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Chapter Thirty-four
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A Solemn Farewell
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Hating the early hour as he tended to be a night person, Lucas Bouchard was thankful the transport wagon would be there for him before most of the townsfolk were out and about this morning. He recalled watching the procedure from the balcony of the Queen of Hearts in the past and was hoping to sneak out of town without an audience.
Alas, word got around and when Nathan and Gabriel followed Lucas out of the jail as he was led by two of the transport Constables, Lucas was shocked to see so many observers. With a hasty glance, he noted Bill Avery stood beside the wagon, along with Mike Hickam, Mr. Jenkins, and the Yosts. Farther away stood Faith Carter, Molly, and the new nurse next to Fiona Miller, the Blacksmith and the Livery manager. The Canfields watched from the porch of the Café. Even the Coulters stood nearby, with…
"Oh d…." Lucas cursed under his breath, but kept the rest of his thoughts to himself. 'Even Elizabeth is here with Jack!' He could not meet her gaze.
Angry to be on display, but even angrier to have been caught, Lucas hung his head and avoided the many eyes trained upon them. He did notice the absolute silence and felt the condemnation although he didn't identify it until he was bouncing along the road to Union City. From the inside of the wagon he had caught Elizabeth's eye but was sorry he had done so. Her scorn was evident and Lucas quickly averted his glance. Unfortunately, the face he saw next surprised and shamed him. Henry Gowen stood, hands behind his back, stone-faced.
Quickly Lucas moved to see Nathan Grant standing close-by, still as a statue, his free arm behind his back, feet apart. The Mountie's steady gaze looked directly at Lucas, his face showing no emotion except for his Adam's apple working up and down. Was Nathan holding back tears?
The chains and locks clattered in the early morning hour as Bill and Nathan observed Lucas folding his tall frame into the narrow interior of the wagon and his legs being shackled to the bench by a Mountie who leaned inside. Nathan nodded his approval once the wagon was securely locked. Gabriel walked forward to hand a leather case to the transport Mountie who then stepped up to the front bench beside the driver. After the proper salutes and Bill hitting the side of the wagon to signify they were ready, the wagon jolted and began to depart Hope Valley with two Mounties following at a short distance.
As the sounds of the horses and the metal-rimmed wagon wheels against the coarse gravel faded and the wagon disappeared around the corner the crowd turned away and, with dignified restraint, quietly dispersed. Only one voice could be heard from the street.
Hurriedly Elizabeth handed her son to Rosemary with an urgent request, "Please hold him? I need to talk to Nathan."
Lee quickly moved to hold Jack while Rosemary rushed to grab Elizabeth's arm, "Elizabeth! I don't think this is good idea. They probably have a meeting to discuss all that's happened now that the jail is empty. I think…."
A determined Elizabeth shook off Rosemary's grasp and whispered harshly, "Let me go. I must talk to him now…" She began to run, calling out, "Nathan. Nathan…."
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Nathan heard his name, but was almost shoved inside the office by Gabe who was quickly followed by Bill who turned in the doorway to protectively block the way.
"Elizabeth. Now is not the time. We have a review and cannot talk. You'll have to go," Bill advised firmly. Motioning her away, he backed into the office and shut the door behind himself, immediately turning the key to secure it, then pulling down the window shade.
Elizabeth stood, stunned and chagrinned.
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Inside, since Gabriel had watched Nathan and caught his struggle, he placed a hand on Nathan's elbow guiding him to a chair and quietly instructing him to sit.
Bill lifted the telephone receiver while waiting for Florence to return to the switchboard. Upon her answer, Bill requested that Florence hold all calls and that she connect him to the Café to request a delivery of hot coffee.
After everyone was situated in a circle around the desk, Gabriel took the lead and addressed Nathan. "My Brother, we are all here for you. Tell us what's on your mind…"
After some hesitation, Nathan cleared his throat and spoke softly and slowly, his voice low, "He has been the thorn in my flesh since I arrived, yet he is so lost…"
Bill knew more than the others having been there first hand, yet he was as surprised as Gabe and Cal hearing these words. He watched Gabe step to the bookcase and retrieve Nathan's well-worn Bible. Using the concordance the Constable found the verse in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians and opening it, silently handed it to Nathan.
Standing behind Nathan, Gabe put his hands on his Mountie brother's shoulders, leaned forward and read aloud, "…there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted overmuch.
Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong." (*9)
Bill and Cal had closed their eyes and listened. This was unlike any RCMP review they had encountered and it felt like a Holy hush had descended.
Gabe took the Bible from Nathan's lap, closed it and solemnly said, "Though he was not a church-going man, Lucas read the Bible that he saw in you, Nathan. Maybe behind bars and brought down to nothing, he will yet be redeemed…"
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The first knock was Pastor Joseph delivering the coffee and a complimentary basket of freshly baked scones, jam and cheese for their lawmen. With a quick glance at Bill's face, the Pastor only nodded, waved and walked away, praying for each one in that office by name.
The second knock was more urgent and fortunately came as the Mounties and Bill had completed their review of the recent activities, arrest and subsequent discoveries.
"Nathan? Gabe? Cal? It's me, Ned," He called aloud from outside the office door, "Your furniture delivery is here. Can you open up?"
After inspecting their options to deliver the desks, chairs, chalkboard, and bookcases to the second floor, the deliverymen began the move.
Nathan went upstairs to instruct on the placement until the layout fit his plan, pleased that it worked. Each of the three large oak desks formed a separate island facing the center of the room, with the conference table filling the fourth quadrant in the far corner on the street side. In addition to the brown leather-seated and wheeled swivel-chairs for the occupants, beside each desk was an extra chair plus four that surrounded the table. A woven wastebasket was tucked below each desk and identical brass Bankers Lamps with golden-orange glass adorned the desktops, while a tall brass and unadorned bridge lamp was placed at one end of the conference table.
At the far corner, the moveable chalk board stood diagonally and would serve to hide office supplies. On the side wall next to it were two oak file cabinets which would eventually flank the small desk from the downstairs RCMP office along with a small sideboard for coffee supplies. Along the side wall, closest to the stairway and door, stood a line of three Barrister bookcases with their five glass-enclosed shelves stacked high, offering plenty of room for the books the Mounties would require. In addition, the deliverymen had installed an area rug under the conference table. The subtly patterned area rug in dark greens and blues, rust, gold and browns, served to add some color as well as absorb the sounds in the large room.
Overall, the impression was professional, workable and warm yet understated, so the Mounties were ready for whenever the transfer to the Provincial Police would transpire. Nathan was just glad to have a place to call his own again since he really liked to keep things in order where he knew they were located. Now seeing how well the office fit together, he would place the order for a wall clock, matching oak inboxes and desktop supplies and get the telephones installed. The RCMP had decided on one telephone for Nathan and one for Gabe and Cal to share for now, so either Gabe or Nathan would oversee the best placement for those as well as load the bookcases in the next week. Since Nathan and Cal were unable to move boxes, Gabe planned ask Jesse or Kevin to give an hour or two to assist with the lifting to the second floor.
It was nearing lunch time when the upstairs office was settled, so Nathan made a telephone call from the downstairs office. "Hi. Can you meet me for lunch? I can order something from the Café if you didn't bring your own. It was too early for me to come to work prepared this morning." Nathan paused briefly then his voice raspy, added, "Plus, I need you."
Faith's eyes widened and her heart lurched. Her man, the one she loved beyond everything, needed her.
"Of course. If you could order something I would appreciate it, Honey. Where will we eat though?"
"Come to the rear entrance and up the stairs, please? I have a surprise for you! I'll see you at noon." Nathan added, "Thank you."
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When Gabriel returned from the Café, he set up lunch for Cal and himself in the downstairs office but carried the basket of food to Nathan upstairs so Faith and he could have some privacy.
"Hello, Honey! Come in." Nathan rose from his chosen desk on the street side and hurried to meet Faith as she entered with surprise written all over her face.
"What do you think?" he proudly inquired as he took her hand and led her into the room.
"It is wonderful, Nathan. So coordinated, simple in style and functional too. It's so nice to get you men out of that depressing jail office!" Faith giggled as she stood in the center of the room and turned in a circle, exclaiming, "Such a handsome space!"
Motioning to the conference table he noted, "We even have a place for lunch or meetings. I feel quite special in here."
"Well you are special anywhere, Corporal, but it will be nice to have you in your new brown serge in a spacious, light and airy room." Faith turned to face Nathan directly, whispering, "Hi" as she tilted her head to welcome a kiss.
"Just the medicine I need, Doctor, although I think I need a double or triple dose!"
After a few more kisses, Nathan murmured, "Mmmm… Dessert before lunch!"
Faith didn't object but she eventually moved towards the lunch Nathan had unpacked on the conference table.
As they enjoyed their sandwiches, apples, and gooey butter cake, they began to discuss aspects of the prisoner transport from earlier in the morning. Faith had some questions as to how it all works and what is Mountie protocol, but she observed Nathan's retreat into himself when the subject of Lucas Bouchard arose.
"What is it, Honey? Please tell me?" Faith moved the remnants of their lunch to the side and reached her hands across the table, looking at Nathan expectantly.
She wasn't expecting what happened next as Nathan welled-up and his voice went hoarse.
"This has hit me hard. I explained to the others in our earlier review that Lucas has been a thorn in my side, yet as I watched him depart, I was overwhelmed with concern for his spiritual state. He is so lost…"
"Your tender-hearted concern is admirable, Nathan. You are being what God wants you to be you know? Burdened for the lost…" Faith paused, "Maybe your prayers for him can change now? We don't know much about his family so he may feel extremely alone, but that might cause him to evaluate his life and God can still work although Lucas will be miles away."
Patting his arm with her other hand, Faith added, "Might it be good for you to talk and pray with Joseph soon? You didn't take the time after the fire, but you might have some things that he could help you with. Will you consider this?"
Slowly nodding his head in agreement, "I've thought of that. There is something else though. Elizabeth came running towards the office calling my name after the wagon departed, but Bill didn't allow her to enter. I need to find out what she wants." Nathan looked into Faith's pools of deep blue, questioning, "Would you accompany me to see her later? I don't want to meet her alone after her accusations towards me when I delivered all this bad news recently."
"Of course. I don't know if she will speak freely with me there, but if we maintain our distance she may feel less threatened by us as a couple. We can meet her tonight…"
A quick glance at her pendant watch told them it was time to part, so with reassurances that Nathan and all these situations would be in her frequent prayers, Faith stood to be engulfed in Nathan's hug and squeeze him to herself.
They would both pray earnestly about tonight…
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As Faith descended the steps, Gabe came to meet her and head upstairs to see Nathan himself.
"Did you enjoy your lunch, Brother?" Gabe strode to the table where Nathan was clearing the remnants.
"We did. Thanks for the butter cake. That's enough to cheer the most downhearted soul!"
"I'm asking about your lunchtime and your companion, not the menu!" Gabe chuckled. "Have a seat for a moment, please?"
"What's up?" Nathan searched his friend's face.
"We had another visitor. I asked him to give you a half an hour and return." Gabe's tone was somber. "Gustave came by, looking for Bouchard."
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"Hello, Gustave. Have you recovered?" Nathan asked, offering his hand and then a seat beside his desk.
"C'est beau, Nathan!" The man sat, looking around the office before continuing, "I recover but for cough, but what happened to you?" Gustave motioned to the sling.
"I ended up wrenching my arm as I tried to extract Constable Burns from beneath a beam. Thankfully, nothing broken for me, although Cal ended up with a broken leg. What can I do for you today, Gustave?"
"I come see my cousin. Do you know where to find him?"
"Gustave, I regret to inform you, but Lucas is on his way to the Union City jail. He left this morning."
Shocked, Gustave stuttered, "J… Jail? What transpiré?"
After explaining the charges brought against Lucas, Nathan leaned back and examined Gustave's face.
"Lucas did this? All this… illégal things?" Shaking his head, he added, "I always thought he was hiding something, but all this?" Gustave leaned forward, his elbows on his knees.
"I came for my salaire and give my nouvelle adresse. I guess there is nothing left? Zéro?"
"Lucas had some jewelry and a small amount of cash on his person when he was arrested, so if you fill out a form to request return of what is owed you, it will be evaluated. The servers and house keepers have moved to other businesses. How about you?"
"I work at nice hotel in Union City. Good salaire, réputation and a belle cuisine! They rent me a chamber pour commencer…" Gustave paused staring at Nathan in continued disbelief, "There is zéro? No insurance? Nothing?"
"With the exception of some jewelry, Elizabeth's diamond ring, a pair of wedding bands and odds and ends, I'm afraid so. Your cousin was in grave financial trouble and most of it by his own doing." Nathan pitied this man who had been deceived by his own relative since Nathan himself knew how that felt.
"I never asked, but how close are you two cousins? And why did you come to Hope Valley? Your culinary skills far exceed the need in such a small town."
"Merci. Merci. Lucas promised ma grande réputation with the Queen of Hearts. Mais non, non, non…" The man sighed, "Lucas is cousin by marriage, I am Pepin. My papa and his papa were step-brothers."
"Ah ha. Well, I am very sorry to have nothing to offer to you, but may I take the name and address of your hotel should there be any reason to contact you?"
Nathan handed Gustave a piece of paper and watched him write before reminding him to talk to the Constable downstairs for the form to submit what was owed to him. "Include the value of your clothing and personal items lost in the fire, Gustave. Also, if you want to visit Lucas, contact the RCMP office in the City."
Nathan stood, holding out his hand, "God bless you in your new job, Gustave, and I am sorry for your loss…"
As Nathan sat at his desk again, he thought of the many losses that Gustave was now experiencing. Lucas Bouchard had gambled with the lives of many people. Would he ever understand that?
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(*9) 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10, American Standard Version, Public Domain in the United States.
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