Chapter 7 – Return to Hamilton

Jack and Elizabeth made it to Union City with no problems. Once they were at the train station, Jack learned that Elizabeth's family had made arrangements for a first class compartment for her. She of course invited him to join her. None of the railroad workers said anything seeing Jack's Mountie uniform. They also all knew the Thatcher name and didn't question her actions. It wasn't uncommon that the Thatchers traveled with Mounties. Elizabeth also didn't correct anyone who called her Ms Thatcher. Jack wasn't sure that he liked that, but just made a note to ask her about it. Jack looked around as they made their way to the compartment. He noticed that it was one of the best compartments that was on the train. He figured that Elizabeth was used to traveling like that, something that he was not. Jack wasn't going to complain, since he was going to get to spend time with his wife without other people watching. When they were settled into their compartment, Jack looked at Elizabeth

"Why didn't you correct the worker when he called you Miss Thatcher?" Jack asked.

"Couple reasons." Elizabeth said. "None of them are a slight to you. First the compartment was booked under Miss Thatcher and it was easier than explaining. Also the bosses know my father and I didn't want something getting back to him before we have a chance to speak to them. We need to tell them, I don't want them to hear it from someone that has no business sharing that information."

Jack understood Elizabeth's reason, he wasn't happy, but he understood. They curled into the comfortable seating after the porter delivered some coffee and food. As they shared their food, they talked about what they were going to do. Later they had supper delivered and then retired to the large bed. Jack was happy to hold Elizabeth, but he had trouble relaxing and sleeping. The train ride was uneventful and they arrived in Hamilton just before lunch on Friday. They made their way through the station. It didn't take long to spot their ride. A young Mountie approached Jack after spotting his uniform.

"You Thornton?" The young Mountie asked.

"I am Corporal Thornton." Jack said.

After a quick salute, the young Mountie took the bags from Jack and led the way to the waiting car.

"Station sir." He asked Jack.

"Is that where Delaney is?" Jack questioned.

"As far as I know." The Mountie said.

"Then we will go to headquarters." Jack said. "What is your name?"

"Constable Joshua Evans." He said.

"How long have you been a Mountie?" Jack asked.

"I just graduated a couple of weeks ago." Evans said.

"Relax." Jack said. "I may be a superior officer, but my wife and I are very laid back. We left home yesterday morning and want to figure out what is going on."

"Yes, Sir." Evans said.

When they arrived at headquarters, Jack started to unload their things, Evans quickly came around to help. He led them into the waiting room. Dee greeted them and took them back into a conference room.

"Let's get you some lunch." Dee said. "I will fill you in and then I will take you to Mom and Dad's."

"Sounds good." Jack said.

Elizabeth had sat down in one of the more comfortable chairs, but hadn't said anything other than a quick greeting to Dee. Jack was worried about her, but at the moment, he needed information. Then he would deal with what Elizabeth was feeling. Jack wanted to know what Elizabeth was thinking, but she hadn't said anything other than a clipped hello to Dee since they had left the train. Jack couldn't read her face and he was worried what was going to happen. Elizabeth was thinking about what she was going to say to her parents as well as how she was going to deal with Julie. She knew that whatever happened was Julie's fault. She wasn't sure that she was going to be able to convince her parents of that, but she knew in her heart that everything that had happened with Tom that Julie bore the largest part of the blame.

A few minutes later, another Mountie brought in some sandwiches and coffee. He set everything on the table and left.

"Sorry." Dee said. "I wish that we could have done better, but I figured this was better than nothing."

"It is okay." Jack said. "Now what is going on. All I know is that Tom and Julie were in a car accident. Julie seems to be at home and Tom is in the hospital. I know that he is hurt but is stable and doing well."

"Well." Dee said. "You know more than I thought."

"I wired the hospital." Jack said. "They sent a condition report back."

"Let me start from the beginning." Dee said. "Apparently, Tom and Julie took one of her father's cars and were out joy riding. They crashed just outside of Hamilton. Someone happened by and went for help. We got there just ahead of Mr. Thatcher. The only thing Julie said was don't tell Father. We took Tom to the hospital and he was admitted. He didn't say much of anything other than he wanted you. From what we could gather, the car was going too fast and slid in the mud causing it to go off the road. We examined the car there and then it was taken back to Mr Thatcher's residence. He was told to not do anything to the car until we officially released it. It is currently sitting in the front courtyard of his house.

Now this is where things get a little messy. Looking at the car and Tom's injuries, it doesn't appear that he was driving. It looks like Julie was driving, but she doesn't have a license. Mr Thatcher is insisting that Tom stole the car and kidnapped Julie. Unless one of them talks, there may not be much that we can do to save Tom. With Mr Thatcher's influence, it is going to be hard to convince a judge that Tom was not at fault, even with the evidence."

"I will talk to him." Jack said. "I know that he knows how to drive and that he has his license. It is just so out of character for him to act like this. I know that he has had his share of trouble before, but it has been minor things. The problem is Tom may not want to get Julie in trouble even to save himself."

"This isn't Tom's fault." Elizabeth said.

Both Jack and Dee turned to look at Elizabeth.

"Julie has taken one of Father's cars before." Elizabeth said. "She knows where he keeps the keys. The last time, nothing happened. Father barely got mad at her, he just dismissed it as youthful indiscretion and nothing happened so it was fine."

"When did this happen?" Dee asked.

"The year before I left for Coal Valley." Elizabeth said. "I was home on winter break from school. It would have been about March 1909. She just drove to the club and back. I saw her come back and made her tell Father. He actually blamed me for not keeping a closer eye on Julie. I reminded him that she was seventeen almost eighteen years old and should be responsible for her own actions."

"Well that changes things." Dee said. "I know that nothing was reported and I doubt talking to people after all this time would make a difference. Still knowing that this is not the first time makes a difference. I just don't see a way out of this for Tom. Mr Thatcher is saying that Julie was kidnapped. He is pushing for the maximum for Tom. He won't even entertain that Julie was at all responsible. The best thing for Tom would be for him to talk."

"How about you drop me at the hospital and take Elizabeth to the house." Jack said. "I will spend some time with Tom and try to get across how serious it is. Hopefully, Elizabeth can talk to Julie later this afternoon."

Dee helped Jack gather their things. He took them out to a car and they got ready to head out. Dee dropped Jack at the hospital. Jack took his messenger bag with him and Dee left him the address to his parents home. Dee then took Elizabeth to the house. When they got there, he unloaded the luggage and then per Elizabeth's request, he took her to her parents home. He wasn't sure that it was the wisest choice, but he figured that he knew what she was doing. He pulled up to the house and let Elizabeth out. She just had her small handbag with her. He didn't stay, but saw Grace come out to greet her daughter as he left. Dee offered a prayer for both Jack and Elizabeth as he headed back to headquarters.

"You should have let us know you were here." Grace said. "I could have sent a car."

"It was fine." Elizabeth said.

"Where is your luggage?" Grace asked.

"With Jack." Elizabeth said. "I am not staying here. I will go talk to Julie and then I am leaving again. I am not dealing with Father until he calms down."

"Okay." Grace said. "Where are you staying?"

"With Jack." Elizabeth said. "I am not talking about this. Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to go talk some sense into my sister."

Elizabeth walked into the house, leaving Grace with more questions than answers. All she could do was head back into the house and see if Elizabeth could make some headway with Julie. Viola was in the drawing room and didn't even come out to greet Elizabeth. Elizabeth headed right up the stairs and to Julie's room. She knocked, but didn't wait for an answer, but went in. She found Julie in bed crying. She barely even looked at Elizabeth, but just turned over. Elizabeth took a couple deep breaths and walked over to the bed and sat on the edge.

"Julie Ann Thatcher." Elizabeth said. "You need to talk to me."

Jack walked into the hospital and inquired about his brother at the front desk. After learning what room his brother was in, he headed up the stairs. When he entered the ward, he was greeted by a young nurse.

"Can I help you?" She asked.

"Yes." Jack said. "I am looking for Tom Thornton."

"I am Faith and I am taking care of him." She said. "He doesn't want to talk to the Mounties and I know that is his right. He said that he is waiting for his brother. You will have to leave him be, since he doesn't have to talk to you."

"My name is Jack Thornton and I am his brother." Jack said. "I just also happen to be a Mountie. I just got into town and would like to see my brother. I am not leaving until I speak with him. I have traveled from Alberta to deal with him. So just take me to my brother."

"Let me check." Faith said.

She turned from Jack. She walked a little ways down the hall and knocked on a door before entering. She returned a moment later and motioned for Jack to enter. She stayed in the room.

"He has a couple of broken ribs." Faith said. "He also has a cut on his head and the doctor is worried about a concussion. Right now the plan is to keep him at least until Monday. He needs his rest, but I can allow you a short amount of time. If that is okay with him."

"It is fine Faith." Tom said.

Jack took a seat next to Tom and Faith left them to talk. She planned on only giving them about a half hour before she insisted that Tom get some rest. Jack wasn't sure how much time that he had, so he got right down to it.

"Tom." Jack said. "If you don't talk to me, I can't help you. You could be in a lot of trouble, so start talking."

Julie just buried her head under the covers. Elizabeth pulled the covers from Julie.

"You need to talk to me now." Elizabeth said.

"My life is over." Julie whined.

"You know that is not true." Elizabeth said.

"Father has forbidden me to see Tom ever again." Julie cried.

"Well maybe that is for your own good." Elizabeth said.

"I need to see Tom." Julie cried. "I just can't stand to be away from him. If I don't get to see him, I will surely die."

"Julie." Elizabeth said in a commanding tone. "What were you thinking? Breaking into that dance hall and then taking Father's car. You can't spin me. I know that this was your idea to take the car, remember that isn't the first time that you have done that. Now tell the truth. Father is very mad and wants the Mounties to charge Tom with stealing the car and kidnapping you."

"He can't." Julie said.

"Well." Elizabeth said. "Tell me what happened."

"I am in love with Tom." Julie said. "One doesn't think when one is in love."

"Well one had better start." Elizabeth said. "Actually, you are acting like a child. You want to be treated like an adult, then you need to get out of this bed, get dressed and come downstairs. I will not talk anymore until you are at least dressed. You need to grow up, Julie Ann Thatcher."

Julie just stuck her tongue out at Elizabeth and tried to pull the covers back over her head. Elizabeth grabbed hold of the comforter and sheets and pulled them completely off the bed. When Julie rolled over, that was when Elizabeth saw the bruise that had formed on her arm. It looked like an impression from the steering wheel.

"I need to go meet Jack." Elizabeth said. "Do what I told you. I will be back later."

Elizabeth walked out of Julie's room and down the stairs. When she got to the bottom of the stairs, she had the maid go get her coat. She slipped her coat back on and pulled her gloves on before Viola and Grace came out of the drawing room.

"Leaving already?" Grace asked.

"I need to talk to Jack." Elizabeth said. "I told Julie that she needed to grow up and that no one would talk to her until she got dressed and came downstairs like an adult. If she continued to act like a child then she would be treated like one. I have also informed the maid that they shouldn't bring anything up to her, if she wants to eat, she can get dressed and come downstairs. I will talk to you later."

"At least let me have the car take you." Grace said, ringing the bell for the servant.

"Fine." Elizabeth said. "He can take me back to Mountie Headquarters and I will meet Jack there."

The driver quickly brought the car around. Once Elizabeth was in the seat, she told the driver to take her to Mountie Headquarters. He dropped her off and watched her walk into the building before pulling away. Elizabeth quickly went to the desk and asked for Dee. She took a seat and waited for him. It was only a few minutes and he was there with his coat in hand.

"Let's go." Dee said. "I figured that you would get dropped off here. We will talk when we get back to Mom and Dad's."

Dee drove through the streets of Hamilton and Elizabeth was silent. There was so much that she wanted to say, but she needed to calm down before she spoke. She didn't want to say anything until she had talked to Jack. They pulled up to her aunt and uncle's house. Dee let her out before pulling around back to park the car. Aunt Elizabeth's house was large, but nowhere near as large as her father's house. Elizabeth looked around for a moment before heading into the house.