Chapter 5 – Unwelcome Birthday Surprise (long)

Bill was just coming back to the jail as Jack was headed to the mercantile. Jack wanted to stay and fill Bill in, but he really needed to get the wire sent and the letter posted. Bill knew that something was bothering Jack even before he heard him speak.

"Stick around." Jack said. "We need to talk. I need to get this letter and a couple of wires off first."

Bill went into the jail and started a new pot of coffee while Jack ran over to the mercantile. Ned posted the letter and promised that it would be on that afternoon's stage. He also said that he would get the wires off and if anything came back in, he would bring it over to the jail. Jack thanked him and headed back to the jail. He walked in, poured another cup of coffee and sat down with a sigh.

"We have a big problem." Jack said.

"He is part of the Garrison gang, right." Bill said.

"Yep." Jack said. "Frank says his name is Jesse Flynn and he had been with the Garrisons since he was a teenager. He also said that if Jesse was around it was to bring him back. Frank also said that the gang would be close, but wouldn't risk coming into town at least not in the daylight."

"Any idea what they are planning?" Bill asked.

"Frank wasn't sure." Jack said. "But also said that he used to be Garrisons power man, so most likely a bank or to derail the train. I am guessing that they would be looking to hit a bank. There are easier ways to rob a train than to derail it."

"I would have to agree with you." Bill said. "What is the plan for now?"

"I have wired headquarters." Jack said. "For now, we don't do anything other than keep our eyes open. We wait for this Jesse to show his face and maybe tip his hand. Frank promised that he would let me know if Jesse made contact."

"Okay." Bill said. "But I hate sitting on my hands."

"I know what you mean." Jack said. "We just don't have enough information right now. We don't really know what they are planning. The area that they could be in is too big for the two of us to search, so I really don't see what we can do until this Jesse makes a move. I have a feeling that it will be soon. Let's wait until we hear back from headquarters before saying anything to anyone else. At least Frank has shared with people that he has a past and that he served his time. So if they are trying to use his past to drive him from town, it won't work. He didn't share specifically what he had done and the people accepted that he had changed."

Jack and Bill spent the rest of the afternoon going over maps of the area. They marked where the girls had seen Jesse and also spots that they could be hiding if it came to a search. Both hated waiting to do something, but also agreed that there wasn't much that they could do until they had more information. Jack checked his watch for the tenth time and realized that it was getting close to when school got out and he promised that he would meet Elizabeth after school. Bill knew what Jack was waiting for, but didn't say anything. Jack heard the late stagecoach come and leave again. He folded his map and put the notes with it before heading over to the school.

"I am going to meet Elizabeth." Jack said. "Then I will be back and see if there is word from headquarters."

"Okay." Bill said.

Jack left the jail, he was not having the greatest day, but he didn't want his mood to ruin Elizabeth's birthday. He had planned on taking Elizabeth to the cafe for supper, but with everything that had happened that afternoon, he wasn't sure anymore. He would just have to see what happened when he got back to the office. Jack saw Nellie and Laura on main street, stopped and talked to them for a moment before heading over to the school. He thanked them for their good work and asked that if they saw that man again, to let him know. He told them he just wanted to talk to the man, and that it was okay. He didn't want to frighten the children.

Both girls understood and promised to let him know if they saw the man again. They also let Jack know that they would let the other older boys know that came from that direction. He thanked them for their help and then headed to the schoolhouse to see Elizabeth. More than anything he wanted to pull her close and just hold her.

Elizabeth was in the store room looking for something when she heard footsteps. It didn't sound like Jack, but she couldn't quite be sure. She figured that it was Jack, so she wasn't worried.

"I will be out in a minute." She called.

No one answered her, but she wasn't worried and just finished looking for the book that she wanted to use the next day. When she came out of the store room, she saw Charles there on bended knee.

"Elizabeth Thatcher." Charles said. "I couldn't let any more time go without telling you how much you mean to me. I know that we are meant to be together so would you come back to Hamilton and marry me?"

Elizabeth couldn't say anything. She was too stunned. Just as Charles was talking, Jack walked in. He was in a foul mood and Charles' presence only added to his bad mood. He walked right up to Elizabeth ignoring Charles and gave Elizabeth a passionate kiss on the lips, wrapping his arm around her. Charles was stunned. He stood up to confront Jack.

"Everything okay, Mrs Thornton." Jack asked when he pulled away from the kiss.

"Thornton." Charles sneered. "What the hell do you mean?"

Jack just looked at him and put himself between Charles and Elizabeth. He wasn't sure what game Charles was playing, but Jack wasn't happy.

"Just what I said." Jack said.

"Impossible." Charles huffed. "Her father promised me that she would return to Hamilton with me at this time and we would be married soon."

"Not his promise to make." Elizabeth said. "Jack, dear. Let's get out of here."

Jack and Elizabeth turned to leave and Charles grabbed Elizabeth's arm to spin her back around. Jack quickly grabbed Charles and led him from the building toward the jail. Jack didn't say anything, but Elizabeth could see that Jack was seething. Jack didn't let Charles go until he had put him in a cell. Charles protested the entire time, but Jack ignored him. Elizabeth had followed and Bill wondered what he had just seen.

"He doesn't talk to anyone." Jack hissed pointing to Charles.

Bill could see the fire and anger in Jack's eyes and knew that he had to tread lightly, but he also knew that he needed answers.

"What did he do?" Bill said. "You can't just throw him in jail."

"He put his hands on my wife." Jack said. "After asking for her hand."

Bill just shook his head, then turned to see Elizabeth near tears. Jack turned to see her, then went to wrap his arms around his wife and comfort her.

"I am sorry." Jack whispered to Elizabeth.

"Can I say something?" Elizabeth asked, motioning to Charles.

Jack nodded, but didn't let go of Elizabeth. He kept a protective arm around her.

"Charles." Elizabeth said. "I thought I made it very clear to you this past fall that I wasn't interested. Also, my father had no right to promise you my hand. When you go running back to him, remind him that it was him who cut me off and that is what he gets."

Elizabeth turned away from Charles and back towards Jack.

"Will you walk me back to the school?" Elizabeth asked. "I would like to get my stuff and then go home."

"Okay." Jack said.

"Take your time." Bill said. "I think that you both need it. I got things here."

"Thank you." Jack said. "I will be back later."

As they left the jail, Ned Yost came up and handed Jack three envelopes and one to Elizabeth. He didn't say a word, but just turned and went back to the mercantile. Jack stopped in his tracks when he saw that they were from Mountie Headquarters. He led Elizabeth to the bench on the porch. He didn't know what hers was about, but he had to see what his own were about.

Jack opened the first envelope and it was instructions to continue to watch for the Garrisons. The second was letting him know that Constable McGinty from Benson Hills and Constable Price from Buxton would be heading into town to help out. The third was from Mountie Headquarters in Hamilton informing him that his brother Tom had been in an accident and he was to come to Hamilton as soon as possible to help deal with things. Jack looked at Elizabeth and couldn't quite read her face. He couldn't tell if she was angry or just sad.

"Everything okay?" Jack asked.

"Julie was in an accident with Tom." Elizabeth said. "Viola wants me to come home and deal with her because she won't talk to anyone."

"Yeah." Jack said. "I got one from Headquarters ordering me to come back to Hamilton and deal with Tom. I need to let headquarters know that I will be on the stage in the morning, then I will walk you back to the school."

"No, go make arrangements." Elizabeth said. "I will get my stuff from the school and then head to the cafe. I need to see if Florence or Cat can take the class for a few days. I know that there is a lot going on, but please try to come over to the cafe later."

"I promise." Jack said.

Jack gave her a quick kiss and then they went to do what needed to be done. Elizabeth headed back to the schoolhouse and Jack headed to the mercantile. He had a couple more wires to send. Once he had done that, he went over to the stagecoach office and got two seats on the first stagecoach out in the morning. Once he had taken care of everything, he headed back to the jail to let Bill know what was going on. Jack was angry with his brother and he was even angrier with Charles. He had really just wanted to punch Charles, but knew that throwing him into jail for a while was just as effective, not as satisfying, but as effective.

Jack pulled Bill into the back room and explained how he and Elizabeth needed to go to Hamilton and were leaving right away in the morning. They would take the 7am stage. Jack also asked that Bill not let Charles out until Jack and Elizabeth were in Hamilton. Jack also reminded him that Charles wasn't allowed to talk to anyone – other Mounties included. Then they went back to the other room and Jack showed Bill the other two messages. Bill didn't like that Jack was leaving especially with the Garrison gang in the area, but felt better when he learned that two Mounties were coming in to help while Jack was gone or the Garrisons were caught, whatever happened first.

"I need to go deal with a couple things." Jack said.

"Go." Bill said. "There is nothing that you can do here. Go make sure Elizabeth is okay."

Before Jack headed to the cafe, he went and found Pastor Frank. He let him know what was going on and that there were two Mounties coming in to cover for Jack. Jack said that Constable McGinty was someone that he could trust, but that he didn't know much about Constable Price. Frank promised to let them or Bill know if he heard anymore about Jesse. Frank also inquired how long Jack and Elizabeth were going to be gone. Jack just shook his head.

"I don't know." Jack said. "I am hoping to deal with this swiftly, but it is still more than a full day of travel each way, so I am hoping to be back in a week or less."

"I will keep you all in prayer." Frank said.

Jack left Frank and headed for the cafe. He didn't see Elizabeth in the dining room, so he headed for the kitchen. He found her sitting with Abigail. Elizabeth had waited until she had gotten to the cafe to let the tears flow that Jack knew had been there since the confrontation at the school. Abigail looked up when Jack entered and motioned for him to come over. Jack pulled Elizabeth into his arms and just held her for a moment. She had mostly quit crying by that point and it felt good to just be in Jack's arms.

"I can't do this." Elizabeth said.

"Yes you can." Jack said. "I will be with you. I am just sorry that it ruined your birthday."

Jack held Elizabeth for a few more minutes. He knew that they had things that needed to be done that evening, but he wanted to make sure that she was okay.

"Elizabeth." Jack said. "I need to work late tonight. There are two Mounties coming into town to cover things while I am gone. I will need to fill them in before we leave in the morning. How about you go home and pack your bag. Please try to pack light. I am hoping that we are only gone a couple of days plus travel. I will bring my extra uniform home tonight and then pack my bag. I sent a wire to Uncle Wynn about making some arrangements for us to stay. I thought that we could meet back here and have a nice supper. How does that sound?"

"That sounds good." Elizabeth said. "I don't think that there is much in the icebox anyway. I know that there is some cooked bacon, ham and eggs for breakfast, but I used the last of the milk this morning."

"Okay." Jack said. "It is almost 4pm. How about we meet back here about 6:30 for supper and then I will have a better idea of when I will be home."

"Okay." Elizabeth said.

"Jack." Abigail said. "What aren't you telling me? As mayor, I should know if the town is in danger. Why would they be sending two Mounties here while you are gone?"

Jack looked at Abigail and knew that she had a right to know, but also didn't know how much Frank had told her about his past beyond what he had told the congregation. He paused for a second, checked the dining room to see if there was anyone in there and then sat down next to Abigail. He quietly filled her in on that one of the Garrison gang had been spotted in the area and the two Mounties coming in were here for protection as well as keeping an eye open for the Garrisons. They weren't sure what the Garrisons were up to or if they were still in the area, but headquarters wanted there to be a Mountie presents while Jack had to deal with an urgent family matter back in Hamilton. Abigail accepted his answer, but she could sense that there was more he wasn't saying. She had also learned over the years that the Mounties would only share what was needed. She figured that she would learn the rest when the time was right.

After Jack had talked to Abigail, he looked at Elizabeth again. He leaned over and gave her a quick kiss before turning and leaving out the side door. He headed back to the jail to talk to Bill and get things ready to talk to McGinty and Price. He wanted to show them the map and also to let them know that Pastor Frank was a good source of information and that he could be trusted. As Jack was walking back to the jail, he looked over and saw Lee having a cup of coffee and enjoying the late afternoon sun. Jack headed there, he didn't want that many people to know what was going on, but at that moment he needed his best friend.

"Hey Lee." Jack said. "Got a couple minutes?"

"Sure." Lee said. "Here or inside?"

"Inside please." Jack said.

The two walked into Lee's office and Lee immediately dismissed Hickum. He figured that if Jack wanted to talk inside, then it was something that he didn't want to broadcast. Not that Hickum was one of those people that would say anything. Lee was just respecting his friendship with Jack. Once Hickum had left, Jack quickly laid out that the man they had asked about earlier was a member of the Garrison gang. Jack also let Lee know that he and Elizabeth needed to leave for Hamilton right away in the morning and that they would hopefully only be gone a week. He let Lee know why they were going to be gone and also about the two Mounties coming in to help Bill. Lee promised to help in any way that he could. Jack was grateful for Lee. They hadn't known each other that long, but had become fast friends and considered each other as best friends. Jack stood to leave and Lee stopped him.

"I could have Hickum drive you to Buxton and you could catch the early stagecoach from there." Lee offered.

"Thank you for the offer." Jack said. "But Elizabeth and I need the time on the stage and train to figure out what to do with her family. Oh by the way, if you were meeting with Charles Kensington, he is currently sitting in my jail."

"Okay." Lee said. "We were supposed to meet tomorrow. Can I ask why you threw him in jail?"

"Sure." Jack said. "Other than being an ass. He had the audacity to propose to Elizabeth and then put hands on her when she tried to walk away, he grabbed her arm and left a mark. I was going to just punch him, but when he grabbed Elizabeth, I figured that he could sit in jail for the night. I won't do his paperwork until later, so Bill isn't going to release him until Elizabeth and I are in Hamilton. Apparently, Mr Thatcher sent him with promises that she was ready to come back. I knew that he wasn't going to let things go. I am sorry that this had to ruin Elizabeth's birthday. At least we had a nice breakfast this morning."

"Good luck, my man." Lee said. "Give Elizabeth my best. Oh. I know nothing. When Charles doesn't show tomorrow. I will have Hickum send a wire that he didn't show. I won't say anything about him being in town or arrested. I am good with letting him sit in jail. I like the contract, but you're right that man is an ass. I would have just punched him. You are the better man, Jack Thornton."

"Thank you for everything Lee." Jack said. "Hopefully, I will see you soon."

Jack shook his head and left. As Jack left Lee's office, he saw Ned coming out of the mercantile with an envelope in hand. Jack headed that way and Ned handed him two more envelopes without a word and went back to the mercantile. Jack wondered if it was more bad news. He wasn't sure how much more that he could handle. He also really needed to split wood, but was stuck dealing with Charles and getting ready to head to headquarters. After Ned walked away, Jack let out a frustrated groan. He threaded his fingers through his hair a couple of times before continuing.

Jack walked to the jail before opening the messages. The first was from Wynn letting Jack know that they were welcome to stay with them or he could arrange for a hotel. Jack figured that Elizabeth would like to stay with her aunt and uncle. Jack also felt safer having Elizabeth with her aunt and uncle especially with the stunt that her father just pulled. The second was additional information on his brother's condition. Jack was glad that his injuries didn't sound too bad, but was still worried. It wasn't like Tom to take a car. Jack wondered how much of this problem was due to Julie. She may be Elizabeth's sister, but she didn't strike Jack as responsible or one that thought about the consequences of their actions. He knew that was something that he was going to have to talk to Elizabeth about before they got to Hamilton. Jack just hoped that they could stick together on this trip and not let her family rip them apart. It would help that the Delaneys were on their side.

Jack sat down for a moment and said a quick prayer. He had no idea that the bad feeling that had woke him that morning would lead to what he was dealing with. Jack groaned with frustration again, before closing his eyes and trying to focus on saying a prayer. The last thing that Jack wanted at the moment was to head inside and deal with Charles Kensington because he was still seething and if Charles pushed Jack's buttons one more time, he might just punch him. The thought of just shooting him also crossed Jack's mind, but he knew that he couldn't do that as much as he wanted to.