And the greatest of these is Love

Chapter 25

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Elizabeth hung up her telephone and couldn't stop smiling. She looked over at Jack and saw that he was more than ready to go outside to play. Picking him up she swung him around and couldn't help but tell him very excitedly that Uncle Tom was coming to visit them.

"Jack honey, guess who's coming to see you and me very soon?"

"Momma, I don't know, but you are very happy!"

"Yes, I am. Your Uncle Tom is coming for a visit! Isn't that wonderful!" Elizabeth declared as she put Jack back down on the ground.

"Uncle Tom? He's coming here? Oh boy!"

"Yes, we haven't seen him since Christmas. Wait until he sees how big you have grown!"

"When is he coming?"

"Very soon, Jack, he'll be here for the Family Festival in a few weeks."

Elizabeth didn't share with him that Grandma Thornton would be coming to, as Tom wasn't sure, but she came last time when he did so she could see everyone. Elizabeth was a little bit intimidated by Charlotte, but having a grandson now showed a more mellow and warm side of her mother-in-law.

"Are you ready to take a walk to town?" Elizabeth asked.

"Can I ride by tricycle, then I can go faster?" Jack grinned.

"All right, but don't go faster than me!" Elizabeth teased.

When they got into town, Jack was beeping his new horn Uncle Bill had bought him a little while ago. He was proud of his horn on his handlebar and honked it at everyone. Elizabeth had to make sure he stopped and looked when crossing the street because of all the automobiles zipping around now. They also had to maneuver around occasional horse droppings, but once on the boardwalk Elizabeth let go of his tricycle.

Jack rode it to 'Judge William Avery's' office and honked his horn. It didn't take long before Bill opened his door, "Hey there Jack, what are you doing disturbing the peace right here in front of my office?" he winked at Elizabeth.

"I'm parking it Uncle Bill," Jack said as he got off to hug Bill's legs.

Bill laughed and squatted down face to face with Jack saying, "Give old Uncle Bill a hug!"

Elizabeth smiled broadly at the two of them hugging and briefly wished Jack's daddy was there to hug him every day. "Hello Uncle Bill! Jack has been wanting to come and say hello to you and thank you for the horn, right Jack?"

"Right!" Jack laughed. "Uncle Bill, my other uncle is coming!"

Bill thought for a second, "Your Uncle Tom?"

"Yep!"

Bill looked at Elizabeth for more information. "When?"

"For the Family Festival. He says he has some news to tell me in person, so we'll see, but he sure has me wondering."

"Is there a female surprise?" Bill grinned.

"Well it could be, however, we're not guessing at this point," Elizabeth gave Bill a look to be quiet, "when are you and Molly coming over for dinner? I've been waiting for either of you to give me a time."

"I'll check with Molly and get back to you soon."

Elizabeth let out a groan, "that's what you said last time. I want to have Will Malone over but not without other guests, if you get my drift?"

"Are you still pining over that Superintendent? There's other fish in the sea."

"What sea is that?" Elizabeth chuckled.

"Momma, can we go fishing?" Jack clapped.

Bill and Elizabeth burst into laughter. "Tell you what little man, I'll be over to pick you up after work tonight and take you to the pond to go fishing. Momma and Aunt Molly can watch us."

"Yea, they don't like worms," Jack nodded his head in agreement. Bill shook hands with Jack sealing the deal.

"See you later alligator," Jack giggled.

"After while crocodile," Bill waved.

Then, Elizabeth walked over to the library and went inside.

"Rosaleen, have you heard any news from the publishing house about the submission of my book? I haven't heard anything," she sighed.

"Nothing yet on my end. How long has it been?"

"A few months," she answered while watching Jack pour through the 'easy' books for children, "this is when I wish I had contact with Helen Bouchard."

"Really? I thought you never wanted to hear from Lucas again after what he did?" Rosaleen was shocked.

"Not him, his mother. She was the one with connections. You're right, I guess it's just as well." Elizabeth walked over to check on Jack and noticed he was looking at a new children's book about a pug dog.

"Momma, can we take this book? It's got very cute pictures of a dog named Sophie Marie!" Jack smiled up at Elizabeth.

"Sure, take it to Miss Rosaleen and she'll check it out for you."

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As Rosaleen checked out the books that Elizabeth and Jack had gathered, she spoke up, "This cute little book, My name is Sophie Marie is written by one of the Chickadees, Teresa. She wrote the story about her own pup and drew the pictures too!"

"Oh, I didn't know about that," Elizabeth was surprised, "how exciting! Now, if I can only get my book published, I'd be thrilled."

Elizabeth and Jack walked out of the library, Jack got back on his tricycle and as they were just about to cross the street, Elizabeth saw a flash of red and realized Nathan was running towards Bill's office.

"Look at Mountie Grant, Mamma, he's going fast!" Jack tugged on Elizabeth's skirt.

Andrew and Gunther came out of the RCMP office running just as fast right behind Nathan. Whatever they were talking about, they were loud and seemed quite anxious making Elizabeth as well as other folks who were outside wonder what was happening.

There was a bit of commotion, but soon Andy and Gunther were at the livery and on their horses. Nathan had thanked Bill and then got back to his office and went inside. In a matter of minutes, he was back out, locking up the office, and took off in his automobile.

Whatever it was, Elizabeth and Jack proceeded to the Mercantile as others went about their business too.

Soon, Nathan was at the Taylor row house and bounded up the stairs. Violet was at the infirmary so Ruth answered the door, "C'mon in Sargent Grant."

Nathan drew in a deep breath and stepped inside. "Good morning Ruth," and when Jake came around the corner, "Jake."

"Sargent Grant," Jake nodded, "how can we help you?"

"Please sit down," Ruth offered.

"Thanks, but I am not staying. I just need to tell you both that the Fredrick clan has been spotted. Actually, they are in the States, Montana to be exact," Nathan informed them both.

Jake and Ruth looked at each other elated to hear the news. "Are they in custody?"

"Not yet. The Mounties are working with the Attorney General of Canada who in turn communicates with the U.S. Department of Justice. Once they are identified as the ones we are searching for, they will be arrested," Nathan explained.

"When will you know they've been arrested?" Jake asked hurriedly.

"They are probably being arrested today, maybe even now, while we speak. I am awaiting confirmation, so I will return to the office, but I wanted to let you know in person what was developing. I'll telephone you as soon as I hear any word," Nathan nodded.

"Thank you, Sargent Grant. We will pray they are arrested very soon," Ruth said.

When Nathan returned to the office, he quickly telephoned Dee to let her in on what happened and that he might be late coming home later. He didn't want to stay on the telephone long, so he could leave the telephone line open, so he kept it short. Andy and Gunther went on the rounds so Nathan could stay at the office. As usual Bill reassured Nathan that he would step in and cover for him if Nathan had to leave, so now he just waited.

Nathan was glad that Bill came over to talk. He was anxious and needed to talk about what he learned so far. "Apparently, the men knew they were being hunted as every place they went they saw the Wanted ads. They lucked out and found some gold diggers washing up in a stream, so they grabbed their clothes laying on the shore and left their dirty clothes behind. Obviously, they shaved and cut each other's hair short too, so they didn't look like themselves from the posters."

"Did they travel by foot to Montana?" Bill inquired.

"Not sure, Bill. Maybe they hitched a ride along the way," Nathan answered, "somehow someone had seen the wanted posters and identified them, so that's what I'm thinking."

The RCMP telephone rang, and Nathan quickly picked it up. Bill was all ears and listened to what Nathan was saying, "Yes, all right. Oh no! That is horrible. That's good. Thank you."

Bill was trying to decipher what Nathan said. When he hung up, Bill was asked, "Well?"

"No arrest yet, but now there are more charges added. These men wreaked havoc for years and were never caught, but once that woman in Edmonton pressed charges, others came forward. Not only more rapes, but stolen horses, assault and battery, even clothes off of laundry lines, if you can believe it."

"Oh, I can believe it, you should hear some of the cases I have heard over the years!" Bill shook his head.

"Not only more charges, but they come from all across the Alberta Province. Those men were elusive and when local authorities tried to arrest them, they were either already gone, or the charges didn't stick. It makes me think there are others involved here," Nathan sat back in his chair to think.

"Now that doesn't surprise me either. A few of the Mounties are deep in corruption. We don't like to think about it, but at times it's pretty prevalent. You'll have to make sure that when these men are finally apprehended and extradited back to Canada, you have good solid evidence," Bill pointed out.

Nathan and Bill deliberated what all needed to be done. Neither of them wanted the Frederick clan to be free of any charges. "We got to nail them, Bill!" Nathan said confidently.

When Andrew and Gunther returned from rounds they were given the sickening update and discussed in depth what would happen next.

Andy remarked, "I hope this is all settled before the Family Festival. People here are really looking forward to celebrating the new fire pumper and ambulance parade and all the other fun activities!"

"Oh, and my mother is coming too. She wants to see me, and of course had such a great time with your other Emily. Plus she's also never seen our festival. It's one of a kind!" Gunther added.

Bill left, "I'll grab us all some lunch. Time to chew on something other than this case."

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Robert came over to visit Allie every chance he could. Today, Allie wasn't working at the Mercantile, and Robert wasn't helping there until later in the day. Robert was lucky that Ned Yost hired him on for the summer while home from Mountie training school. If Ned didn't need him, he sent him over by Kevin Townsend to see if he needed any help at the Garden and Hardware shop. It seemed there was always work for him which made everyone happy.

If Robert worked at the Mercantile, he would see Allie on the switchboard which Ned tried to avoid if at all possible. He knew they were sweethearts and it was always a struggle to keep them both working. However this morning was open for the two of them to hang out together.

"Good to see you Robert," Emily greeted him when she let him in the door. "I bet you'd like to see the young lady who lives here," she winked.

"Yes, please Mrs. Grant. How are you doing today?" he politely asked.

"Same old stuff, just a bit tired. Would you like a drink or a muffin?"

"No thanks, I ate before I came, but I know you are the best apple strudel baker in town, so I could always find room for a slice," Robert charmed her with his smile.

"Surely, but first, let me call Allie for you," she winked.

Allie answered from upstairs where she was changing Christopher, "Coming." She was down with Christopher in a fast minute when she heard Robert's voice.

When they got downstairs, Christopher waddled over to see Robert. Robert laughed and picked him up and put him on his lap. Christopher was happy to see his buddy Robert again. "Hey Christopher, how's my friend?"

Christopher giggled, he tried to say Robert's name, but his talking was just starting so he just babbled when he got excited. "Allie, can he have a bite of the strudel?"

"Just a small piece, with a drink to wash it down."

"As Christopher watched his sister talking with Robert he kept reaching for more of the apple strudel so Emily got him from Robert saying, "Let Robert eat, silly."

Both Allie and Robert asked Emily to watch Christopher for a little bit so they could go horseback riding. As usual, Emily didn't mind at all. Christopher liked being with his Oma and Grandpa, and besides Dee was expected back soon.

Allie and Robert walked out to the stable. Penny was out in the fenced area with Newton eating grass and swishing their tails at the flies. As they looked up and saw Allie and Robert coming, Penny neighed her greeting.

"I know Penny, I know. It's been a long time," she rubbed Penny's nose and scratched her between her ears like she enjoyed, "but I brought you something," she said as she opened her hand to reveal a carrot that Penny politely took.

Meanwhile Robert walked over to Newton and rubbed his mane with his fingers while offering him a carrot too. "Are you going to let me ride you?" he asked.

Walking them back to the stable, they got the horses saddled up and soon they were trotting out in the country. It felt good to have the wind blowing through their hair as they clicked the horse's sides to go faster and gallop.

When they got out further they saw the frame work of the new St. James Church. It was simply stunning. This church was bigger than the Community Church they were so familiar with in town. It was longer and had a tall steeple with a huge cross on the top. Eventually, the bricklayers would be there later in the summer, and then the stained glass windows coming all the way from Germany would be installed. Not only would this sanctuary serve the town of Hope Valley where there was a small but tight community of families meeting at the O'Neill barn, but Brookfield, Benson Hills, and Clearwater families would finally have a parish to belong to. It was one of largest churches around and Fr. Ricardo would be on his own for awhile, until a missionary priest would join him.

Allie and Robert stopped for awhile watching the workers and admiring their handiwork. It was fascinating, but they ventured on. They stopped and picked some flowers and let the horses drink out of the stream.

As they sat in the grass Robert told Allie, "You know it's so good to be with you, Allie. I really missed seeing you."

"That's sweet Robert, I thought about you a lot too. I waited for the mail to see if you had written me a letter," Allie confessed.

"I wanted to telephone you just to hear your voice, but I couldn't. We could only write. It seemed like forever to get a return letter, but it always made my day," Robert said as he put one of the flowers behind Allie's left ear and leaned in to give her a kiss.

Allie felt a rush of emotion running through her as he kissed her and she let him linger with the kiss. Knowing that Nathan was her father, prompted Robert to stop.

"Allie, I want to take you to the motion picture film the Hopefuls are hosting Saturday night. Do you want to go?" Robert asked.

"Sure, if I can. I don't know if we have any family plans for Saturday. My mom's parents are moving into their new home and we're helping," Allie explained, "I'll ask when we get back."

Robert looked at his watch and said, "Gee Allie, we need to get back now. I've got to get ready for work. We better get going."

They galloped back home and brushed and fed the horses, then Robert left. When Allie stepped inside her house, Allie was shocked to find that Oma was laying in her bed resting.

"What happened, mom?" Allie asked.

"Your Oma is not strong like she thinks she is. Dr. Faith just left and ordered bed rest for her for a week. Apparently, it's her heart, dear," Dee said sadly as she hugged Allie.

"Oh no! I left Christopher with her and Grandpa to go horseback riding. I didn't know..." Allie started to cry as she got upset feeling it was her fault.

"I know. Luckily, Archie went outside holding Christopher and called for help. Being out in the country, no one heard him, except for me. I was on my way when I faintly heard him calling. So, I rushed home then called Dr. Faith and she came right away."

"Did she have a heart attack, mom?" Allie was beyond scared.

"No, her heart beat was faint and slow. All she remembers is telling Archie to get help. Your dad is on his way. You can go see her, but if she's sleeping, don't wake her, she needs her rest," Dee cautioned, "I have to go check on Christopher."

Allie walked quietly into Oma's bedroom and saw her grandma's eyes closed, so she didn't say a word. She pulled a chair to the side of her bed and sat there looking lovingly at her Oma and reached for her hand, "Lord," she prayed, "please, please don't let her die, help her to get better. I love her so much."