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Chapter One Hundred Forty-five
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Recovery
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"That was Tim! He says I need to come to Depot because…" Elizabeth's voice cracked and she could hardly speak the name, "Sergeant…" She sobbed, sputtering, "He's agitated… and they can't calm him. They want me to come…"
"Come here, Lisbeth," Nathan's voice was calm and gentle as he explained. "The person with whom he has the deepest connection… Their voice will calm a horse."
As Elizabeth collapsed on the sofa beside Nathan, he drew her to his side, comforting her. "You must go and gently stroke him while quietly repeating his name and reassuring him that everything is fine now. Keep reminding Sergeant you are there and he is safe now. You can do it, Honey. I know you can." Nathan kissed her temple as he stroked her back.
As Elizabeth quieted she began to chuckle softly. "You mean like you are doing to me right now?"
With a lopsided smile, Nathan answered. "Yeah, I guess so. You're a mother, Lisbeth, so you instinctively know how to comfort and calm a child. It's very much the same." Nathan paused as Elizabeth wiped her face. "Please go up to the main house and get Jake to take you to Depot? His presence might comfort Sergeant and Peter's horses as well, since they are all used to him. Also, with you this tired, I don't want you going alone. He'll know where to direct you and can guide the process too."
"Okay, let me freshen up and I'll go find him."
While Nathan remained on the sofa he knew he couldn't let Elizabeth know his shoulder pain was increasing, so he quickly reached for the aspirin and gulped it down, emptying his water glass.
Hearing movement behind him, Nathan thought Elizabeth had returned. "Lisbeth? Can you please get me another glass or a pitcher of water, before you go?"
"I can get that, Dad. Where is Miss Bess going? Who called? It woke me up."
"Oh, Allie! I didn't realize it was you. Yes, please get a pitcher of water for the table? Some cookies too as they want me to take the pain killers with food. Thanks." Nathan sighed.
"What was the call?" Allie asked again as she headed to the kitchen.
"Sergeant is agitated and Elizabeth needs to go to Depot to help calm him."
"Is he going to be okay, Dad?" Allie questioned worriedly as she approached with the water pitcher. She knew her father had often had to calm traumatized horses and was really good at it.
"He should be, Honey, yet it takes time and patience. He has no physical injuries that I know of, so it's just working through the memories and the fear. Just like we all have to do sometimes." Nathan lifted his face to his daughter. "I'm sorry the call awakened you. I'm okay out here if you want to go back to bed. Irma is bringing some lunch, so we can awaken you then."
"I probably will. First though, let me get you something." Allie disappeared into her bedroom, returning as Elizabeth reentered the front room. Placing a brass bell on the coffee table, Allie explained, "Here, Dad. Use this if you need help, okay? I'll leave my door open." Turning to Elizabeth, Allie added, "I'll be praying you can help Sergeant."
"Thank you, Honey. Take care of your Dad, please?"
"We'll be fine, Lisbeth. Let me pray for you before you go. Join us Allie?"
Nathan's girls came round the sofa to take his right hand as he prayed.
"Thank you, Lord for protecting all of us during the fire and thank you for all the helpers. Also, thank you that it wasn't worse. Now, we ask you to calm and heal the horses. Strengthen Elizabeth for the task and give her wisdom. Protect Elizabeth too. We pray in Your Name, Amen."
"And heal Dad, too." Allie added.
Squeezing both their hands, Nathan looked up apologetically. "I think I'm going to try to pray more if I can stay awake. I love you, Lisbeth."
With a brief kiss, Elizabeth responded, "And I love you, Nathan. Go ahead and sleep if you can, you need the rest. You too, Allie. See you later."
Closing his eyes to pray and having heard the automobile depart, Nathan was soon sleeping peacefully while trusting God.
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At Depot, Elizabeth and Jake were welcomed into the Stables by a very concerned Sergeant Keaton Moore. "Hello, Mrs. Thornton. Pleased to meet you, Mr. Cook. Let me take you right to him." While leading the way he explained, "Sergeant became extremely agitated when the sedation wore off and, unlike the other two horses we've been unable to calm him. Your presence should sooth him, allowing him to eat and drink. Remember his actions are not meant against you, he just has no other way to react to his trauma."
Pointing to a stall separated from the other horses, Sergeant Moore whispered, "There he is."
Elizabeth could hear the horse's shuffling and snorts before she could see him, but began to speak softly as she approached. "Hey, Sergeant. I'm here and everything is okay now. You're going to be alright. You're alright now and I'm here."
Sergeant stopped at the sound of her voice, locked eyes briefly, then began to shake his head and move around the stall again. He whinnied and snorted, but every once in a while he paused to see if Elizabeth was still there.
She could see his flared nostrils and the fear in his eyes, so held her gaze on him while asking for a carrot. As Instructor Moore handed her two carrot chunks, Elizabeth called softly, "Here you go, Sergeant. You're such a good boy and this is your favorite treat." Elizabeth stood at the stall door and leaned in, extending her open hand towards the horse. "It's okay, Sergeant. You'll be okay now. Come closer, you handsome fella. You're going to be fine. Here you go…"
Finally tantalized by his favorite bright orange treat, the gelding slowly stepped towards Elizabeth, sniffing around her hand before taking the carrot. Reaching her other hand to touch his face, he stopped munching momentarily then let her touch him while he chewed. Slowly Elizabeth retrieved the second chunk of carrot and held it out to the horse who, moving another step closer, quickly took the treat.
Elizabeth continued to speak gently to Sergeant, only interrupting to ask for another carrot and ask if it was okay for her to enter the stall. Jake stood beside her and the horse acknowledged him with a whinny as he also spoke calming words. "I think you can, but keep talking and let him approach you. I'm right here and can be inside in a moment, so go ahead."
As Jake slowly unlatched the door, Elizabeth gradually slipped inside.
Sergeant backed up and moved side-to-side again, snorting. His ears twitched as he listened to Elizabeth's voice and gradually stilled again. Seeing she wasn't getting closer, Sergeant hesitantly moved towards her, finally stepping close enough to nudge her hand, hoping for another treat. He was rewarded as she slowly lifted and extended her hand with the carrot, then turned to open that hand while she began to pet his nose with her other hand.
The horse allowed her to pet him and gradually move to hug his neck, until the loud noise of a metal pail startled them all as it clanged to the floor and spun to a stop at the other end of the stables. Elizabeth could feel Sergeant tense and begin to tremble, snorting and moving away from her so she slowly backed up against the door.
"I think you need to come out now, Elizabeth. This is going to take some time and you made good progress today." As he closed and latched the door behind her, Jake added, "Maybe a few steps forward and one step back? Tomorrow should be better. Do you want to come with me to check on the others?" Jake turned to Keaton Moore when he realized that Sergeant was a distance from the other horses. "Where are they?"
"Over here, Sir. They don't appear to be as traumatized as Sergeant here. I wonder if he has other memories that have been triggered as the Commissioner told me he was a stellar partner to Constable Thornton from what he understands."
"He was… well-trained, smart, responsive and dependable. Jack used to claim they were of one mind and worked together splendidly. I don't know about other traumas, except he was with Jack when Jack was killed in the landslide. Sergeant has helped me through some emotional times in Hope Valley though…"
Thoughtfully, Elizabeth wondered if he was missing Jack, or even Hope Valley… Suddenly she stopped walking and exclaimed quietly. "Where is Newton? They were stable mates for years in Hope Valley and his presence might calm Sergeant. Could you move Newton to the stall next to Sergeant? Nathan won't be riding for some time now and that familiarity might be helpful to both horses."
"Excellent idea, Mrs. Thornton. Let's do that right now." Moore motioned for them to follow him.
"Wow!" Jake whistled under his breath as he caught sight of the horse. "Newton is a big one! I can imagine that Nathan would be a commanding presence riding this handsome fella!"
"Oh, I assure you his is. Nathan rarely rode down Main Street without eyes turned to admire them and their ease together. Sometime you'll need to see Nathan ride, Jake. He and his horse move as one. It's beautiful to see." Turning to Newton, Elizabeth began to speak quietly again, "Newton! I've missed you. We've been so busy I haven't seen you since I visited a few weeks ago. How are you, my friend, eh?"
She watched as Sergeant Moore went into the stall and placed the halter over Newton and tightened the strap.
"Actually, Cadet Grant is assigned to care for Newton. Let me get him to take Newton to his new stall. Just a moment." The Instructor offered, "You want to give him an apple treat? It's one of his favorites."
"Oh, I remember!" Elizabeth moved into the stall as Moore closed the door behind her and handed Newton a couple of apple pieces.
Accepting her loving and nuzzling her neck, Newton was a happy horse seeing this lovely friend again as well as enjoying his tasty treat.
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A short time later, Cadet Zachary Grant slid into the stall and hurried to Elizabeth. Keeping his voice low, he nevertheless inquired about his brother with great concern. "Hi… How is Nathan?" He opened his arms to hug Elizabeth.
"Hi, Zach. Oh, you heard?" She hugged him back, explaining, "Nathan's in a lot of pain and will be out for at least a week, but the medications are helping him. He is in a sling and needs to try to keep his shoulder still and ice it periodically."
"Is he still in the hospital?"
"Oh, no. We brought him home this morning and he's propped up with pillows on the sofa. He'll require some assistance for a while and between Wes, Jake, and Peter will be well attended. Of course, my parents and Hudson will come over as well so Nathan will want for nothing. I intend to be with him as much as possible too!"
"I would like to see him before I call Dad and Mom. Or, do you think he wants to call them?"
"Let's see about that. As a mother, I know Ruth would want to hear from Nathan himself because only the sound of his voice would assure her that he is alright. I will ask Nathan though, okay?"
"Yeah, you are probably right. My mother would have been the same way. Please tell him I'm praying and I love him?" Zachary ducked his head for a moment before turning to his Instructor. "So, we need to move Newton?"
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Peter, Carol, and Irma knocked gently on the Cottage door and Nathan stirred enough to welcome them inside.
As Peter set the basket of lunch on the floor, Carol hurried to Nathan and leaned over him to kiss his cheek and give him a half hug. "Oh, Son. You are a sight for sore eyes. It is SO wonderful to see you sitting up and awake! Oops, I guess we just awakened you, eh?" Carol patted Nathan's cheek.
"That's okay." Nathan tried to straighten up and readjust his left arm. "Have you heard from Elizabeth?"
"No, Son. Jake took her to Depot, so we'll have to wait on their return for news of Sergeant. Since it's Saturday, I didn't want to call over there, plus I was keeping the line open for the insurance adjuster and arranging a meeting with the construction foreman. Let me carry this to the kitchen." Peter lifted the basket and disappeared momentarily.
"Nathan, I am so sorry you are suffering like this, but we are so grateful it wasn't worse. Can I get you anything? Tea or ice… Oh! You need more ice, don't you?" Irma immediately took the water-filled icepack into the kitchen to refill it with ice chips.
Returning to the front room, Peter handed the icepack to Nathan who placed it as he recalled Wes instructing him.
"What does the crew say about the fire?" Nathan questioned Peter.
Taking a seat across from Nathan, Peter answered, sighing, "The foreman and the insurance adjuster were here at the same time however they independently came to the same conclusion. It was an oil lamp that was too close to a bale of hay and the sawdust contributed to a fast fire. It's a total loss, but I'll get some reimbursement out of my policy and that of the construction company, although I'm wondering if you want to rebuild exactly as it was or make adjustments. Have you had time for any thoughts?"
Nathan grinned, "Peter, you should know by now I am always thinking! I would like a couple things to be different. First, I would like a garage area for the car. Secondly, a workshop for me and thirdly I'm wondering about an apartment upstairs? It might be helpful for Jake and Irma in the winter time or…?"
"Along with the stalls, right?"
"Oh, that's a given. Four stalls I'm thinking. I also think we need to expand the footprint though so probably cannot rebuild until the spring. Are the horses okay stabled at Depot?"
"Since two of them are mine, I can use my authority to arrange boarding for all three of them. With all the recruits, there are plenty of people around to care for them," Peter paused and coughed, "Nathan, Carol and I have been talking. Do you want the Cottage available for your parents? Since it will be mostly Carol here in Regina and once settled in Ottawa we will only visit so the apartment would be fine. We are actually enjoying its coziness right now!"
"I didn't want to say anything, but if the Cottage is available for Mom and Dad it might entice them to relocate rather than wait. So, you and Carol would be okay with keeping this available for my folks?" Nathan queried, trying not to get too excited.
"Absolutely. I was also thinking we could add an outside door to the apartment which would assure more privacy for you when we visit. I…" Peter looked towards the front door.
"Ah, Lisbeth! How did it go?" Nathan leaned his head back on the sofa so Elizabeth could give him an upside-down kiss as she shed her coat and came to him.
At that moment, Irma and Carol entered carrying trays of sandwiches, tea, and cookies as Allie came down the hallway.
"What a strange day. Is everyone going to nap this afternoon?" Allie settled on the floor near her Dad, using the coffee table for her lunch.
"I'm guessing you all need to," offered Irma, "so I will be glad to fix supper for all of you as Jake and I were not up all night!"
Carol accepted, "I would appreciate that, Irma. Peter and I both need to retire for a bit this afternoon. I feel we are running on vapors!"
"I'll stay here with you, Honey, but have Hudson come bring me back to the apartment for dinner and go to bed early after spending some time with Jack. I called my parents from the Stable and they put Jack on the telephone. He was worried about where I was and overheard the concerns for you, Nathan. I need to reassure him in person," Elizabeth explained. "Shall I come to be with you while everyone goes to church in the morning? I could bring Jack and we could sing and read a Bible story together. You want to attend the service, right Allie?"
"If it's okay for me to go, Dad, I would like to. Plus, I'd like to attend Youth Group if that's okay too?" Allie did not want to ever miss that highly anticipated event.
"Yes, let's call the Samuels after we eat and make the transportation arrangements for you."
"Good. Father said they will bring lunch tomorrow, so we don't need to worry about preparing a meal. They'll bring enough for you to join us, Carol and Peter." Elizabeth looked at the Cooks inquiring, "I don't know where you attend church, but I can ask my father to have enough to share with you as well?"
"We'll be with our family, Sweetheart, so don't worry about us. We all attend the Baptist Church in town and our service is at a different time than at Knox," Irma explained.
As they finished the last crumbs from the cookie plate, Nathan asked for his pain medication and after cleaning up, the Collins's and Cooks returned to the main house.
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Grateful that Elizabeth could guide him in how to support his arm while on his bed Nathan was also grateful for a change in position and slept for a couple of hours. Satisfied that Nathan was comfortable, Elizabeth and Allie relaxed and took naps in Allie's bedroom.
When Wes returned, Nathan, Elizabeth, and Allie were more alert and settled again in the front room, sipping tea and laughing together.
"Good afternoon! How is my patient, eh?"
"Not much different than when you left this morning, although I slept some and ate lunch. Did you get some sleep?" Nathan asked, concerned.
"I did, thank you. Mother was well enough to make her own lunch today, so I napped for a few hours. Ardis and I are getting together tonight for supper with Mother, so I have a little bit of time to assist you, Nathan. You look scruffy and in need of some attention," Wes chuckled seeing this unkempt version of the handsome Nathan Grant. "Are you up to a bath, shampoo and shave?"
Laughing, Nathan nodded then quipped, "I assume you have steady hands if you are going to shave me, right?"
"That's to be determined, brother! But I know you trust me…." Wes grinned, then asked Allie, "Can you collect your Dad's undergarments, pajamas and robe, towels and shampoo for us?"
"Sure!" Allie immediately retreated to collect the items, then stood beside the door as Wes helped Nathan stand and find his way to the bathroom. "You'll feel better cleaned up, Dad."
Laughing, Nathan asked, "When did you become the adult, eh?"
"You've said that enough to me when I was little!"
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"Where's Daddy?" Jack questioned as he looked around the room and ran to his mother, "Where's Daddy?"
"Daddy is finishing his bath, so he'll be out soon. How are you, Sweet Boy? What did you do today?" Elizabeth snuggled Jack against her until he pulled back to answer her question.
"I helped! I dusted the chairs and I helped cook too!" Jack played with his mother's hair as he spoke. "I made my own san-wich!"
"Did you now! What kind of sandwich?"
"What's it called, Grandmommy? Tune fish, right? Well, fish something! What did you eat?"
Laughing softly, Elizabeth corrected him, "You ate tuna fish and we had a chicken sandwich for lunch. Oh, I hear Daddy! Now you need to be gentle and careful because he is injured, Jack."
"Daddy!" Jack flew at Nathan's legs, hugged them, then looked up. "Oh! What's that?"
Nathan tousled Jack's blond waves. "Hello, Son. I'm sorry I cannot hug you right now because my arm is in a sling. Did you ever see a sling before?"
"Did I Mommy?"
William stood and let Nathan pass as he patted his shoulder, commenting, "You sure look better now than you did earlier. It is a relief to see you though."
As Nathan got settled, Jack snuggled against his right side looking up adoringly.
Elizabeth observed her son and had a sudden thought, "Oh, I suggested that Zach not call your parents so that you could comfort them with your voice. Should we call now?"
"Ah… They already know," Grace confessed. "While William napped, I called this afternoon after getting an update from Irma and Jake. I explained all that I could to Ruth and Archie both, since he worked the morning shift today. They send their love and are praying for you. Archie suggested maybe you could call sometime tomorrow afternoon if you are up to it? Otherwise they'd like you to call, Elizabeth."
"Of course. Now I wish I had let Zach call them, but thank you Mom for letting them know." Elizabeth looked at Nathan, noticing he had no problem with this.
"It's fine, Honey. We'll call tomorrow. Thank you, Mother, for calling and, Wes, for your assistance earlier and now. What a blessing to have a doctor for a friend, eh?"
"Wes was very reassuring throughout the entire ordeal! He knew exactly what to do, how to do it and when," William announced. "You are an excellent physician, Wes, and we are grateful for your wisdom and care for our boy!" William laughed, correcting himself, "Well, for our young man!"
"Boy, eh, Nathan?" Wes smirked and winked.
Smiling at William, he continued, "Sir, I was glad to be of service and grateful for the outcome, although Nathan will have restrictions for a while. We all may need to monitor him for a few weeks!"
Nathan rolled his eyes in protest, "Oh, my goodness! I am not an invalid!"
Patting his knee, Elizabeth caught Nathan's attention, "And exactly what is your definition of 'invalid' Nathan?"
Chuckling, Nathan scrunched his nose at Elizabeth and commented, "More vocabulary lessons from the teacher, huh? I haven't forgotten your last lesson, you know… Defining a date? Explaining flirting?"
Not knowing the context of the couple's comments, William and Grace nevertheless caught each other's glance and smiled as Elizabeth tossed her head and changed the subject, suggesting, "Isn't it time for us to go? Nathan is in good hands with Allie!"
Turning to Allie, Elizabeth instructed, "If your Dad gets out of hand or you need help, call Grampa Peter, okay? He can come down anytime he is around and I'll be back before you all go to church."
Elizabeth stood and nodded to her parents and Hudson. "I really think I need to get back soon, I am feeling a little light-headed and sleep-deprived."
Nathan hugged Jack good night, then reached for Elizabeth speaking seriously, "Honey? Take care of yourself tonight. I appreciate all you've done, but you need rest too. I love you, you know."
"Oh, Honey, I know. I love you too, and we'll both feel better tomorrow. I'll see you then." She bent to kiss Nathan's upturned lips, by now unconcerned with the observations of others. "Remember the Collins's and Cooks will be down soon with your dinner and Peter or Jake can help you get settled in bed."
"I'll be fine. Don't you worry. Just think of March fifth and have sweet dreams!" Nathan grinned then glanced at the family. "Sorry folks…"
"Oh, we're all used to this by now, Dad!"
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