Chapter 32 – Explaining
Jack picked up the paperwork that he was looking for and grabbed his messenger bag that had been left. He then headed out the door. As Jack was heading over to the office that they were using, he heard someone call his name, so he turned to see Wynn and Dee standing there. He snapped to a salute and then relaxed, but kept a professional manner.
"Good to see you up." Wynn said. "I heard that you were hurt in a gunfight with the Garrisons."
"When did you get into town, Sir?" Jack asked.
"Earlier this morning." Wynn said. "I have met with Superintendent Collins and been briefed. Let's go talk."
Jack, Wynn, Dee and McGinty walked over to the office. As soon as they walked in, everyone snapped to a salute. Wynn dismissed everyone except Jack, Dee and Collins, telling them that he was sure that they had things that needed to be done. Wynn also reminded them not to talk about what happened until they all spoke to him. As soon as everyone was out of the room, Wynn addressed Jack. He wanted to know everything that happened. He explained that he wanted to know everything that happened from Price's injury to his arrest to Taylor's involvement with the Garrisons.
Jack explained what he could and answered all the questions that Wynn had. Jack also suggested that they talk to McGinty since he was the one that was there with Price. Jack also explained the plan to draw the Garrisons out and capture them. He had no intent to kill unless absolutely needed, but did fire his weapon with the intent of killing, but must have missed since the bullet just grazed one of the prisoners. Without knowing he was injured, he entered the schoolhouse when he heard a shot. He explained how he ordered Jake Garrison to stop and he did in the back doorway after shooting Bill Avery. Someone from the outside shot Garrison. He didn't check on Garrison as he knew he was dead before he hit the floor. Jack explained that he then went to Bill and helped him to the infirmary. Once in the infirmary, he checked Bill and then the others. He then explained that he headed to the jail and that was the last thing he remembered.
Wynn sent for McGinty and then asked Jack a few more questions. When he was satisfied, he questioned McGinty as well as Carver, McDillion, and Henderson. Wynn also talked to Bill and Jesse. When he gathered all the information, he called everyone together. He ordered Henderson, Carver and McDillion to escort the two Garrison gang members in the jail to Union City for transfer, then to return to their posts except Carver who was to return to Hope Valley and remain helping until Jack and Bill were healed.
"What about Price and Taylor?" Collins asked.
"They will be escorted back to Hamilton." Wynn said. "Where we will sort out all the charges against them. Collins, you, along with Constables Roberts and Evans will help escort them back. Fisher will go to Benson Hills. Dee and I will also be heading back with you. Evans, we will talk more, but while you are in Hamilton, I need to talk to you about an assignment."
"Yes, Sir." Evans said. "Do you think I can see my brother as well while there?
"Of course." Wynn said. "That was part of the reason I want you along."
Evans smiled. He hadn't seen his brother since he entered the academy. He hadn't even been able to get away to see him graduate since he had been up in Edmonton helping track a prisoner.
"What about me?" White asked.
"You are being reassigned to Buxton for at least the time being." Wynn said. "I have arranged for a stagecoach to Union City to be here in the morning. From there we will take the train out on Monday. Now, I believe that you all have work to do. I want to have a conversation with Corporal Thornton, alone."
Everyone left, leaving Wynn and Jack alone. Dee didn't move until Wynn nodded for him to leave. Before he left, he asked Dee to gather all the reports and evidence against Price and Taylor. When they were alone, Wynn turned to Jack.
"Are you really okay?" Wynn asked.
"Yes." Jack said. "I have to take it easy for a few days. I have a few stitches on my left leg. I don't even remember being shot, but it appears to be just a flesh wound, a little muscle missing. Nothing that won't heal with a little rest. Sorry about all of this."
"Hey." Wynn said. "Don't worry about it. I was more concerned about you. You have had a busy week, an emotional trip to Hamilton and then all of this. Please take the time to rest and relax. Things will be covered. Spend a little time with your wife, make sure that she is okay. I know that Beth has fears about your job and this probably brought it all to the forefront. Remind her that you are safe and that you are good at your job. Be there for her and let her feel what she is feeling. Talk to each other and work through things. Don't hold things in, talk and get her to talk. I am ordering you to take it easy for at least a week while you have the stitches and don't even think about pulling them early. I will be talking to Elizabeth and have let Abigail know that you are ordered to rest. Now, tell me a little about catching the Swenson twins?"
Jack nodded and knew that he would have to take it easy as neither Elizabeth or Abigail was going to allow anything else. Jack closed his eyes, took a couple of deep breaths before he raised his head and looked at Wynn. He hadn't thought about the Swenson twins since he wrote the report right after he got back. He couldn't believe all that had happened since then and it was only a few days.
"That. That was just lucky." Jack said. "I had seen the wanted poster in your office and when we got to Union City and were waiting for the stagecoach, they were there. I didn't like how they were acting and it took me a few minutes to place them. By the time that I did, I didn't think that Union City would get there before we left. So I convinced the driver to wait a couple minutes while I wired Buxton. Then the Mounties meet us in Buxton at the platform."
"Have you heard from Thatcher?" Wynn asked.
"If you are referring to the pictures in the paper." Jack said. "I saw them before we left Hamilton. I picked up a paper at the train station. I showed Elizabeth on the train. When we got home, there was a wire message from William Thatcher demanding an apology. Elizabeth and I agreed that there is nothing to apologize for, so she wrote a letter saying that she would not apologize for loving me or showing that she loved me. She reminded them that we didn't do anything wrong. Sorry about that, by the way. I didn't know that there was a photographer. I had hoped that things would get better, not worse with the Thatchers."
"Don't worry about the Thatchers." Wynn said. "I agree that you did nothing wrong. It was Grace who encouraged us to get you new outfits, which she paid for by the way."
"Collins and the other Constables don't know about our connection." Jack said. "I take that back, Joe knows. He is one of my best friends and I trust him implicitly. We have been tight since the first day at the academy. I am glad that he is close by now and here to help. I really don't want it getting out. Price already has suggested that I got the pick of easy jobs because of Elizabeth. He complained that he was stuck here looking for the Garrisons when I got to escort my 'rich' wife to Hamilton. Since it was McGinty who told me, I told him that I was summoned to Hamilton by headquarters to deal with a family matter and Elizabeth went to see her family. He agreed that it was only smart to travel together. Like I said, I know Joe, that was why I had him escort Elizabeth home back in October. I have posted a couple of letters to you explaining things that happened here. I think we have covered everything, but know that they will be there. Probably when you get back to the office."
"I understand." Wynn said. "It is none of anyone's business that we are related. Addressing me formally around other Mounties is fine. I will look for those when I get back to the office. Thank you for them, I know that it wasn't easy for you to arrest those two. Do you think that Elizabeth would be up to supper tonight?"
"I can ask her." Jack said. "I planned on heading back to the house when we are done. I haven't slept much, so I really want to take a nap."
"Don't let me keep you." Wynn said. "Are you okay getting back or need help?"
"I will take Sergeant." Jack said. "But before I go, I do have a question for you? Price said that his father had a government job, but the name isn't familiar. I am curious what his father does and should I be worried."
"His father works for the Minister of the Interior." Wynn said. "Price uses his mother's maiden name at the insistence of his father, but that doesn't stop him from using his father to get him out of trouble at every turn. He went too far this time and I doubt that his father can help him this time."
"Thank you." Jack said. "I won't say anything, but I think that Price and/or Taylor were passing information to the Garrisons, because I don't see how else they were able to go for so long without being caught and always being one step ahead of the patrols. I mentioned that to Collins as well. Bill and McGinty also know."
"I will be looking into that." Wynn said. "But for now, there is enough to strip them of their badges at this point. I don't know if either will actually serve time for their actions. Time will tell."
Jack left Wynn and headed over to saddle Sergeant. He then stopped at the jailhouse to check things there. Jack learned that McGinty would be staying at the jail while he helped out. Jack told him that he could talk to Mrs Miller about doing the sheets or clothes if he wanted. After the jail, Jack went over to the infirmary and checked on Bill and Jesse. Jack was pleased that both were feeling better. Bill was also glad to see Jack up and moving around. Bill let Jack know that he was heading back to the jail later that day. He also promised to take it easy and was glad that they would have some help for a few days. After Jack left Bill and Jesse, he was standing on the porch and saw Elizabeth go into the mercantile. He headed over to talk to her. Jack asked Elizabeth to step out and talk to him for a moment. She agreed to talk to him on the porch. Jack looked around before speaking to Elizabeth in a low voice.
"Wynn and Dee are in town." Jack said. "Wynn was wondering if you were willing to do supper tonight. He doesn't want to go to Abigail's because the other Mounties don't know about our connection. Besides, no one needs to know."
"Agreed." Elizabeth said. "I was just coming in to pick up a few things including something for supper. They are more than welcome to join us."
"I will let them know." Jack said. "What are your plans for the rest of the day?"
"I was going to get the things here and then head home." Elizabeth said. "I had planned that I would probably have to clean the schoolhouse, but it is already done. Pastor Frank said that Collins had a couple of the Mounties clean up all the blood and put the benches back in order."
"Well." Jack said. "I am heading home now. I will see you there."
Elizabeth gave him a kiss on the cheek and headed back into the mercantile. Jack walked back over to the jail and let Dee know about supper. Jack went out and got up on Sergeant. He headed back to the row house. He got Sergeant settled next to the house. Once he was in the house, he pulled his coat off and sat down on the couch. Jack knew that he was tired, but didn't realize how tired he was. He leaned his head back on the couch and was asleep before he knew it.
Elizabeth walked in the house and saw Jack asleep on the couch. She went to set her basket on the table. She smiled because Jack looked cute sleeping on the couch. She knew that he was hurt and needed his rest. She then went over and covered Jack with a blanket. Elizabeth then went to take care of the things that she had picked up. After she got things put away, she went to grab her book. Elizabeth decided to sit on the couch with Jack. She knew that he was asleep by his breathing, she just wanted to be close to him. She sat next to him and leaned on his chest. As soon as Jack felt Elizabeth next to him, he wrapped his arm around her. She loved that even in his sleep, Jack wanted to be close. Elizabeth started to read her book while leaning up against Jack. Elizabeth had read a few chapters before she felt Jack start to stir. She finished the paragraph that she was on and then closed her book.
"Hey there." Jack said. "Sorry I fell asleep."
"That is okay." Elizabeth said. "You need it. I can heat up the rest of the shepherd's pie for lunch or there is stuff to make sandwiches. What would you like? I got a roast for tonight."
"Might as well have the shepherd's pie." Jack said.
"Stay here. " Elizabeth said. "I will get that heating."
Elizabeth stood up, but not before Jack pulled her into a kiss. She heated up their lunch and got everything ready. Jack sat down with Elizabeth at the table and Jack said the prayer before they ate. They talked about what had happened the last couple of days. Jack wanted to make sure that Elizabeth was okay after all that had happened, especially after what Wynn had said.
"I am okay." Elizabeth said. "It was hard to see you like that, but once Abigail got me to focus on helping you, it was a little easier. I am more worried about you, Dr Stone said that you need to take it easy."
"I promise I will." Jack said. "McGinty is going to be staying and Carver will be back in a few days to help as well. Wynn has ordered both Bill and I to take it easy. But you understand why I had to go in this morning. I had to sign the prisoners over for transfer. I also didn't know that Wynn and Dee were in town. I know that you don't like the dangers of my job, but please talk to me about things. I know that it must have been hard for you and I am sorry."
"I understand." Elizabeth said. " I don't have to like it, but I understand. Yes, it was hard, but I am doing better. I promise that I will talk to you about things, as long as you talk to me about things as well. I know that you have been through a lot the last week as well."
"I will try to talk to you." Jack said. "Just remember, I can't always talk about work."
"I know." Elizabeth said. "But there are things that you can talk about. You can also talk to Joe and Bill."
Jack and Elizabeth finished eating. Jack helped Elizabeth with the dishes. Then she got the roast ready and put it in the oven. Jack then took Elizabeth's hand and led her upstairs. Elizabeth set the alarm on the clock so she could check the roast later and get the rest of supper going. Jack had sat, pulled his boots off and then stood and went back to Elizabeth's side. Jack pulled Elizabeth up and into his arms. He started kissing her and undoing the buttons on her skirt. She responded in kind and started undoing the buttons on his shirt. It had been over a week since they had been together and after the emotional turmoil of the last couple of days the both needed it more then they realized. Normally, they would take their time and enjoy the growing passion, but they quickly undid each other's clothing. It wasn't long after Jack unbuttoned her skirt, that he lifted her into bed, where Jack continued to kiss her until he couldn't wait any longer.
Later they laid in bed wrapped in sheets and blankets. Jack was happy. His leg was sore, but he was happy to be with his wife. Elizabeth was snuggled into his side and they were warm under the covers. Elizabeth wasn't really tired, but she closed her eyes as she laid her head on Jack's chest. Jack had his arms wrapped around Elizabeth and he was playing with her hair. Elizabeth wanted to talk, but she didn't want to burden Jack with anything else, there was already so much going on.
"I love you, Bella." Jack said.
"I love you, too." Elizabeth said. "This was a good idea, but I should get up and check on the roast. I have to get the rest of supper going as well."
"Supper can wait a little bit." Jack said. "I know you, something is wrong. Please talk to me."
"For a minute." Elizabeth said. "But remember we have guests coming for supper."
Elizabeth sat up a little and Jack followed suit. He turned Elizabeth toward him and placed his hands on her shoulders.
"I can see it in your eyes. You have also been really quiet." Jack said. " I can't help you unless you tell me what is going on."
"Okay. I will tell you." Elizabeth said. "In the letter that I sent to Father today, I told him that if he can't accept that we are married and in love then he has no place in our lives and if that is what he really wants, then we most likely wouldn't be coming back this summer for Viola's wedding. I want to be there, but I want you at my side. I will not go alone, mainly because I shouldn't have to and also because I don't want to have to deal with Charles."
"If you want to go, we will go together." Jack said. "If you don't want to go, then we won't. Just don't give up on your family. I still hope and pray that this division will be overcome. I know how much your family means to you, I hate being the reason that you are at odds. But I promised to stand with you always and I mean it."
"Thank you." Elizabeth said. "I hate fighting with my family, but they also need to realize that I am an adult and I have the right to make my own choices."
"Your welcome Bella." Jack said.
Elizabeth slipped from the bed and redressed. She then headed downstairs to check on the roast and then started the rest of supper. She had peeled the potatoes and had them cooking when Jack came downstairs. He went over and gave her a kiss. Jack went to get his sketchbook and then sat on the couch. He finished the sketch that he had been working on before and started another one. He wanted to draw the image that had been in his head since he had gotten hurt and woken up in the cafe. Jack wasn't sure how to talk to Elizabeth about it. He didn't want to scare her, but he saw her standing in a long black dress with Abigail. He feared that it was him that they were mourning, but wasn't sure. Jack had learned a long time ago that if an image was stuck in his head, it usually helped him to make things clearer if he started to draw it. Jack also knew that he was safe and he was going to heal, but he still couldn't shake the image or the feelings that it brought.
