Chapter 26
Jack wanted to make sure he was at the jail on time this morning. He left a note for the mounties informing them where he was if they came last night. He knew they weren't there since no one came. He knocked on the door of JJ's room before entering. Jack's smile grew when he noticed JJ had moved his bed to the wall opposite the door. He also moved the small table. Jack raised his eyebrow wondering why he would do this. He thought he may have an idea.
"Good morning, young man. It's time to wake up."
JJ stretched, and his feet appeared from under the cover. "Is it morning yet?"
"It is. We need to get to Auntie Abagail's for breakfast."
JJ sat up in bed and stretched one more time. After a big yawn, he smiled at Jack. "So…what do you think?" He asked as he looked around his room.
"About what?" Jack smiled.
"I think there is enough room in here for another bed. Mommy can have this one and I'll take the one closer to the door. That way she can feel safer."
Jack smiled at his little boy's protective nature. JJ is consumed with Elizabeth moving into their home and protecting her. JJ was proud of his accomplishments in moving his room so his mommy can stay with them.
"That might work." Jack rustled the top of Jack's hair. He had a severe case of bed head.
"I'll talk to mommy today about it." JJ stated as he jumped out of bed.
…
Elizabeth woke up. The conversation with Charles went how she expected, but she was hopeful it would have gone better. She knew Jack was coming early this morning. He told her about the mounties coming. Plus, he had two prisoners. The fact that her childhood friend was considered a prisoner felt weird to her.
Elizabeth smiled when she walked down the stairs after dressing for the day. Frank and Abagail were in the kitchen bantering back and forth. They were both smiling. Frank has become a fixture in the café the past few days. She made a mental note to speak with Abagail about wedding bells. She turned left to walk into the dining room. To her surprise, she was a little shocked to see her sister and her new husband sitting at a small table. With everything that had happened over the last couple of days, she had forgotten that they were in town.
"Good morning you two." Elizabeth stated as she sat down at their table. "How are you?"
"We're good. You?"
"I'm good. I slept well."
"I heard you had an eventful morning yesterday." Julie asked as she sipped her coffee.
"Yes, it was interesting." Elizabeth spent the next few minutes telling Julie and Tom everything that happened when Charles arrived in town.
"I would have never thought he would have done anything like that." Julie said with doubt in her tone.
"I guess when one is spurned in love, one does dumb things." Tom stated.
"I believe so. We were always friends…close friends but we were never courting. I know people thought we were, but we never did."
"I thought you two were at times."
"I know little sister. I handled it all wrong, so completely wrong. I did tell Charles to stop pursuing me because I was courting Jack. He just didn't listen to me."
Julie and Tom nodded their heads.
"I also told him the last time I left Hamilton that we were not courting. I just don't think he listened to me."
"No he didn't."
"I believe he just wanted to marry a Thatcher."
"Maybe…"
"Mommy!" JJ yelled as he ran into the dining room when he saw her. He missed her since she didn't stay over last night.
"JJ…" Jack stated as he approached the table. "I told you on the way here not to yell or run in the café when you saw Elizabeth."
"I'm sorry, daddy." The little boy laid his head on Elizabeth's chest when he settled on her lap. Elizabeth wrapped her arms around her little boy and gave him a kiss on the top of his head.
"Did you rest well?"
"I did. You need to talk to daddy." JJ snuggled into Elizabeth's embrace a little more. Julie smiled at the scene in front of her.
"What about?"
"I moved my room around so we can get you a bed in there. You can have the one by the wall away from the door. I'll sleep on the bed closest to the door."
"Why is that?" Elizabeth smiled.
"Because you're afraid of the dark. I will protect you."
"Well, that's very thoughtful of you to do that." Elizabeth smiled as she kissed the top of JJ's head. "When daddy and I are married, it's customary for a husband and wife to sleep in the same room."
Elizabeth looked up and saw Jack's smile at her statement about them being married. She knew their relationship was heading in that direction, but they hadn't spoken too much about it.
"I guess that makes sense…" JJ slowly stated. He was a little sad that she wouldn't be in his room.
"Are you looking forward to that?" Tom asked.
"Yes." Jack, Elizabeth, and JJ stated at the same time.
"Good morning, everyone." Abagail stated as she smiled at the group.
Everyone placed their order and spent breakfast time just chatting. Tom caught everyone up on his job and Julie was discussing her school starting soon. Jack looked up at the clock Abagail on her wall behind the cash register and noticed he needed to head to the jail. Elizabeth caught his glance and knew he needed to leave. She wasn't happy about it. She wanted to spend all her time with Jack but knew he had work to do.
"I'll walk with you to the jail." She stated as Jack stood.
"That would be nice."
After giving JJ a hug and a kiss on the top of his head, Elizabeth left her hand on JJ's shoulder. "Daddy's right, you should yell and run inside the house."
"Yes mommy."
"I love you sweetie."
"I love you, mommy."
Elizabeth reached for Jack's extended hand after they said goodbye to everyone. Jack kissed JJ on the top of his head.
"You have a lot going on today." Elizabeth asked.
"I do. I should be available for lunch unless something comes up."
"That sounds good. I'll be at school for a little while this morning. Then I'll be at the café. I may want to check in on a couple of my kids."
"Sounds like you have a busy day too."
Elizabeth tightened her hold on Jack's hand. They were a few yards from the jail.
"So…how did the conversation go last night?"
Elizabeth stopped walking and her head shot up in disbelief. She didn't understand how he knew.
"What?"
"Your talk with Mr. Kensington. How did it go?"
Elizabeth lowered her head knowing somehow Jack knew. "About how I expected it to go. He just wouldn't listen to me. He and my father have my life planned out without any input from me." She shook her head in disbelief. "It's really sad. I have known you for three years and you know me…the real me. You know my facial expressions, my tone, my desires. You know me, the real me. Charles has known me since I was four years old, and he still doesn't know that I love teaching."
"I'm sorry."
"That's ok Jack. I just thought a friend would know at least the big things." Jack slightly nodded his head. "I think he is just like the people in secondary school."
"The ones who liked you because you are a Thatcher?"
"Yeah…maybe to a lesser degree. I told him last night that he didn't want to marry me because I'm Elizabeth. He wanted to marry me because I'm a Thatcher princess." Elizabeth tried to keep the corner of her lips from curling up in a smile at Jack's nickname for her, but she just couldn't hold back.
"Well…" Jack had a playful smirk on his face as he stepped a little closer. He took both of her hands. "…I was frustrated with you when I found out you were a Thatcher princess."
"Awe yes…" Elizabeth's playful smirk matched his. "…when you threw your little temper tantrum in the saloon that afternoon."
"You remember that do you?" Jack sassed a little.
"As frustrating and angry you made me that afternoon, I knew you were someone who was going to be important to me."
"May I tell you a secret?" Jack whispered as he took a half step closer. They were not touching, but a small wind would have trouble blowing between them.
Elizabeth nodded her approval with a growing smile at their flirting. Like Jack, the open flirting was something she was quickly learning to love.
"I was frustrated with you too, but I was a little scared."
"Scared?" Elizabeth questioned as she leaned back just enough to look into Jack's eyes. "You were scared of me?"
"Yeah…I knew you were someone important to me. You were already challenging my thought that mounties don't get married. That thought scared me. I was a confirmed bachelor and was happy about it. Then you came along…it scared me."
"And now?"
"I'm only scared if you're not with me." Jack slowly closed the remaining distance between them and very gently placed his lips on Elizabeth giving her the gentlest kiss she has ever experienced. The kiss wasn't long or even a deep kiss, but it told Elizabeth everything Jack wanted to tell her. Jack's lips felt like a butterfly touched her. As Jack pulled back from the kiss, he winked at her with a dimple smile. "I'll hopefully see you at lunch."
Elizabeth couldn't speak. The moment was so intimate and moving. She realized when he would slowly close the distance between them that act did something to her. The anticipation of his touch drove her crazy.
Jack turned around to walk the few yards to the jail door.
"Jack…"
Without stopping, Jack turned his head as he spoke. "Soon, Bella…soon and you need to be ready when I ask you."
Elizabeth clasped her hands in front of her chest. She whispered. "Yes."
…
"Grandma Charlette are you going to live here?"
"No, JJ. I live with my brother. I help him on his farm. It's a good life for me." She smiled at his little pouty lip. That reminded her a lot of Jack when he was that age. "But I promise to visit often. I've never had a grandson before."
"I would like that."
"Now, I see Emily and Sam outside looking through the window for you. Go and have fun."
"Thank you."
"Make sure you all come back here for lunch. I'll have sandwiches for you all."
"Yes, ma'am!"
"And no playing in the pond!"
JJ stopped and turned to look at Charlette with a little mischievous grin. "Why does everyone always tell me that."
"I've heard stories." Charlette smiled.
"Fair enough." JJ turned and ran out of the dining room.
"No running in the house." Abagail tried to say but JJ was already out the door. "That boy has all the energy of ten boys." Abagail smiled.
"You may be right." Charlette smiled. "What do you think about Jack and Elizabeth?"
"I think they will be married very soon. You may need to extend you stay for a couple of days."
"I was planning on going home tomorrow, but I feel you may be right."
"Are you ok with that, Charlette?"
"I am. They are good for each other once they finally realized what they truly wanted and gave themselves to it."
"I agree. Both of them are so stubborn at times…"
"Their children won't stand a chance." Both ladies laughed.
…
Jack walked in and glanced toward his two prisoners. He can't remember the last time he had two individuals in the jail cells. He knew he needed to feed them and take them to the outhouse, but he just didn't want to deal with them. Abagail informed him that she would send over some biscuits and jam in a few minutes. His plan was to feed one while he took one to the outhouse and then vice versa. Before Jack even sat at his desk, Charles began to protest about being in jail. Jack just ignored him.
"Good morning." Frank stated as he stepped into the jail with a small basket. Louis, who had been quiet, perked up at the smell. He knew what was in the basket.
"Good morning, Frank."
Frank placed the basket on the desk. "Jack, do you need any help this morning?" Frank nodded toward the cells.
"Thanks Frank, but I'm ok. We should be good."
Jack took a couple of biscuits out of the basket and handed them over to Louis with a small jar of strawberry jam. "Mr. Kensington, if you will please stand with your back against the cell door with your hands behind your back. I will place the handcuffs on you and then escort you to the outhouse."
"An outhouse?"
"Yes, sir."
"I don't think so. You have no right to keep me here."
"Yes sir, I do. You are under arrest."
"For what?" Demanded Charles.
"Several reasons. First, you assaulted Elizabeth yesterday when you grabbed her."
"That was a simple misunderstanding between a couple."
"It's called assault."
"You've got to be kidding me?" Scoffed Charles.
Jack looked up when the front door opened and a line of mounties began to enter. Jack immediately stood tall and saluted the first mountie that walked in. He quickly noticed the rank of the individual.
"Sir, I'm Constable Jack Thornton."
"Constable Thornton…" The man returned the salute. "I'm Sargeant John Adams. These are Constables Jackson, Richardson, Franks, Williams, and Reed." Each man nodded his head as they were introduced.
"Sir, are you the prisoner transport team I'm expecting?"
"Some of us are, yes. I, along with Constables Jackson, Franks, and Richardson, came for another reason, but we will all be transporting the prisoner." Adams looked over at the jail. "I guess you have two now?"
"Yes sir. I do have two. I only had one when I requested a transport team to Medicine Hat."
"Yes, I know. What you didn't know was that you were going to have two. I guess now you will have three."
"Sir?" Asked a confused Jack."
"Constable, I see you are now feeding the prisoners." Jackson asked nodding toward the cells.
"Yes sir. I was feeding the one while taking the other out to the outhouse."
"We'll take care of that duty, Thornton." Williams stated as he stepped forward reaching for his handcuffs.
"Jack, is there a place for us to talk privately?"
"Yes sir." Jack nodded. "Follow me sir."
"Great. Williams and Reed will take care of the prisoners. Just let them know where the outhouse is."
"Thank you."
"Also, is there a field where we can set up camp for the night? We need to pitch out tents later today."
"There is a small place just behind the jail that would be perfect for that. I will see if the saloon has a room available for you, sir."
"Nonsense. I have my tent with me. I will stay with my men."
Jack was impressed. Most superior officers would rather stay in the hotel.
"Is there a livery where we can take care of our horses?"
"Yes sir. On the south end of main street."
"We'll take care of all the horses once the two prisoners use the outhouse." Reed stated.
"Now, let's go and have our talk." Adams stated.
"Yes sir. Please follow me."
"Is a Ms. Stanton, Ms. Abagail Stanton available?"
"Yes. She should be available. Are you needing to speak with her as well?"
"I am. I would like to talk with you and Ms. Stanton at the same time. It will just make things easier for all of us."
"Yes sir." Jack was very confused. Sargeant Adams spoke of another prisoner that Jack didn't know about. Now he wants to speak with Abagail. Nothing about this made sense. He still didn't know why so many people were sent on a transport team. Jack knew the café should have very few customers at this time. It was well before lunch.
…
Elizabeth, Abagail, Julie, and Charlette were sitting in the corner of the café enjoying a cup of tea. There was no one else present in the cafe. It was between the morning rush and the lunch rush. Abagail had another forty five minutes before she needed to prepare for the lunch hour. Jack stepped into the café immediately followed by Sargeant Adams and Constables Jackson, Richardson, and Franks. While Jack looked at all the women at the table, his smile was reserved just for Elizabeth. He tried to be discreet, but he just couldn't. All the ladies noticed and smiled at Elizabeth's light pink face.
"Good morning, ladies." Jack stated to everyone but only looked at Elizabeth.
"Ms. Thornton…Ms. Charlette Thornton?" Constable Franks asked.
"Yes, I'm Charlette Thornton."
"Ma'am, you won't remember me, but my father, Constable Maxwell Franks, served with your husband."
"Maxwell Franks…yes, I remember him. He was good friends with Tom."
"Yes ma'am. Pa always talked about Mr. Thornton. They were good friends."
"Yes, he has been at our house several times for lunches and dinners."
"Pa said that he was the best mountie ever."
"Thank you."
"So…" Franks turned to Jack. "That would make you Jackie Boy. I knew your father."
Jack smiled. He hasn't heard that nickname in a long time.
"Jackie Boy…" Whispered Elizabeth with a silent giggle.
Jack cut his eyes to her. He never liked that nickname. She couldn't hide her laugh at Jack's stern looking face.
Jack turned his attention from Elizabeth's playful smirk and back to Sargeant Adams. Jack took a few moments to introduce everyone.
"Ms. Stanton." Sargeant Adams turned his attention to Abagail after all the introductions. "I would like to have a few moments of your time on behalf of the Mountie Headquarters and the Province of Alberta."
Abagail reached for Elizabeth's hand. This sounded serious. It made her nervous. Abagail looked in Jack's direction. She saw the confused look on his face, but she also knew with Jack and Elizabeth by her side, she would be ok.
"Sure." Abagail nodded toward the table.
Charlette and Julie excused themselves from the table. Elizabeth began to excuse herself but stopped when Abagail tightened her hold on Elizabeth's hand. She pulled Elizabeth to the seat beside hers.
"Ma'am, this meeting needs to be between us." Adams spoke motioning between them, excluding Elizabeth.
"Elizabeth Thatcher is Abagail's best friend and honorary sister. She is also my girlfriend. She can most certainly be trusted." Jack stated in a respectful, but stern tone.
Abagail nodded her head. Adams relented knowing he wasn't going to win this argument. Elizabeth mouthed 'thank you' toward Jack.
"Ms. Stanton…as vice mayor, you are…"
"Wait…I'm vice mayor?"
"Yes ma'am. You are."
"Abagail, I didn't know that."
"I didn't either Elizabeth."
"Outside of the mayor race, you won the most votes for the city council. That makes you vice mayor."
"I had no idea."
"Yes, ma'am. As vice mayor, I need to speak with you regarding Hope Valley."
"Shouldn't you be speaking with our mayor, Mr. Henry Gowan?"
"This meeting concerns him."
…
"You're going to get in trouble." Emily warned.
"I know." JJ stated.
"I told you not to do it."
"I know Emily but it's a little too late to tell me 'I told you so'."
"I think it's the perfect time for it." Sassed Emily.
"Thanks for coming with me. I can't believe Sam just bolted on us like that." JJ shook his head. "It was his stupid ball."
"I know. But I told you that the wind would bring the ball back eventually. You didn't have to get in the pond to get it."
"True…but where's the fun in that?"
"I'll ask you that question tomorrow after you're in trouble."
"Emily…that's not helpful right now."
Emily said her goodbye to JJ on the sidewalk of the café. JJ walked straight into the kitchen of the café. He was hoping he could sneak up stairs and change clothes quickly before anyone knew he was in the pond. Elizabeth looked up as Sargeant Adams was speaking and noticed a very wet little boy.
"Hold it!" She exclaimed.
JJ had just stepped on the first step of the stairs. He thought he was good when he stepped behind the wall toward the steps.
"Yes ma'am." He answered but not stepping off the steps.
"Come here young man." Elizabeth used her mother's tone. She was surprised she had that tone.
"Awe man." JJ whispered. He slowly backed up a few steps until he was standing in the walk thru into the dining room. He lowered his head when Elizabeth gasped.
"What were you…never mind." She shook her head. "I already know." She stood and walked toward her little boy. She tried to have a stern face, but she couldn't help the smile that fought to appear on her face. This little boy was just too cute for his own good.
"Mommy…I can explain…"
"I bet you can." Elizabth shook her head again. "Let me guess…somewhere in that explanation is the phrase 'you in the pond'?"
"Yes, mommy."
"I thought so."
"I love you, mommy."
"I love you, sweetie." She messed up his wet hair and turned him. "Go on…you know what to do."
JJ's smile returned in full force. Elizabeth could only shake her head. That smile had the same power as Jack's did. She watched JJ turn to run up the stairs.
"Wait!"
JJ turned and looked down the steps to look at his mommy.
"Please go outside and empty your pockets of anything that is or was alive."
"I don't…wait…how did you know?" JJ stated as he patted his front pocket and felt the small frog that was in it.
"Go…" Elizabeth pointed to the back door.
…
"Is that Steve's son?" Sargeant Adams asked.
"It is." Jack answered as he watched Elizabeth and JJ. She walked back to the table with a little smile on her face.
"That boy has every intention of scaring me to death when I do his laundry."
"Steve was my academy brother. He had it in his will for me to take JJ if something happened to him and Joy. JJ was Jack's nickname. He called the boy Jack Jr."
"Is that because you saved his life during high mountain training?"
Jack nodded his head. He still didn't feel like he did anything special. Anyone would have done it.
Sergeant Adams nodded his head. He has heard great things about this constable, but he seems to be living up to every accolade he was told about Jack. He must have been a special man for Steve and Joy to entrust him with their son. Adams served with Steve for a few months at headquarters.
Adams turned his attention back to Abagail when Elizabeth sat down in her seat beside Jack. She smiled when Jack reached under the table to hold Elizabeth's hand. She didn't know the effect she had on Jack. Somehow, her being in the mother's role with JJ only made her more desirable to him. Her kind demeanor toward JJ drove Jack's love for this precious woman.
"Ms. Stanton, in forty five minutes, I need you to be at the mayor's office."
"Ok." Abagail stated. "May I ask why?"
"In fifteen minutes, myself, Constables Thornton, Jackson, Richardson, and Franks will be arresting Henry Gowan."
"Excuse me?" The ladies and Jack stated.
"Henry Gowan will be arrested and taken to Medicine Hat, along with Jack's other prisoners the day after tomorrow to stand before a judge. I have the warrant for his arrest."
"That's why there are so many constables on this transport team." Jack thought out loud.
"Yes. Headquarters thought he would cause a lot of trouble. We wanted you to have backup. Plus, there is something else we need the mayor to do once you are sworn in."
"Wait…I'm going to be mayor?" Abagail asked shocked.
"Yes, Madam Mayor."
Abagail looked at Adams shocked. "I can't be mayor."
"Yes Ms. Stanton. You will be mayor when I swear you in office in forty five minutes. That is if you accept the job."
"If I don't accept the job?"
"Then the town will have to pay for a special election."
"Abagail…" Elizabeth whispered. "You most certainly can do this. I can't think of anyone else that would be better for our town than you."
"Elizabeth…I'm just a simple woman. I was a mother…I just…"
"Abagail…You are the strongest person I know. You have been the glue to this town when it went through the darkest hour of the mine explosion. Plus, you stood tall during the trial when false accusations were thrown your way. You have the strength, the courage, and the love of Hope Valley to be mayor."
"I agree, Abagail. You would be a great mayor." Jack smiled.
"Ms. Stanton, will you accept this position?"
Abagail looked at Elizabeth and then Jack. Their smiling faces filled with pride told her everything. They believed in her. Their faith in her was unwavering. She closed her eyes for a moment. She had to allow her mind to catch up to the conversation. When she opened her eyes, Sargeant Adams saw the strength that Jack and Elizabeth just spoke about.
Abagail didn't say a word. She simply nodded her head.
"Ms. Stanton, is there anyone else you would like at the swearing in ceremony that isn't at this table?"
"Yes, Pastor Frank Hogan."
"I'll get him." Jack stated.
"Elizabeth, you'll be with me, won't you?"
"Absolutely. I wouldn't miss this for the world."
Everyone's eyes looked up when the front door opened. Frank walked into the café. He stopped when he saw so many red surges in the dining room.
"Is everything alright?" Frank asked concerned as he walked toward Abagail.
"It will be. I'll explain in a couple of minutes." Abagail stated as she walked into Frank's open arms.
"Constable Thornton, would you please escort me to the mayor's office? We have work to do."
"Yes sir."
"Ms. Stanton, please be at the mayor's office in forty five minutes." Abagail nodded in agreement. "Jack let's stop by the jail on the way. Once Gowan is arrested, Constables Williams and Reed can escort the prisoner to the jail."
"Gowan's being arrested?" Frank asked shocked.
"Come with me, dear. I need to explain. I also need you to go to your office and grab your bible."
…
"Sargeant Adams, why are we arresting Mayor Gowan?"
"Jack, the information you sent. Those fines on the town's letter head were the final piece of the puzzle."
"Sir, I have sent in evidence before. I just didn't think headquarters was interested in this small town."
"The fines on the town's letterhead were the evidence that we needed. It tied all the other things together. He has stolen money from the town through false pretenses. We are arresting him for fraud, theft, and abuse of public authority. I think the prosecutor will have other charges he will add later, but that is what we are beginning with."
Jack nodded his head. He was grateful headquarters was finally doing something against Gowan. There was always an issue between him and Gowan, Jack knew the man was dirty but just couldn't find enough evidence to hold him.
"His office is the third building on the right."
…
"Wow." Mumbled Frank. "How do you feel about it?"
"I'm not sure." An unsure Abagail whispered.
"Well, my vote doesn't count for too much, but I couldn't imagine anyone else that would be better for the job. You're smart, intelligent, and people follow you because they trust you. All those are great characteristics in a mayor."
"Frank…I'm a woman."
"See…" Frank sassed. "You're so smart. You know you are a woman."
"Frank!" Abagail smacked his shoulder.
"Abagail, this isn't some back water town. Sure, there will be a few who will not like you being mayor, but if they are honest with themselves, they will also know that you are the best person for the job. You can't win everyone over, but those people who disagree with you will also respect you."
Abagail laid her head on Frank's shoulder. "Thank you."
"Hey, let's let Mary run the café during lunch. You need to be at the mayor's office in a little bit. Why don't we walk to my office in the church and get my bible? That will give you a little bit of time to clear your head."
"You always have the best ideas."
…
Sargeant Adams walked into Mayor Gowan's office without knocking. He was immediately followed by Jack, and then Constables Jackson, Richardson, Franks, Williams, and Reed. Henry stood up from his chair and glared at the men as he placed a folder he was holding on the desk and covering it with another stack of folders.
"What is this about?" Demanded Gowan. "Don't you know how to knock?"
"Henry Gowan?" Asked Adams. Unfazed by Gowan's rude remark and manner.
"Yes, I'm Mayor Henry Gowan. What may I do for you gentlemen?" Gowan was annoyed at their presence.
Adams stepped forward and handed Gowan a piece of paper. Gowan stared at Adams for a moment to try and gauge this man. He wasn't liking what he was seeing. He finally took his eyes off Adams and looked at the paper he was handed. Adams intently stared at Gowan to see his reaction as he read the paper.
"Gowan, you are under arrest."
"It's Mayor Gowan, young man."
"Not any longer. Henry Gowan, you are under arrest." As he spoke, Constables Williams and Reed stepped behind the desk beside Gowan. Williams was on his right and Reed was on his left. When Gowan looked up from the paper, Williams and Reed stepped closer.
"As you can see, this is an arrest warrant. Please, turn around and place your hands behind your back." Adams stepped forward.
"You can't do this!"
Constable Williams placed his hand on Gowan's shoulder. "Sir, you were asked to turn around and place your hands behind your back." As Williams began to turn him, Reed placed his hand on Gowan's other shoulder and began to turn him too.
Gowan shrugged Williams' hand off his shoulder. Before he could push Reed's hand off him, Adams and Jack stepped on each side to back up the other Constables. Gowan quickly realized he wasn't going to win this argument. Williams placed his hand again on Gowan's shoulder with greater force than before. He physically turned him around and reached for his hand. Without etiquette or any form of gentleness, Williams and Reed moved Gowan's hands behind his back. Gowan jumped and twisted at the force the two men used.
"You're hurting me!" Screamed Gowan.
"Then you should have done what you were told." Stated Adams in an authoritative tone. "Now, the best thing you can do is to do what you are told to do and keep your mouth shut."
The other mounties, including Jack, were surprised at Adams' actions. Mounties wanted the criminal to talk so they could learn more about the person and or their crimes. Adams was very confident in the evidence they had against Gowan. He didn't need to get more information. Plus, he instantly disliked Gowan. He gave off an heir of arrogance that Adams just didn't like.
The constables watch Williams and Reed escort Gowan out of the office. When they left, Adams turned his attention toward Jack. "Thornton, do you think Ms. Stanton is up for this position?"
"Yes, sir I do. She was the glue that held this town together after the explosion at the mine. She is the perfect person for this job."
"This will make her the second female mayor in Alberta."
The men waited in silence for a few minutes. They needed to gather Gowan's paperwork for evidence, but they knew Ms. Stanton would be there soon.
"Constable Thornton, may I ask you a question?" Richardson asked.
Jack nodded his head for Richardson to continue.
"The Toliver arrest? Was Ms. Thatcher the reason you defied orders and came back to Hope Valley?"
"She was." Jack answered with a tint of red covering his cheeks.
"She is very pretty." Richardson stated. He knew he shouldn't have said that by Jack's facial expression. "I didn't mean it that way."
Jack's face softened. "I know. I'm sorry. She is very beautiful but she's so much more than just her beauty. She's my soulmate."
"She would have to be for you to disobey orders. You wouldn't do that."
"Yeah…I'm marrying that woman soon."
"How did you think of the red tablecloths?"