Chapter 60
Early the next morning, Keegan worked it out so Grace, Elizabeth, and Viola would be able to eat breakfast with William. Other officers were present, so he couldn't have the whole group in. With William being such a good prisoner, it was an easy sell for Keegan to get William's immediate family in for a quick bite to eat before he is transferred back.
Jack and JJ spent the morning eating breakfast at a café close to the hotel. They were enjoying their time together, just father and son. They loved having Elizabeth with them, but they both cherished these moments with just the two of them.
"So, what do you think about Emily? She hangs around often."
"I'm not too sure." JJ thought. "I'm just five years old and eleven months. I don't even know what it means to court."
"So, what's with the questions about Emily?"
JJ had asked a few questions concerning Emily. It wasn't so much the questions that he asked, it was the tone and hesitation in his voice. Jack had a feeling that JJ was fishing for information.
"I don't know…" JJ thought out loud. "She's a little older than I am. She's almost two years older than me. We do get along very well."
"You do. She's seven years old?"
"Yeah…"
"You two play well together. So, why do you think you have to court?"
"She said that's what people do who like each other. That's what she heard her friend's older sister say."
"I believe that's the key part, 'her older sister'. That applies to people that are older. That doesn't apply to kids your age. You just need to enjoy your friendship and being a friend. No need to push this or rush it."
"So, we don't have to court?"
"No. Later on when you're older, you may want to or you may want to court someone else, but not at this age. Just enjoy each other's friendship. If it grows into something else, then it will in time."
JJ leaned back in his chair. That all made sense to him. "So, what do you think about Mr. Thatcher?"
This time Jack leaned back in his chair thinking on the question. He wanted to be honest with his son, but he also wanted to temper his answer so it wouldn't be too harsh for his young mind. He was an intelligent little boy, but he was still a little boy. He also wanted JJ to come to his own opinion. He didn't want to lead him either way. He wanted to help guide him but to allow JJ to come to his own conclusion.
"I guess time will tell with him. I hope he's changed. He seems like it but I'm not willing to completely agree with him just yet."
"Is it possible for a person to change like that?"
"It is. It's hard to but it is possible. I'm hoping Mr. Thatcher changes. You like Grandma Grace." It wasn't really a question. It was a statement.
"I do. She's nice. Her chocolate chip cookies aren't as good as mommy's but they're not bad. I like that she loves me and listens to me. She doesn't always treat me as a kid."
"She spoils you too much." Jack laughed.
"Maybe…" Smirked JJ.
"I bet yesterday was the first time you had ice cream for breakfast…twice."
"Yeah…wait, how did you know?"
Jack leaned forward and tussled JJ's hair. "I'm a daddy…I know things." Sassed Jack.
They sat at the table enjoying their breakfast, but the most important part was just them spending time together and talking. JJ was very close to Jack. He arrived in the young boy's life at a difficult time. He won him over rather quickly and they became close before Elizabeth showed up. When she did, JJ gravitated to her just as quickly. He had a special relationship with her just like he did with Jack. They were just different types of relationships.
"Hey, mommy wants to shop for some things for the house today. Why don't we go to the bank to withdraw some money so she can do that. Then we will meet her at headquarters. We have a little bit of time before we head back to Hope Valley."
"Let's go."
…
Elizabeth, Grace, and Viola placed their bags in a small locker provided by the mounties. After a quick search to make sure they didn't have anything on them, they were escorted into William's cell. William had a large smile on his face. He was happy he had the extra time with his girls this morning. He was also grateful for the time with everyone last night, especially the alone time with Grace.
"Gracie." He whispered as he saw her leading his two oldest girls.
"William." Grace smiled. The mountie couldn't open the cell door fast enough.
"Where's Jack and JJ?"
"They wanted to give us this time together."
"JJ wasn't too comfortable last night." William lowered his head.
"He wasn't, but Jack has talked him into giving you a fair and honest chance. Give him time father, he'll come around. It would go a long way if you were to write to him. Be honest with him about what happened and about what you are doing now to rectify it."
"Thanks Bethie."
They sat down and ate a small breakfast. Their time would be short this morning, but no one was going to complain. Technically, they shouldn't have any time with him at all. This was all due to Jack and Keegan. Grace made a mental note to thank both men properly.
Viola sat back watching and listening. She was still upset with how things turned out with Charles, but she wasn't as set toward it as she was just a few days ago. Charles was always a family friend and a perfect suitor for her younger sister. Now, he's in jail and Elizabeth is married to that back water mountie. Plus, her father is in prison serving a three year sentence with Elizabeth and Jack takin over the company. Things weren't what it should have been However, if everything was true what Charles did to her sister, she could never forgive him.
"Are you alright dear?"
Viola was brought out of her thinking. She quickly looked up to her father.
"Just thinking I suppose."
"About?"
"Everything."
"Would you like to ask me any questions?"
"I have a lot of questions, but I don't want to take this time away from mother."
William nodded his head. "When I get back, I'll write everything down in a letter. After that, if you have any more questions, you can visit or send me a letter."
"I would like that. I just don't know what went wrong."
"I went wrong." William shook his head. "It was all me. I began this and it turned everyone's life upside down." William hung his head for only a moment. He looked up to his family. "That's the past. I can't change that. However, I can change today. Now, I'll explain everything in a letter, but we won't discuss that today." He turned his attention to Grace. "Tell me about the girl's home. Last I heard was that the home was given approval. What's next?"
Grace shared all the updates about the home. All the paperwork was completed, and Teddy spoke with a firm to begin to look for a parcel of land to build or a home already built. They were waiting for that to play out. Viola was interested in listening to everything since she knew very little about it.
…
Jack and JJ walked into the bank. Jack was wearing his red serge since that was all he brought with him. JJ was walking beside him.
"Good morning, Sergeant." The bank teller stated when she noticed Jack's rank on his sleeve and chest.
"Good morning, ma'am."
"Sergeant, what may I do for you today?"
In that moment, Jack realized he hasn't thought things through completely. He wasn't sure what they needed for the home. He had a few ideas but wasn't certain what Elizabeth was thinking. Secondly, he wasn't sure what things cost. Now he was grateful he brought the checkbook that Mr. Lewis had set up while in Hamilton. This was the same bank as the one in Hamilton.
"I would like to cash a check please."
"Yes sir. Is it drawn from our bank?"
"Yes, ma'am."
Jack froze for a moment. "How much do you think I should write it for?" He turned his attention to JJ.
The young boy just shrugged his shoulders. He had no idea the cost of things. "How would I know what those types of things cost?"
"I thought you were a very smart boy."
"Give me a set of numbers and I can figure out the total quickly, but how would I know what stuff costs?"
"Sergeant, what are you wanting to purchase?"
"We are building a home. We are taking my wife to shop for some things for the home. I guess maybe a bed, dresser, stove, things like that."
"That will be a lot of money." She leaned closer. "Do you have that much in your account?"
Jack wasn't certain how much was in the account. Teddy set it up when they were in Hamilton. He knew the initial deposit. It was still mind boggling to him. He hasn't gotten his mind wrapped around that much money yet. Teddy also told them that another deposit was being made on the day they left.
"I'm not too sure…" Jack whispered to himself, but the young lady heard him.
"Then how do you know the check will be covered?"
"I have this letter." Jack remembered the letter from Teddy. He told Jack to keep that with the checkbook in case of an issue. Jack pulled out the envelope. He handed it to the lady.
The lady eyed Jack for a moment and then opened the envelope. She read the letter on the bank's letterhead and immediately closed the letter.
"Excuse me for a moment. I'll be right back."
They watched this young lady quick stand and hurriedly make her way around the counter to a door to their left. She knocked and waited to enter.
"What is that about?"
"I have no idea son. I just don't know." He continued to watch the door the woman just walked through.
…
Abagail leaned back in her office chair intently reading through a pile of paperwork. She just finished the final, official report from the mounties concerning all activities from Gowen. The town was getting a little more money back from his estate that was seized by the government. She needed to share that with the town council to get their input on what they needed to do with it. Her attention was drawn to a potential request from Lee. It was preliminary, but she was excited about the potential growth of the sawmill. That meant more jobs for the men. She was happy for her friend.
That thought and the issue with William Thatcher's attack on the sawmill brought home a startling point to her mind. They needed to diversify the work in Hope Valley. She didn't want the sawmill not to do well or be replaced, but she wanted something other than just one business for families to earn a living from. She felt that would strengthen the community. Now, how could that be accomplished? She made a couple of notes, but nothing she was excited about. She needed to check with some people and get their viewpoints.
Abagail sat the folder down and picked up a folder that had 'Sheriff – Jack' on the tap. She opened the folder and noticed Jack's handwritten notes on the job duties of a sheriff. She also had a written note from the sheriff's office in Medicine Hat. Some of their ideas wouldn't work in Hope Valley, but many would. Many of their suggestions were already on her and Jack's list. She knew Jack was going to be a perfect fit for the town.
Her mind left Jack's folder and went back to Lee's preliminary note about the sawmill. That led her back to how to expand work in Hope Valley. She was lost in staring out the front window with that thought in mind.
"Hey…are you ok?"
"Hey Frank. I'm fine. You?"
"I'm good. What's on your mind?"
"Just thinking…" Her voice trialed off. "Hey, let me ask you…"
…
After a few moments, the door opened and a tall, slender man walked through the door. His eyes immediately found Jack. "Sergeant Thornton….it is nice to have you with us this morning. Would you and this young man please follow me to my office?"
Jack instantly placed his hand on JJ's shoulder. He had no idea what was happening and wasn't sure why he was being asked to the gentleman's office. He was polite and friendly, but his mountie instincts kicked in. As they walked to the man's office, Jack kept his hand on JJ's shoulder. JJ remained in front of Jack but kept close by his daddy's side.
"Is there a problem?" Jack broke the silence as the man closed the door to his office.
"No sir. We need to check the bank headquarters in Hamilton to make sure the funds are in your account. Ms. Neel is doing that at the moment." Jack followed the man's eyes to the side table where the young lady was on the phone. "This letter is from CEO Farley. Do you know him?"
"I do not know him. Our lawyer opened the account for my wife and me. I was handed that letter by him in case there was an issue. Is there an issue, sir?"
"Not that I know of. We just have to check on this to make sure things are ok. This actually covers you and us. I'm sorry for the inconvenience."
"It's alright. One can't be too cautious these days."
"Sir, Mr. Farley is wanting to speak to you."
"Mr. Farley." The man gasped a little. "You're not speaking to his representative?"
"No sir. This number went straight to him."
The bank manager stiffened a little. As a bank manager in Medicine Hat, he has been in the same room with Mr. Farley, but he has never spoken to him. This is unusual. He instantly grew nervous.
Jack watched intently the bank manger's posture. He always thought a person's posture and how they are holding themselves can tell you a lot about a person's intention. The man stiffened at the beginning of the conversation, but relaxed a little as he nodded his head and every so often would say 'yes sir'. Finally, he sat the phone receiver down and walked to the young lady. He softly spoke to her for only a few seconds and the young lady nodded her head and quickly left the office.
…
Ms. Neel walked back into the room and handed the bank manager a piece of paper. "Here you go sir."
"Thank you." He accepted the piece of paper. "Sergeant Thornton, please take this piece of paper with you and your wife when you go shopping. It states that anything you purchase, along with your or your wife's signature, will buy anything you want. The business will send us a bill and we will withdraw it from your account. You will receive an invoice from us with in a week."
Jack sat back a little stunned. He wasn't sure what to expect. However, this wasn't it. He just expected a little money and then pay for it himself. This was basically a blank check for him. A piece of paper that stated he was to have the bill sent to the bank and they would take care of it. Jack had never experienced anything like that before.
"If you'll give Ms. Neel a few minutes, she will have some names of shops and their addresses that you may want to visit."
"That's very kind of her."
"No problem. Now, may I offer you coffee while you wait?"
"No. I'm fine. Thank you."
…
"Thank you for coming to Medicine Hat to see me." William whispered to Grace after he had already said his goodbyes to his girls.
"I wasn't sure if I could speak to you, but I wanted to at least see you."
"Gracie…last night was amazing. I'm sorry it was here, but I'm grateful we have that time."
"Me too. I think it makes the next thirty five months a little harder." She sighed.
"Maybe, but it also gives us something to look forward to."
Viola leaned over to Elizabeth and spoke softly. "What happened last night?"
"You don't want to know." Elizabeth shook her head.
"I love you, Gracie."
"I love you, William."
Grace stepped out of the cell and began to follow Keegan down the hallway with Elizabeth and Viola a step behind them.
"Constable, thank you for all you did for me and my family. I don't know how many regulations you broke in doing all of this, but…" Her voice trailed off. She just couldn't put it in words. She wanted to express her gratitude, but her mind was failing her.
Keegan noticed she reached to her left eye and wiped a tear that was threating to wet her cheek. "Thank you for saying that, ma'am. Jack is a good friend to me. I wouldn't be a mountie if he didn't help me in the academy. During our short time together serving after we became mounties, he saved me a couple of times. I would do anything for him."
Grace was reminded again that Jack was a good guy.
…
"Hey mommy." JJ stated as Elizabeth walked down the stairs just outside the jail. Grace and Viola were just behind her. He ran toward her with his arms open.
"There's my sweet boy." Elizabeth smiled with her arms wide open.
Grace walked past her daughter and grandson straight to Jack. She wrapped him in her arms. She held on to him for several long seconds. Jack didn't understand what was going on. So, he just held on to his mother-in-law. When she finally let go of him and captured her emotions, she spoke to him in a loving and thankful tone.
"Thank you, Jack, for making this morning and last night possible. I know you didn't have to. I also know Keegan put himself at risk in following your wishes. Thank you." With that, she gave him another hug.
"You're welcome, Grace. I'm grateful you were able to see your husband for a little while.
"So, what's the plan?" Elizabeth broke the silence.
"We're going shopping."
"We are?" She asked her excited son.
"Yes, daddy said so."
"Yeah?" She asked, looking at her husband.
"I thought we could look for some things for the new house. We're here…we might as well look for a few things. I know you ordered some items in Hamilton, but we still need some items for the home. I have already spoken to the hotel. We are set to stay there again tonight. We will head back in the morning to home on the stagecoach. Are you ok with that?"
"I am." She smiled her approval. She did have some things to do for school, but she wasn't going to miss this opportunity to spend some time shopping for items for their new home.
"We are heading out in a couple of hours. Our train leaves soon."
"We'll help you gather your things and get you on the train." Jack stated.
"Perfect." JJ exclaimed. He reached for his mommy's and grandma's hand leading them back to grandma's hotel.
…
After a long, tearful goodbye, Grace and Viola stepped on the train. Jack was holding Elizabeth's right hand and JJ was holding her left hand. They stood and watched the train slowly begin to move. They remained standing there until the train was out of sight. Jack and JJ knew this was hard on Elizabeth.
"Come, let us get some tea." Jack stated.
"And a biscuit. Auntie Abagail always said that you like biscuits when you are upset."
Elizabeth let out a small chuckle. It's true, she liked to eat when she was upset. They found their way to a small café just a small walk from the train station. She was grateful her two boys were taking care of her.
"So, I don't know anything about Medicine Hat. Where should we go?"
"The lady at the bank gave me some recommendations for places when she gave me the letter."
"Letter…? What letter?"
"I went to the bank to withdrawal some money for us to shop. I have the checkbook Teddy gave us. She wasn't sure if she should cash a check since she didn't know us. I showed her the letter from Teddy."
"Yeah, we had to go to the bank's office. I felt like we were at the principal's office." JJ smiled.
"Wait, have you been to the principal's office before?" Asked Elizabeth. She had a hint of teasing in her voice.
"Daddy, I think you need to finish your story." He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He also avoided eye contact with Elizabeth.
"I think we may need to revisit this discussion later on." She wagged her finger at her son. "I am the only teacher in Hope Valley. That also makes me the principal."
"Yes mommy."
Jack chuckled before continuing. "She called the man Teddy wrote in the letter. After a few minutes, the bank manager gave me this letter." He handed it to Elizabeth. She took a moment to read it.
"Jack, this states that we can purchase anything we want, and the bill should be sent to the bank. That they would pay it from our account."
"Yeah…" Jack's discomfort about that much money was beginning to shine through. He has never experienced anything like that. He came from a constable and school teacher family. They always had to watch their finances. This blank check was just shocking to him.
Elizabeth read the letter again and then turned her attention to her husband. She could see his uneasiness with this. While her family was rich and finances were never discussed, she had to watch her money when she moved to Coal Valley years ago. She took pride in her finances and her ability to live within her teacher's salary.
"First, I think we use this money to purchase the items that we need for the home. We have earned it as we run the business now. However, I don't want to get accustomed to spending like this on a normal basis." Jack nodded his head in agreement. "We use this for special purposes like this or maybe a vacation or something. For the rest of the time, I believe we should live within our sheriff and teacher salaries. Jack, what do you think?"
"I agree with you. I'm just not used to this much…" His voice trialed off. "It's a little taunting."
"It is. When we purchase, let's get a copy for us. We can keep up with it ourselves. The bank may pay it off from our account, but I would like to know what we spend. I don't want to just blindly walk through the store picking things without knowing what we bought or how much we spent."
"That sounds great." Jack thought about it for a moment. "Hey, what do you think if you keep up with this?"
Elizabeth knew what he meant. The money was an issue for Jack. He struggled with it. He understood it but not this much. Their normal checking account was well under his expertise. With him being single for a while, he was used to handling his money. The amount of this account was just too much for him to gain control over.
"I'll do it on one condition." She continued when Jack nodded his head. "I'll keep track of it, but you must sit with me once a month and discuss what we have. You can't just ignore it or not know what's going on with our money."
"Just like we do our normal checking account?"
"Yes, I write things out, but you know what we make and what we spend. Just like that."
"I'm good with that." He gave her a smile.
Jack was eternally grateful she was willing to control their everyday personal account and this account that their CEO money was deposited in. Elizabeth was also excited that she didn't have to do it all alone. She would pay the bills and keep track of the money, but Jack was present in the discussions. They would sit down and look over things and make decisions on spending when necessary. She felt like they were a team. That was exactly what she wanted in their relationship. It made her feel closer to Jack.
While the money was mind blowing to them both, they didn't want to live the uppity lifestyle that type of money could easily afford. They wanted to live a life that touched other people. They wanted a simpler lifestyle. A smaller type of house with everyday items. The rich and glamor just wasn't them. Especially Elizabeth even though she came from that lifestyle.
"So, what are you thinking?"
"I was thinking we need to get you that feather bed. I know you are always cold."
"I have my own personal heater that keeps me warm." She flirted. "Plus, we have a certain blue blanket that will keep us warm."
"A blue blanket?" Jack asked very slowly.
"Yes." She smirked. "Your mother sent it in the post a couple of days ago."
Jack shook his head with a small chuckle.
"A blue blanket?" JJ asked.
"Never mind…" Jack shook his head. "We need a claw foot bathtub." Jack tried to change the subject.
"Oh, that'll be very nice."
"I would like a bed big enough for me to grow into." JJ added.
"I think we can do that. With as much as you eat, you will outgrow your bed very soon."
"Well, he is a growing boy." Elizabeth sassed. "We'll see what we can find." She gave Jack a look. It was understood. They needed these things, along with other items, but they didn't want to go overboard with it.
…
Charles sat in the cell with his head down. He was devastated with the results of the plea deal. His lawyer, along with himself and his father, really thought he would get off from all of this. At worst they thought he would get a small slap on the back of his hand. The best case scenario was that he would get off with no punishment at all. His head rested in his hands.
Since William was being moved back to his prison today, the mounties moved Charles to headquarters. They thought William would already be moved. Normally they wouldn't allow both prisoners in the same jail since they were part of the same case, but today was different.
"As bad as this is Charles, it is a great opportunity to improve yourself."
Charles' head snapped up. When he was escorted down the hallway and into the cell, he never raised his head to look around. He was devastated. He looked up into the smiling face of his former boss.
"What are you talking about?"
"When I was arrested, my world felt like it was crumbling around me. I lost everything…so I thought. In all honesty, all the frivolous things in my life were being stripped away to show me the true important things."
"Losing your company and freedom is frivolous?" Charles hissed.
"I wouldn't trade this for anything in this world. I thought I was the king of the world with my company and everything it afforded. However, I lost so much to it. Things I wished I would have never given away. Being stripped down to the only thing I truly have was essential for me to know the important things in my life."
"As what is that?"
"My family." William stated with confidence. "I wish I wasn't in jail, but I wouldn't trade the tradeoff for anything. I am closer to Gracie than I have been in decades. I'm closer to Elizabeth than I have ever been. I'm working on my relationship with both Viola and Julie. This was my wakeup call. I'm praying it's your wakeup call too."
"I lost everything! There is nothing good in all of this!"
William nodded his head. He remembered that feeling in the very beginning. It didn't take him too long to realize that was a lie he had bought into for too long. Life wasn't about money or prestige. Life was about the individuals that you love and who loves you. While his freedom may have been taken away for another thirty five months or so, he was truly free in the matters of life that really means something.
"Charles…you haven't lost everything. In fact, you may have just realized that you may find what's truly important in this life."
Charles scoffed at his former employer's words. It made no sense to him. He has lost everything. Elizabeth is ultimately married to a mountie. He lost his job within the Thatcher Shipping with no hope of getting it back. Plus, he can't make it a full Kensington company. Now, he's in jail for six months with the crime of assault on his record. He wasn't sure but the thought it would affects his future employment.
Before Charles responded, Keegan stepped toward William's cell door. "Sir, are you ready?"
"I am." He turned his attention back to Charles. "Charles, you determine how today ends. Yesterday is done. You can't change it, but you can use the lessons learned from it to better today." Then William turned his attention back to this constable. "Constable, you're in charge. I'm ready if you are."
"This way sir."
"Constable, I don't know how you did yesterday and this morning, but I am very grateful for all you did. I know it is against the rules. So, thank you."
"Thank Jack Thornton. He planned everything."
"I will have to thank him."
"However, I do believe he had intended last night to be a dinner." Keegan stated with a smirk.
William only slightly nodded his head. He was admitting to nothing.
"Constable, may I trouble you for one more favor?"
"Sure Mr. Thatcher. What is it that you want?"
"Would you please post this letter? I already have it addressed and a stamp."
Keegan accepted the envelope. He noticed it wasn't sealed. All outgoing mail was subject to examination. Keegan looked at William for a moment then he sealed the envelope himself without looking into it. He noticed the name and address on the front.
"Sir, this is Jack's son. You just saw him last night."
"Yes, I have a lot of making up to do with that little boy and I'm not wasting any time in doing so."
