen and where she had seen it, ending with, "I believe you should document that."
Back inside, Nathan placed the report back in the typewriter and added a couple sentences as reported by the town doctor. With Cal's approval and signature, Nathan signed the report and folded the original into an envelope, ready to post to Headquarters, then filed his carbon copy.
"Well, are we ready to head home? Hoping it will be a quiet night for you at the Saloon, Cal. We'll reconvene in the morning for rounds, eh?" Nathan gathered his hat preparing to say goodnight. "Thanks for your help!"
"I didn't do much, but it was great to see how you worked with Prince. Have a goodnight yourselves. Oh, and thank you for dinner!"
. .
"Can you tell me how you found Jack, Honey? I am so curious," inquired Faith as they relaxed on the sofa with a cup of tea.
After describing Jack's wanderings and rescue, Nathan quietly asked, "How was Elizabeth? Did she seem to collect herself after a while? And, did Lucas ever stop by?"
"Ahem. Eventually she calmed a little and just listened to Allie and Rosemary extol your praises as a great tracker. Allie explained how you worked with Prince and was certain the dog would find Jack quickly." Faith smiled up at Nathan, continuing, "I confess I enjoyed listening to all of that!"
"Allie always comes through as my loyal cheerleader!"
"Not just Allie! Rosemary waxed eloquent as well!" She giggled.
"I don't know what she knows to share!"
"Oh? Rosemary puts two and two together, using various sources that often cannot be named. She knows a lot of the behind the scenes things you have accomplished, Constable! I wonder if she has a file of notes, because everything came very easily to her!" Faith watched as Nathan squirmed under her scrutiny.
Desiring to change the subject, Nathan immediately found the perfect topic. "With all that transpired, we haven't begun looking at house plans, but I think it is too late tonight. Shall we begin that tomorrow?"
.