Chapter 17: The Dam Breaks

A/N:

The Frank Slide mentioned below is accurate to the best of my knowledge (other than it is not located in Nordegg obviously, but near Crowsnest Pass) Hope you enjoy!

————-

Morley, Frewin, Fraser, Grant, and Kinslow peered down together at the massive boulder field. It stretched nearly two miles across—an avalanche of boulders from the mountain itself—permanently erasing portions of the town of Frank from the mountainside.

"So this is the Frank Slide?" Gabriel asked reverently.

Frewin and Fraser nodded silently for a moment before Edwin Fraser spoke up, "It buried a third of the town of Frank in ninety seconds before dawn. Killed a hundred people probably." The story hung thickly in the moment.

Morley whistled low, "how does that even happen?"

Frewin and Frazier eyed each other—each knowing the local history. "Depends on who you ask. The natives called this mountain, "the mountain that moves," Frewin relayed.

"I see why." Nathan spoke breathlessly still surveying the scene.

Frewin continued, "those boulders are primarily limestone, but the mountain was an unstable mix of limestone and coal. Combine that with all the mining in the area and…"

"Boom." Nathan and Gabriel muttered in unison.

"People never even saw it coming. It was 4 AM, most everyone was asleep. The rock slide buried whole families in that town." Fraser recalled. "I was three years old and woke up to the roaring sound on the other side of the mountain. It was unlike anything I'd ever heard. The whole mountain shook. People still aren't the same."

"And now Bassoff has the cover of giant boulders." Gabriel muttered.

"Unless the slide took him too," Morley quietly pointed out. The Mounties went silent at the possibility, straining their eyes for any evidence that he were still alive down there.

"So what's the plan?" Nathan asked, deferring to Frewin's local authority and Morley's experience.

Frewin responded, "We set up patrols until more help arrives. I'll contact headquarters and the coroner. We've got to pull all of our Mounties back here. I'll contact every trading post and small town to relay the message in their tracking areas. I wouldn't be surprised if headquarters sends more men too." Frewin looked at the others hoping for volunteers, "Anyone up for first shift here?"

Gabriel and Nathan nodded to each other, "We will."

"Ok. You'll patrol the next three hours then I'll have Morley and Fraser relieve you two. Hopefully by then we'll have more men to set up the rest of the night. Do you two have enough ammunition still?" Frewin asked.

"Yes Sir. We reloaded in town," Nathan answered.

"Good. We'll see you boys in a few hours. Good luck."

Frewin, Morley, and Fraser turned towards town—uncertain who was getting the better end of the deal at the moment. Grant and Kinslow were left guarding a wounded, but cold-blooded killer somewhere in a boulder field. They, however, faced a grieving town who lost their beloved Constable this morning as well as a dreaded call to both RCMP and APP headquarters to explain the loss of their Corporal and local Constable.

No matter how you cut it, no one had a good hand. They walked silently through the woods, each formulating a plan for how to proceed. As they reached town, Morley's red serge announced their return when they stepped out of the woods.

"Edwin!" Mrs. Fraser took off at a sprint towards him. Her hands held out to him as she ran, and his heart sank at the relief she held in her eyes—evidence that she had been worried for his life.

He jogged towards her, and her embrace rocked him backwards slightly. There was no trace of embarrassment now on his face as he hugged his mother in full view of the gathered town. She buried her head in his brown serge and held him tightly.

"You're ok." She breathed, leaning back to look into his hazel eyes.

"I'm ok, Ma. I trusted my instincts." He gave her a watery smile as he remembered jogging to a stop rather than pressing on alone and attempting to climb down the slide chasing Bassoff.

"Thank you, Lord" she muttered under her breath. She relaxed her grip on him—suddenly conscious of the public display she had made with her fully-grown son. He made no motion to pull back, and that brought her another measure of comfort.

Fraser kissed his mother's cheek and stepped back. "I'd better help Frewin. There's a lot to be done."

His mother nodded solemnly, "Ok, Son. Me too. Please have Constable Frewin let me know when I can go back in the Cafe. Until then, I need to go check on your sister."

They turned to go about their tasks, joining the other townspeople who were already settling into the work before them.

———

The sun beat down on the boulder field making the September afternoon comfortably warm for this time of year—especially at this elevation. Nathan caught up with Gabriel again as their patrolling coincided again at the top of the ridge. "See anything?" Nathan asked.

"Not a thing. Wherever he is, he's laying low at the moment. Probably trying to stop that bleeding if he even can. Who knows what shape he's in after sliding down there." Gabriel mused. "What time do you have?"

Nathan checked his pocket watch. "Almost 2 o'clock. Morley and Fraser should be here soon."

"Are you ok?" Gabriel eyed his friend, and Nathan didn't need him to explain.

"Yeah. I put it out of my mind for now. There's work to be done….thank you though." He looked up from his boots to meet his friend's sympathetic gaze.

Gabriel nodded, "You're going to have to talk eventually, Nathan. If not to me, then someone else."

Nathan opened his mouth to argue, but Gabriel simply turned his back and resumed his patrolling.

———

After being relieved, the walk back to town was a quiet one. There had been a lot to process. With this being their first quiet moment where they weren't officially on duty, they both walked silently, lost in their thoughts.

As they cleared the woods, it was clear that the Nordegg they were returning to was a different town than when they left it a few hours ago. There was no trace of George Arkoff's body or blood in the road—with only shovel marks and a wet spot from where the townspeople had cleared and cleaned the road.

The door to the cafe was already boarded with the boardwalk swept clean of all the broken glass. Water had recently washed off the boards where Constable Bailey laid just a few hours ago. The lights inside the cafe indicated that Mrs. Fraser was already hard at work back in the kitchen. The tables and chairs appeared to be righted. The town of Nordegg had already rallied together for life to go on.

There was a growing group outside the RCMP office of men, mostly miners, who must have caught wind of what had happened here this morning. They may have just gotten off their shifts, but they were coming ready with revolvers, pistols, and shotguns. It seemed Nordegg considered Constable Bailey to be one of their own after a decade's worth of service to the small community.

Frewin stood on the step of the RCMP office attempting to get the gathered miners' attention. Gabriel let out a shrill whistle with his fingers, and Constable Frewin looked visibly relieved. He nodded gratefully to Gabriel before directing the volunteers. There would be no tracking mission tonight. Both RCMP and APP Headquarters were sending men from all over the area to arrive through the night so that they could search the boulder field at first light tomorrow morning.

Several of the men were unwilling to wait—fearing Bassoff's escape, but Frewin insisted that no other blood be shed tonight. There were only a few hours of daylight left and they were undermanned for the kind of mission the boulder field presented. Although the crowd grumbled, they seemed to have agreed with the reasoning.

Frewin was taking volunteers who would be willing to help guard the slide through the night. They would be answering to the assigned Mounties that would also be posted at the slide. Several townsmen volunteered and others agreed to come back later. As the miners dispersed back to their homes with a vow to also return in the morning, Frewin approached Nathan and Gabriel.

"Thank you, Kinslow, for the whistle. For the life of me I've never been able to figure that out." Frewin clapped a hand onto Gabriel's shoulder.

"No problem. Can we help you with anything, Sir?" Gabriel asked.

"Before I forget, I want to make sure that you two call home before the calvary arrives tonight. This news will make national headlines, and I don't want your families needlessly worrying about you two tonight."

Nathan breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Sir."

"No problem. Hope Valley has been through enough already losing a Constable, and I understand that you have a young daughter, is that right?"

"Yes, Sir. She is twelve….I have custody of my sister's daughter." Nathan filled in the details at Frewin's surprised look.

Frewin smiled at him and nodded towards the office. "Better call her first. Kinslow, do you have any family, a wife?"

"Uh, no Sir, no wife yet." But the light blush across his cheek and averting eyes indicated he had a special someone to contact as well.

"Be sure to call your mother then."

"Yes, Sir."

Frewin spotted another gathering group and excused himself. Gabriel nodded to Nathan and headed off to the general store to send some telegrams to Lillian and his family.

Nathan stepped inside the now empty RCMP office and sat down behind Corporal Usher's desk. So much had changed in the half day since he had sat here last, and yet looking at Usher's desk—nothing had changed.

A deep sadness overtook him in that moment as he scanned the desk for any personal photos that might clue him in to Usher's life. There were none, and Nathan couldn't decide if he found that comforting or heartbreaking. Perhaps Usher had climbed the ladder quickly and married the Force rather than found love himself. Maybe it was best.

No sooner had he thought that, his talk with Gabriel in the firelight on the road to Nordegg rang through his mind. Time isn't promised to anyone. Some things you just can't outrun, Nathan.

It was a truth that Jack had learned first hand. Although he fought it at first, Jack married Elizabeth anyway and blessed her with the little boy that Nathan now loved as his own. Time isn't promised. Always do what you are afraid to do. The thoughts swirled around him as he gazed unseeing at Usher's neat desk.

The phone rang and startled Nathan, making him jump in his chair. He lifted the receiver to his ear, "RCMP office this is Constable Nathan Grant."

"Nathan! This is Superintendent O'Reilly, I understand that you were in the Bellevue Cafe earlier during the shootout. How are you?"

"I'm ok, Sir. I just wish I could have done more."

"I think that is a common feeling in a situation like this, and I think it's a sign of a great Mountie, Nathan. I've noticed that about you—that you tend to analyze every angle. It's why you earned that Inspector promotion a few years ago, and I see that it would have been a good fit for your career."

Nathan swallowed not anticipating the praise, "Thank you. I just couldn't move my daughter from Hope Valley. It has been such a good place for her."

"I respect that a lot. Not many men could turn down a career advancement like that for family. It speaks highly of your character."

Nathan's mind swirled with how to respond.

"Nathan?"

"Uh, yes. Sorry Sir…you caught me off guard is all. Thank you. Allie is pretty special. She's everything to me."

"I can see why. I heard about that speech she gave at the inquiry. It spoke volumes of your relationship. She and Jack's widow were quite the formidable team to have in your corner."

Nathan's heart warmed at the thought. "They sure are."

"I'm glad to hear it." Patrick paused before stating officially, "Well Nathan, the reason I'm calling is to let Constable Frewin know that there will be a special train arriving late this afternoon with all available men from Fort MacLeod and Lethbridge area. I'm also sending over about a hundred and fifty Mounted Police that just completed their Banff summer training program."

"Yes Sir. I'll relay that to Constable Frewin."

"Thank you. Headquarters isn't taking any chances losing Bassoff."

"Understood. We'll bring him in. Thanks for the backup."

"Good luck out there, Nathan. Headquarters is expecting you, Kinslow, and Morley to lead this operation in cooperation with Constable Frewin. Lead us well."

"I will. Thank you."

After a quick goodbye, the line went dead and Nathan hung up the receiver. He drummed his fingers on the table and glanced at the clock. 3 o'clock—which meant school would have just let out. He dialed the familiar number to the Hope Valley Switchboard.

———

"Hope Valley Switchboard, this is Allie," a cheery voice answered.

"Hi Sweetheart."

"Dad?! Dad! I can't believe you're calling! What about your tracking mission?! You're not hurt…are you?" Allie was talking a mile-a-minute in her excitement.

"No…I'm ok. I never actually left on the mission because the bad guys came to us. Honey, there was a shootout this morning in the cafe here. Constable Frewin got one of the bad guys, but the other guy disappeared into a boulder field, and he is badly hurt. We're getting more Mounties…a lot more Mounties it turns out…and we'll go find him tomorrow morning. The one that got away was bleeding pretty badly. I'm not even sure if he's still alive now."

Allie was silent a moment taking it all in. "Dad? Were you a part of that shootout?" She asked quietly.

Nathan swallowed before continuing softly, "I was…I was back in the kitchen with Uncle Gabe when it started. I was able to stay behind the bandits so I wasn't an easy target."

"And you're not hurt? Is Uncle Gabe ok?" Allie asked with a slight crack in her voice.

"Yes, Allie Uncle Gabe is ok, and I'm not hurt. Corporal Usher and Constable Bailey died this morning though in the shootout. I couldn't save them."

"Oh Dad….I know you. You probably did everything that you could," Allie encouraged softly.

"Thanks, Allie. I tried."

"Dad? You're a good Mountie."

Nathan's breath caught. "What?"

"You're a good Mountie, Dad. I know you get to thinking, and I just want you to know that. I love you. Thank you for staying behind the guys to be safer. I know that you do that…for me." Allie smiled sadly into her end of the receiver. She was a mixture of emotions.

"Allie, you make me a better Mountie." Nathan told her softly.

"Because….I'm mischievous?" She cracked.

"Well…that too, but because I have to make smarter decisions so that I can come back home to you."

Allie smiled at that. She had always had a nagging feeling that she was holding back her father's career. Hearing his admission did wonders for her heart. "I love you, Dad."

"I love you too, Maisy-Daisy. I'm glad that you are my operator today. That was a sweet surprise."

"Oh…right!" Allie sat up abruptly in her chair, cleared her throat, and said in her over-the-top professional voice, "Can I connect your call, Constable?"

Nathan laughed, "Well…I called for both you and Mrs. Thornton. I'm guessing she is still out at the schoolhouse. Can I leave her a message with you, and then you can fill her in on the details?"

Allie craned her neck over to where Florence was standing. As she was already eavesdropping on Allie's end of the call, she came over quickly. Florence motioned that she would take over the switchboard.

Allie slyly grinned into the receiver, "Nope, but I'll go run and grab her myself. Mrs. Yost will keep you on the line. Mrs. Thornton really should hear from you herself. Bye Dad! Love you!"

———-

And with that, Allie was off like a shot running through the Mercantile door and down the road to the schoolhouse. She cut across the schoolyard yelling for Mrs. Thornton.

Alarmed, Elizabeth rose from her desk and hustled towards the school door—recognizing Allie's yell.

Out of breath, but smiling, Allie's face diffused Elizabeth's worst fears. "Dad is… on the…phone! He….wants…to talk…to you."

Elizabeth held a hand to her chest in relief and glanced back at the school door for just a moment.

"I'll stay here….until you get back. Just go!"

Elizabeth smiled gratefully, picked up her skirts and ran across the schoolyard. Her heart beat rapidly inside her chest at both the sudden exertion, and the unexpected opportunity to speak with Nathan.

Her cheeks were fully flushed by the time she reached the Mercantile steps. Taking a half second to smooth her hair and skirts, she pushed open the door to see the Yosts' warm smiles. Florence winked at her as she handed her the receiver.

———-

"Nathan?!"

Nathan's eyes filled with tears at the sound of her voice. "Lizbeth," he breathed. Suddenly, the dam of emotions he had pent up over the last few hours broke at the sound of her voice. He took a staggered breath.

"Nathan? Are you ok? Are you hurt?" Her voice was tinged with panic.

"I'm ok. I'm not hurt." Nathan managed to get out. "We lost two men. I had Bassoff in my sights, but I couldn't pull the trigger... There was a woman just behind him. I couldn't take the shot. If I just could have gotten a clear shot, Bailey wouldn't have died..." His last words were like a haunted whisper with his heart wrenching in his chest.

A shadow of red darkened the door, but one look at Nathan with his head in his hands and pained eyes had Gabriel turn abruptly to guard the door instead. Nathan needed a place to break down, and Gabriel wasn't about to let anyone interrupt.

"Oh Nathan…how awful. I know that you are always analyzing, always wishing you could have done better, but you can't change where that woman was."

Nathan nodded silently knowing she was right. He took a deep breath and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "But if I just had…."

"You're pretty great, but you can't control everything…you're not God you know." Elizabeth interrupted light-heartedly.

Nathan fought a half smile before he flatly added, "No chance in getting you to call me, 'Lord' then?"

"NATHAN GRANT!" Elizabeth's voice was shrill, but her laugh afterwards gave her away.

"Kidding…I'm kidding..." Nathan smiled his first genuine smile since early this morning.

Elizabeth let out a dramatic sigh, "Well I guess it's a good sign if you can joke." She pointed out with a bit of a laugh.

"Yeah. Force of habit I'm afraid," Nathan muttered.

"Well, you don't have to be strong for me. I know there's a real man under that serge, Nathan. I might understand better than you think." Elizabeth spoke low remaining conscious of the lack of privacy in the Mercantile. It wasn't the first time that she loved a man who wore the scars of battle long after justice was served.

"Thank you." Nathan rasped out. "That means more to me than you know." He glanced up—noticing his friend's back to the door. Red and brown serge was gathering outside the windows. Recognizing some of the faces, word of the shootout must have caught up to them on their way to their tracking areas.

"Lizbeth, I have to go. Allie can explain the rest, but thank you for taking my call. I didn't realize how much I needed to hear your voice. I love you."

"And I love you. Be safe. And Nathan? I'm proud of you. You're a good man." Her words were strong and clear with nothing to hide—despite her public phone call.

Nathan exhaled softly. "Thank you. I try to be. Bye Lizbeth."

Nathan hung the receiver back on the telephone set and took a deep breath. He ran his fingers through his hair and straightened his serge. Duty called.

——-

A/N:

The history in this area is just so incredible. Bassoff really did escape down the Frank Slide from the shootout. There really were patrols set up through the night filled with Mounties, APP police, and townsfolk. 150 Mounties really were sent to assist from Banff Summer Training. (The actual date of the shootout was early August vs this story's September so a little creative license there!) and the railroad sent a special train from Fort MacLeod and Lethbridge to accommodate the search.

Usher's empty desk was inspired by my search in vain to find any mention of family that he left behind. He was 26 years old.

Eoin MacLean and I discussed a ton through this chapter so… if it was cool and true with the Mounties, it probably came from him. He had pointed out that Bailey was likely beloved for the townspeople to have volunteered to guard the slide like that.

Next chapter should be action-packed again so I hope you enjoyed the little breather here!

Special thanks to @nebula2 & @pn1thrasher for your encouragement & help making this tricky chapter clear.