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Chapter Twenty-four
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Gabriel, Bill, and Nathan
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"Kinslow?"
After meeting with Constable Burns to explain how he fit into the new RCMP plans by working with Nathan, the Commissioner met privately with Constable Gabriel Kinslow.
"Thank you for your good work in Brookfield. You have foiled some wild gang activity during your years in town and the RCMP is grateful. Now, I have a few questions for you. First, are you willing to leave Brookfield? I know we don't make a practice of placement according to a Constable's preferences, but I have a reason for asking."
"I would prefer to remain there, Sir, but if the RCMP moves me then I will deal with it. As much as I thought I might find a wife there, it hasn't happened and I could leave the town in the hands of the British Columbian Provincial Police."
"Okay, good. I looked into your personnel file, Kinslow, and see you were raised on a farm and took great interest in the welfare of the animals there. Are you familiar with dogs? I know that it is common for a dog to be a part of a farm family."
"We had a few, Sir."
"Right. Now, I am thinking of having you research and concentrate on breeding and raising German shepherds for use in the experimental canine training program. The RCMP will provide the means and arrange for you to take a correspondence course in veterinary medicine out of London, Ontario, as a first step. The Ontario Veterinary Correspondence School runs a course in veterinary medicine and surgery. Obviously you would not be preparing for surgical procedures, but it still might be helpful information. The course involves home study, a textbook, and gives participants a diploma which allows recipients to practice anywhere in Canada. (*5) I believe it would be helpful for you to take the course even if you'll be concentrating on German Shepherds."
"We could set-up a place in Brookfield, but Hope Valley is my preference. We would find land and enclosed shelter or small barn for you to use as you develop the breeding program. It would have to be a distance from the training area that Nathan will use as we know that dams (*6) can be aggressive and we don't want any interaction between the two programs except to supply weaned pups to Nathan and Cal for training. I'm thinking the earliest we'd be ready for that would be just shy of a year from now. What are your thoughts?"
"I am still in shock, Sir. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined an opportunity like this! Relocating to Hope Valley would be fine, especially with Nathan here. Would I remain in Brookfield until the Provincial Police take over? I live in the back apartment, so would need to vacate before they move in."
"We'll work on details, but I would like you to begin the course as soon as possible, so will request a quick changeover for you and maybe you and Nathan could find a home for you here in Hope Valley in the meantime? Having you here, means a third Mountie for the border patrols and backup for Nathan's training program. Again, this is not being advertised, but you may share if you emphasize that the project is experimental. Any more questions?"
"I may have tons of questions when this sinks in. Will you introduce this new aspect to the others today?"
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Faith was missing Nathan. The RCMP meetings were filling his days and she realized just how much she enjoyed the casual times with him. Nathan would often stop into her office or they would meet on the street to eat lunch together at the Café or to share their bagged lunches in each other's offices. Their evening dinners were her lifeline to the man she had grown to love so deeply yet she still missed his twinkling eyes and half-smile throughout the day.
"Are you alright, Faith?" Dorcas, the new nurse, inquired as she watched the expressions of her employer.
"Me? Oh, I am fine. Just thinking." Faith replied as she glanced back at her files to prepare to see her afternoon patients.
To Dorcas, Faith did not admit that she was missing Nathan or concerned about Bill Avery who had postponed his appointment until Friday. Dorcas was new to Hope Valley and, although fitting in well with the schedule prepared for her, she was not a confidant like Fiona or Molly.
Faith stared at Bill Avery's file. He was not the easiest patient and, although Faith was convinced he had bronchitis and would recover, he needed to rest, breathe warm, moist air, and drink tea with lots of honey. As he had an aversion to tea, she had ordered gingerroot and instructed Bill to drink hot honey and ginger as a tonic.
Because there were no miracle drugs to prescribe, Bill was one of those patients who down-played his illness since he didn't 'need' medication. With Nathan's help she had gotten Bill to lighten his schedule the previous week, but now these Mountie meetings were filling the spaces originally set aside for rest. Faith sighed, thinking, 'I may need to make a house call after supper tonight.'
A call interrupted her thoughts and she answered quickly. "Hope Valley, Dr. Faith Carter speaking. How may I help you?"
"Dr. Carter! Doctor Muir from Union City General here. I am returning your telephone call and pleased to hear from you. I hope you are well?"
"Dr. Muir! Thank you for returning my call. Yes, I am well. Actually I am very well as I am now courting our wonderful Const… oops, Corporal, Nathan Grant. Life looks so different when you have a man like that in your life. Are you familiar with him, Doctor?"
Chuckling, Dr. Muir, explained, "I have met your fine Mountie a few times when he brought in another Mountie or a prisoner. Tall chap with expressive light blue eyes and a tender heart, correct?"
"That would be him, Sir. I am blessed," Faith added.
"As is he, Doctor Carter! So, how may I help you? When I offered to serve as back-up when Dr. Shepherd departed over a year ago, I expected a call before now! You must be handling things extremely well, but what is the current issue?"
"Well, it is another Mountie. Actually a former Mountie Inspector and Sheriff who is now the town Judge. Bill Avery. Do you know him?"
"I sure do!" Dr. Muir replied, "What seems to be the problem?"
"Bill has reported that he has struggled with fatigue, runny nose and sneezing, muscle aches, and a low grade fever, but only for a couple of days, so I was convinced it was a cold or mild influenza. But his cough is my concern now. He came to me showing me droplets of blood on his handkerchief. Not much and not all the time, but the cough is persistent. I believe it is bronchitis, so I recommended rest, breathing in steam, ginger tea with honey, lemon with honey, or I said to just stir honey into hot water!"
Faith continued, "I have two questions. Nathan mentioned this to me, although few people in town know of it, but we have a hot spring nearby. Would you recommend Bill take a dip in that? It's not too cold out and I could make sure that we wrap him well and get him home into warmth right away. Do you think that might be helpful?"
"Ah ha. First, please test it on your own hand." Dr. Muir cautioned, "If the water is warm a short dip is fine, although I don't believe it will cure anything. It might help stimulate circulation and relax him, but rushing him home and getting him warm right away isn't very relaxing! Yet, warm springs wouldn't hurt. The problem is if the spring is really hot. We don't want him to get burned. If you and Nathan can go with him, limit his time and get him home as you say, go ahead. I honestly think he would improve just as much with rest and add a tea of licorice and slippery elm to coat the throat in addition to breathing in steam at his kitchen table and the honey and ginger you have already recommended. Now, you said two questions?"
Faith paused to find the best words, "I hesitate to say this, but you will keep confidences I know. Bill is difficult to treat. If I was to hand him a pill he would be compliant, but these tried-and-true and old remedies cause him to think it is not serious, so he doesn't rest. I am wondering if we bring him to the hospital for an X-ray and you see him if he might listen better to you?"
Faith took a deep breath before adding, "He is the second older man in town who has resisted my treatment advice. I don't want to seem defeated, but Bill is a pillar of the community and is very dear to many of us. We want him to get well."
"I would be glad to see him and an X-ray would confirm your diagnosis. I have no doubt you are correct, but maybe my age would work in our favor with the Judge? If I can reinforce your treatment plan, that will bolster his confidence in you too!" Dr. Muir chuckled. "I hate to admit it, but you know some men are tough patients!"
"I do. Currently, there are senior Mounties in town for meetings with Nathan, and Bill is attending, so when they leave we will arrange a trip to the Hospital if Bill is willing. Maybe Thursday or Friday? I will let you know. In the meantime, pray for us, please?" Faith begged.
"I will and get that Corporal to join you in prayer as well. If I recall correctly he is a man of faith." Dr. Muir laughed aloud. "That just slipped out! The pun wasn't intended."
Faith joined his laughter, relieved that she had his support and a plan in place. Now to talk to Nathan, and then to Bill…
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After a productive morning, the Mounties and Bill took a break for lunch and Nathan stopped at the Doctor's office before meeting them at the Café.
With a light knock, Nathan opened the door peeking in to find Faith. Seeing Molly instead, he raised his eyebrows.
Coming to the doorway, Molly pulled Nathan onto the porch and whispered. "Faith is finishing up setting a broken arm. Can you wait a few minutes?"
"I guess I can. The others will save a seat for me. How are you Molly?"
"I am well, thank you. I'm loving watching the joy on Faith's face each morning. You have given her renewed energy and confidence to face each day, Nathan. She lost some of that for a while, but you are good for her and, although I don't see you around enough, I think she is good for you too!" Molly tilted her head and observed her friend.
"I hope so. I can only speak for myself that I am bounding out of bed in the morning and anxious to see my ray of golden sunshine, even on a rainy day!"
"Ah ha!" Molly chuckled. "A man in love is often poetic! I'm thrilled for you both and…"
The office door opened and a little boy exited holding his mother's hand. He sported a plaster cast and a lollipop in the hand that emerged from the plaster.
Immediately, Nathan squatted down. "What have we hear, Buddy? Were you playing kings and knights and fell down?"
Nodding his head, the little one spoke low, "I fell running from a dragon!"
"Oh my goodness! Was it a big dragon or just a small one?"
"Bigger'n me! He was green and had a big mouth. But when I fell, he disappeared and became a blanket so Momma didn't see him." Looking up at his mother he admitted, "She heard me cry though. It hurt!"
"Did Doctor Faith make it feel better now? I bet that lollipop helped too, right?" Nathan looked up at the farmer's wife. "I think I can imagine what happened. Those green blanket dragons can be fierce!"
Chuckling, the mother agreed, "They pop up in the places you least expect them and my brave knight here has to rescue me and his little brother! Normally the injuries are imagined, but the chair leg was in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"Do you need a ride back to the farm? My car is at the Mountie office."
"Thank you, Constable, but Richard is in the Mercantile with our youngest so we'll wait right here for him to bring the wagon." Looking down at the little one, she squeezed his hand. "Shall we thank the Mountie for stopping to check on us?"
When the little boy nodded, his mom whispered their thanks. "I'll be hearing about this encounter more that the imagined story that caused his injury. Thank you for stopping, Sir."
"Of course. Now you listen to your mommy and daddy and be careful with that cast. It is heavy and hard!" Nathan stood and tousled the hair of the young patient, before turning to find Faith and Molly observing him.
"Can you say goodbye to the Mountie, Markie?"
"Bye, Mister Mountie!"
"Bye, bye, Buddy!"
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Faith motioned Nathan to follow her and Molly into the office. Inside, she leaned up to kiss his cheek and spoke softly, "And that little exchange has made me fall in love with you even more, you dear man!"
Blushing, Nathan grinned. "Not to be compared to setting a broken arm, my dear. I have a quick question. Would you mind if I invite the Mounties to dinner at my place tonight? I thought I would ask Ned to grind some beef, and we have the canned tomatoes and spaghetti so it would be an easy and quick meal. I can have them come at six, so that gives me time to cook. Allie can help make a quick cake or brownies or something. Would you mind? I think it might be nice to have a relaxing meal in a home rather than all eyes on them at the Saloon again!"
"That's lovely to do, Honey," Faith agreed. "Just save a few private moments for me afterwards, okay?"
"Sure. Is there something to discuss? I can stay now as they'll go ahead and eat without me!"
"Nothing that cannot wait, Nathan. You go get fed and I'll see you later. Maybe I can meet Allie at home and help her. Can you pick up a loaf of bread when you get the meat?"
"I will. Good afternoon, Sunshine! See you later." Nathan kissed her temple and turned to Molly who, although listening, was not watching. "Take care, Molly!"
"You too, Nathan." Molly looked up grinning and winked at Nathan as he tipped his hat.
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Gabe motioned Nathan to the seat beside him and softly mentioned he had ordered for Nathan.
"Thanks. I got involved in a conversation with a young fella who broke his arm while waiting to speak to Faith for a moment. What am I eating?"
"Liver and onions and bacon." Gabriel spoke quietly, watching closely for Nathan's reaction. When there wasn't one, he chuckled and asked, "Did you hear me?"
"I heard you and that's fine. Why?"
Wide-eyed and incredulous, Gabe questioned, "liver is fine? You eat liver?"
"Of course. It's especially good with bacon and onions. Why? You don't like it?"
"I most certainly do not! I was only teasing you, brother."
"Oh? That's too bad, I would have enjoyed that. So what did you really order?"
By this time, Commissioner Collins was chuckling as he listened to the two Mounties teasing. "He ordered a hot turkey sandwich, Grant. Pretty bland, eh?"
"I would enjoy either! Not a hard one to please. Before Allie came along I saved a lot of money by eating liver and onions a few times a week!"
Gabriel looked green and shook his head in disgust. "My good opinion of you has faltered, Nathan. Irreparable damage to your reputation."
Shrugging, Nathan nudged Gabriel's shoulder. "It was questionable if that's all it took!"
Turning to the others who had quieted to listen, Nathan laughed. "Am I to assume no one else is a fan of liver?" He glanced around the table to some in agreement and others not. "So what did I miss before I got here? What were you discussing?"
Laughing Superintendent O'Reilly responded. "We were discussing what was the most awful thing we could think of to say we ordered for you! You surprised us all."
"With all due respect, Sir, if you and the Commissioner were not present I would chide my colleagues! I seriously hope you discussed something more than that?"
"You are right, we did." The Commissioner chuckled. "We would like to call a town gathering outside the RCMP office tomorrow, maybe at twelve noon? I will make a short speech, introducing the withdrawal of the RCMP in November and the installment of the BCPP for the everyday operations of the town. I will then have O'Reilly here announce your promotion and title, Nathan, then I will give an outline explanation of the experimental program for canines. We won't overwhelm them with all the details at this time, just that you will begin the program along with Burns here."
"Okay." Nathan appeared hopeful, "I was thinking we could just give the information to Rosemary for the Valley Voice newspaper and not have to have an announcement." He added, "But as you wish, Sir."
Collins and O'Reilly gave each other knowing looks as Nathan's hesitation was not unexpected. "Yes, it is as I wish, Nathan! I want you to be recognized and to clarify that town issues should no longer be directed to you or Burns here. Also, Bill, if you would please be present? We want to formally thank you for your service to the town and acknowledge that you are no longer on call for town emergencies! Should we mention new uniforms and a vehicle as well as the office relocation?"
"I think that would be helpful," Nathan responded. "I do think an interview with Rosemary would answer many questions preemptively."
"You are probably right. I'll let you handle that, Nathan. Also, please inform whoever can notify the townspeople of the gathering?" The Commissioner looked over as Clara and Minnie arrived with trays of steaming and fragrant food. "Ummm. Looks wonderful, Ladies! Thank you."
"Minnie, Clara?" Nathan leaned his chair back to address them. "I will inform Ned and Florence, but as you see people throughout the day if you could please mention that the RCMP Commissioner has requested a gathering outside the office for tomorrow at noon? Thank you."
"I will post a sign on the front door as well, okay?" Minnie offered.
Nathan agreed. "Yes, please. Thank you, and this looks delicious!"
After the meals were served, the Commissioner spoke a short blessing over the food and the table quieted as the men enjoyed their lunch.
Once they were awaiting dessert, Nathan spoke up, "Would you all enjoy a simple home-cooked meal at my house this evening? Spaghetti is on the menu and if you come at six o'clock that gives me enough time to cook."
Gabriel offered, "I'll help, Nathan, so six should be fine."
"Sounds good. As delicious as the food is here at the Café, I would welcome the atmosphere of home! I say yes!" The Commissioner stated and everyone else murmured in agreement. "Shall we order a cake or pie from here?"
"You may if you wish. We can enjoy whatever dessert is leftover in our morning meeting. I think my daughter might like to make something as well, so we'll have plenty if you also bring something from the Café."
"Don? Would you please arrange that? Maybe you could pick it up later this afternoon? Thank you."
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Back in the office, the position for Gabriel was introduced, with the additional announcement that once his correspondence course was completed a promotion would be awarded to him as he began the breeding program. It would be hard to tell who was more pleased, Gabriel himself or Nathan for his good friend.
After some discussion of available land, a timeline was established and by the end of the afternoon, most of the concerns had been addressed. "I thank you, gentlemen, for your time, your astute questions, your input on solutions and suggestions to fill-out the originally outlined plan. I am excited about this and expect great things going forward. You'll have a good team in Hope Valley! Now shall we adjourn so Nathan can prepare dinner and we'll meet at his home at six?"
Nathan interjected. "Yes, Sir. May I say something? I want to personally thank you, Commissioner and Superintendent, for all the forethought and planning thus far. I would never have dreamed of this opportunity, but I am excited for it! On behalf of the Town and the RCMP, thank you for your leadership." Nathan led the men in a round of applause.
"You are most welcome," responded the Commissioner, not used to the recognition.
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(*5) The Canadian Encyclopedia, "History of Veterinary Medicine," Article by C.A.V. Barker Published Online February 7, 2006, Copyright 2023. London Veterinary Correspondence School, (London, Ontario, Canada) provided a course in veterinary medicine and surgery. As part of a home-study course, the school provided a textbook and diploma which it led recipients to believe was qualification to practice as a veterinarian throughout Canada. Provincial legislation closed the school in 1921, but prior to closing, 77 editions of the text were published and diplomas issued worldwide.
It is difficult to believe that a correspondence course like this existed, especially for surgery, but it fits the purposes of my story and the approximate time period!
(*6) Per Merriam-Webster Dictionary: Dam is a female parent of a domestic animal. In this story, a mother dog
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