Chapter 33 – Dealing with Things (long)
Elizabeth finished getting supper on the stove and came over to sit next to Jack. She wanted to be close to Jack and saw that he was drawing. She was just glad that he was safe and wanted to be close to him. She was also grateful that they had spent some time together earlier upstairs. Jack quickly turned his sketchbook away from her. He wasn't trying to hurt Elizabeth, but he really didn't want her to see. She scooted closer to Jack and put a hand on his arm.
"Can I see?" Elizabeth asked.
"Elizabeth." Jack said. "Yes, I share some of my drawings with you, but these sometimes can be like a journal to me. Sometimes I have an image in my head or something and the only way to work things out is to draw them. I don't want to scare you with some of the things that I have seen or drawn. Sometimes the only way for me to get some of the negativity that I see out of my head is to draw the image. I don't always keep those drawings, but it helps me deal with the things I see during the course of my job. Please understand, just like you have a journal and I don't ask to read it, I won't always share my drawings with you. I don't say this to hurt you, but I want you to understand. Just as I would never ask to read your journal."
"I understand." Elizabeth said. "I shouldn't have asked. You will share with me if and when you want."
Instead of staying on the couch with Jack, Elizabeth got up and went to her writing desk. She put the typewriter back in place and went about typing her story. She had decided to put it into manuscript form and submit it to publishers. Originally, she was just going to submit a few short stories, but now she wanted to do a collection of short stories and see if it could be turned into a book. Even though she had told Jack that she understood why he wouldn't share his drawing, she really didn't. It was only sitting typing that she realized that he was right. His drawings were personal and he didn't ask to read her journal because it was personal. She knew that she should apologize but she wasn't sure what for. She wasn't sure that Jack even realized that she had been hurt and angry right away. The timer in the kitchen went off and Elizabeth got up to check on supper. The potatoes were done, so she mashed them and left on the back of the stove to stay warm. She then opened some green beans to heat up. While that was happening, she set the table and sliced some fresh bread that she had picked up from Abigail. She was also thinking about what had happened.
"Jack." Elizabeth said.
He looked up from his sketchbook and looked at her.
"I am sorry." Elizabeth said. "I don't know why I got mad, but I did when you wouldn't let me see your sketch. I understand that you have to have an outlet for your feelings just as I have my journal. I am sorry that I didn't stay and read on the couch, but instead went and pounded on the typewriter."
"It is okay." Jack said. "I knew that you weren't really mad and that you would work it out in your head. I used to have a problem with you writing in front of me. I felt like you weren't sharing your feelings with me, but then I was reminded that sometimes people need to work things out for themselves before they can share it with others."
Elizabeth didn't say anything else, but just finished getting supper ready. Everything was almost ready when Jack answered the door. Wynn and Dee greeted Jack. They hung up their coats and Jack directed them to take a seat at the table after washing their hands. All three men sat down and Elizabeth put the food on the table. Jack asked Wynn to say the blessing, then Jack added a prayer for safe travel. Supper was wonderful. Wynn and Dee enjoyed spending time with Jack and Elizabeth. Even though they had just seen them earlier in the week, it was still nice. They also enjoyed the homecooked meal. Jack was impressed with how Elizabeth's cooking skills were improving. She was really making an effort and he was proud. Dee told Jack how because there were not enough rooms at the saloon, that many of the men had laid out their bedrolls in the office that they had been using to keep from pitching tents behind the jail. Jack felt bad, but then he realized that most of the Mounties were used to sleeping outside, so laying their bedroll in a warm office was an improvement.
When supper was ended, Wynn handed Jack two envelopes. Jack opened the first one and it contained the money and hair pins that had been stolen. He handed the hair pins to Elizabeth and she put them in the pocket of her skirt. She thanked Wynn for returning them to her. Jack went to open the second envelope and Wynn stopped him. He told him to open it tomorrow after he had left. It was something for both of them to share. Jack set the envelope down and agreed. Wynn nodded to Elizabeth and she started clearing the table.
"Jack." Wynn said. "I am concerned about you. It has been an emotional week. I know we talked for a bit earlier, but seeing you with Beth I can see you are not the same person that I saw before."
"I am okay." Jack said.
"No, you're not." Elizabeth said from the sink.
"Bella." Jack said.
"No." Dee said. "I expect nothing less from her, she is nothing if not honest when she feels something needs to be said."
"Jack." Wynn said. "I will ask you again. Are you okay?"
"I guess I am upset." Jack said. "I am upset that Garrison is dead and I won't have answers. I am upset that I scared Elizabeth. I am upset that I got hurt and can't do my job. I am also still dealing with everything that we learned in Hamilton. It is just so much and I am trying to process things, but it is hard."
"Fine." Wynn said. "Those are things that we can address. Garrison's men will be questioned, the gold train is safe and they moved when and where they will be moving. Beth is stronger than you think. I told you earlier about her fears, so you could deal with it. Just remember, to talk to each other when you are upset, don't hold it in. You can't always tell her what is going on with a case, but you can tell her how you feel. You got hurt, it happens. It is minor, you will heal, you said so yourself. Take the time to rest and spend time with Beth. You both deserve it. As far as your family, my Elizabeth was right when she told you to just file the knowledge away about your family. As far as Beth's family, we will help you deal with things as they come. You two need to stand together and you have done that. Continue to do that and you will be fine."
"Thank you." Jack said. "I guess I should be grateful that it wasn't worse, but I hate not being able to do my job."
"We all understand that." Dee said. "But you will heal, take the time to come back stronger and in a better head space. Learning about your family must have been hard then to come back into a charged situation. Take the time to process things and get back to being you."
"Dee is right." Wynn said.
Jack nodded and the group talked for a bit more as Elizabeth worked to clean up. Finally, Wynn and Dee excused themselves. Before they left, Wynn reminded Jack and Elizabeth that if they needed anything to just let him know. Dee let Jack know that if he needed to send a message, but was worried about who would see it, he could always have Elizabeth put it into a different language and he would understand. Jack nodded, since he hadn't thought about that, but it might come in handy at some point. Wynn also reminded Jack to take it easy for the week and just send a wire when he was able to resume his duties. Jack promised to take it easy and to let him know. Wynn and Dee hadn't gotten that far when they heard Sergeant tied up near the house. Dee asked Wynn to stop. Dee then turned and headed back to the house and quickly knocked on the door. Jack was surprised when Dee was standing there.
"Do you want me to take Sergeant back to the livery tonight?" Dee asked.
"That would be great." Jack said. "He has been out here most of the day. Please make sure that he gets fed and a few treats."
"I promise." Dee said.
Dee then turned and went back down the porch. He walked over to Sergeant, petted his muzzle before taking his reins and walking back toward his dad. They walked back into town leading Sergeant. Wynn stopped at the saloon to head inside. Dee took Sergeant over to the livery. He unsaddled him, brushed him, fed him and made sure that he had a couple treats. Dee knew how much Jack cared for his horse, so he took extra time in caring for the animal. Dee also took a moment to give the other horse a bit of attention. He greeted Thor and gave him a treat, then greeted both his and his dad's horses. When he was done, he headed back to the saloon to the room he shared with his dad. He quickly changed and turned in for the night. Dee knew that they had a long day of traveling ahead of them and he would be spending most of it in the saddle.
Jack and Elizabeth bolted the doors and banked the fires before heading back upstairs. Jack pulled Elizabeth into a warm embrace at the top of the stairs. He wanted her again, but he wasn't sure that she would want to. It wasn't like they were fighting, but feelings had been hurt before supper. Jack leaned down and kissed Elizabeth, he started soft and then deepened the kiss. While still kissing, Elizabeth pulled Jack toward their room. She had missed being with him the past week and then to almost lose him, she just wanted. It didn't take long and Jack once again lifted Elizabeth into bed as he continued to kiss her. He had winced when he lifted Elizabeth into bed and it didn't go unnoticed by her. She didn't say anything, but tucked the information away to talk to him about later. Elizabeth turned back to her husband and the growing passion between them before they finally came together.
Some time later, Elizabeth was sleeping next to Jack and he was laying there awake. He had worked on drawing the image in his head, but he still couldn't shake the feeling that went with it when he was drawing. He had hoped that being with Elizabeth would calm whatever fear was there, but it had only dampened it. He tried to close his eyes and relax, but sleep would not come. Frustrated, Jack tried something that he hadn't done in a long time. He pulled Elizabeth closer to him so that he could feel her breathing better. He took a deep breath and then matched his breathing to hers. It was something that his mother had done with him when he was little and having a hard time sleeping. Finally, he was able to relax and fall asleep.
Sunday morning came and Jack didn't want to get up. He was still sore and tired. He realized he was more sore then he had been the day before, but he was expecting that. It was just that it was worse than he had thought it would be. He realized that he needed to go to church and then he would be able to take it easy for a few days. Jack was just glad that the prisoners would all be gone after the morning. He was also glad that McGinty and Carver would be there to help. Jack wondered how long it would be before he could resume full duty. He knew that Elizabeth wasn't going to let him do anything as long as he still had stitches. Jack also made a note to check on Bill and see what Jesse was planning. He knew that Jesse wasn't going to be charged since his actions saved Pastor Frank and probably saved Jack as well. What Jack wanted to know was Jesse planning on sticking around and if he was, he better leave his old ways and not cause trouble since he spent his one get out of jail free card.
Elizabeth stirred next to Jack. He leaned over and gave her a kiss. Elizabeth insisted on checking Jack's wound, cleaning it and changing the bandage before getting dressed for church. Jack knew that it wasn't worth arguing, so he just laid back and let Elizabeth take care of him. He tried not to wince when she cleaned around his wound, but it was tender to the touch. Once she had checked on Jack and dressed, she headed downstairs to get breakfast going. Jack was down shortly after Elizabeth. He helped finish getting breakfast ready. They sat and after Jack said the prayer, they enjoyed their breakfast. Jack let Elizabeth know that he was headed in early because he wanted to see if he could catch Wynn and Dee before they left. She offered to walk with him and do the dishes later. After breakfast, they both left for town. Jack walked a little slower than normal, but didn't mind since he got to walk with Elizabeth. He tried to hide his limp, but Elizabeth noticed and slowed her gait to allow for Jack.
They got into town in time to see the stagecoach. Jack and Elizabeth approached the platform. Jack saluted Wynn and when he received a salute back, relaxed. He talked to Wynn for a second and Elizabeth realized that he was keeping it formal. So she addressed him as sir in front of other people as well. Wynn understood what was going on. Dee walked over and greeted Elizabeth, she informed him that it was nice to see him again and wished him safe travels. Dee then slipped her a note without Jack seeing. She went to open it and Dee shook his head. Elizabeth realized that it was probably about Jack's birthday gift and just put the note in her Bible. Before they left, Abigail came out and greeted the men. She handed Wynn a bag with some food in it. She also wished the men safe travels. Jack, Elizabeth and Abigail stood there and watched the stagecoach pull out surrounded by Mounties on horseback. Elizabeth wished that she could have had more time with her uncle and cousin, but knew that they had come for one reason and that was to take a prisoner, which turned into two, back to Hamilton to face justice. She also knew that her uncle hated arresting a fellow Mountie, but to have to deal with two she was sure he would lose his temper on them at some point and they had it coming.
After the stagecoach disappeared, Jack and Elizabeth turned to Abigail. She led them back to the cafe. She poured Jack and Elizabeth each a cup of coffee before heading back to her customers that had come in before church. After breakfast was done, Jack and Elizabeth helped clean up before heading to church. When Jack and Elizabeth got to the church, everyone was talking about what had happened on Friday and Saturday. Pastor Frank walked over to Jack and pulled him aside. Frank wanted Jack to address the people about what happened. Pastor Frank let Jack know that people were concerned and he did what he could to calm people, but there wasn't much that he knew and he hadn't said anything about Jake Garrison being dead. Jack agreed to talk to the people gathered, but he could only share so much. He agreed that it was important that people feel safe. Pastor Frank welcomed everyone and led the service. Before he released everyone, he called Jack forward. Jack stepped up and looked out at the people gathered. He still didn't like public speaking, but it was his job to assure the people of this town that they were safe. He took a deep breath and looked up.
"Everyone." Jack said. "I want to assure you that Hope Valley is not in danger. I know many of you are talking about what happened on Friday night. All I can tell you is that despite both Sheriff Avery and I being injured, the Garrison gang was caught. The two who were arrested were moved to Union City yesterday and will be heading to Medicine Hat prison from there. Constables McGinty and Carver will be around helping Bill and I as we recover. The rest of the Mounties left this morning as there was no more danger to the town. Please give Bill and I some space this week as we heal, but I promise that Constables Carver and McGinty will do their best to keep the peace."
"Thank you, Jack." Pastor Frank said. "We all wish you a speedy recovery and the same for Sheriff Avery. We are grateful that there are people around to help. Now how about a prayer for healing before we leave today."
Pastor Frank led a prayer asking for healing and safe travels for the Mounties that left town that morning. He then announced the final song. People stood and sang the last song. Many people came up to Jack after services asking questions, which he tried to answer. Others came up and expressed that they were glad that he was safe. Finally Jack's leg was hurting too bad and he excused himself. Elizabeth saw him wince in pain and was at his side as they walked to the cafe. Jack barely got there and he needed to sit down. Abigail saw that Jack was in pain and suggested that he relax on the couch. He didn't argue. Lee and Rosemary had come in for lunch after services. Lee had seen Jack and Elizabeth head to the cafe, but he didn't see them, so he asked Abigail. She let Lee know that Jack's leg was bothering him and that he was resting on the couch. After Lee and Rosemary had finished eating, he went and offered a ride back to the house to Jack. Jack gratefully accepted. Elizabeth was also glad that Jack accepted the ride from Lee. She knew that he had pushed too hard that morning and she was also glad that Jack realized that he had pushed too hard as well. Elizabeth said that she would walk, she had something that she wanted to talk to Abigail about. Jack was glad that if Elizabeth wouldn't talk to him that she would talk to Abigail. Little did he know that was not what they were talking about. After Jack and Lee had left, Elizabeth turned to Abigail.
"I take it you got the note from Dee." Abigail said.
"Yes." Elizabeth said. "I did. You don't mind having it here until Jack's birthday. I just don't want him finding it beforehand."
"It is fine." Abigail said. "I have the crate in the storeroom upstairs. Dee assured me that it would be fine there. Mind sharing what it is."
"I had Dee find a guitar similar to the one that Jack had gotten from his father just before he passed." Elizabeth said. "Jack's was damaged before he left Fort Garry and he never had the heart to replace it since it had been from his father. He sent it to his mother because he still wanted to keep it as it was one of the last things from his father. I just hope that he loves it."
"I am sure that he will." Abigail said. "I promise that I won't say anything."
"See you later." Elizabeth said.
Elizabeth hugged Abigail before she left and Abigail handed her a basket. Elizabeth walked back to the row house. She looked forward to a relaxing afternoon with Jack. There were leftovers for supper and Abigail had sent food as well. When Elizabeth got back to the row house, she saw that Jack was once again asleep on the couch. She took the blanket and went to cover him. She then went to her writing desk and worked on her manuscript. She was still looking for an ending point and she thought that she found one. She planned to continue writing and doing a series of books using the same characters. What she had now was a collection of short stories about a group of characters that were based on people in Hope Valley. Elizabeth planned to write more stories and maybe if the first book got published, she could work on a second collection of stories. Even though she had changed the names of people, she thought it would be nice for the future children of Hope Valley to read about things that had happened since Elizabeth had come to live there. Elizabeth also knew that even if these stories never got published, it would be nice to have as an account of things that happened. She also realized that at some point, she was going to have to update the Founder's Day play to reflect the recent changes. Elizabeth had been writing for over an hour before she heard Jack start to stir on the couch.
"Hey, Bella." Jack said. "Sorry. I didn't think that I was that tired."
"It is okay." Elizabeth said. "Do you want something to eat? There are leftovers and Abigail sent some sandwich stuff and scones. Besides, you need your rest."
"How about sandwiches, scones and coffee." Jack said. "We can have the leftovers later."
"Okay." Elizabeth said. "I will get that ready, you take it easy. Saw you wince and limping earlier. If you don't take it easy, it is going to take longer for your leg to heal."
"Fine." Jack said. "No argument from me. I know that I overdid it, that is why I didn't argue with Lee when he offered me a ride back."
Elizabeth got up and headed to the kitchen. She put some coffee on and then started on the sandwiches. She opened a can of peaches and put the scones on a plate. When everything was ready, she let Jack know. She also insisted on him putting his leg up while they ate. Once Jack was sitting and his leg was up, Elizabeth joined him at the table.
"Heavenly Father." Jack prayed. "Please bless this food to our bodies. I ask for comfort for Elizabeth as she deals with the reality of my job. I also ask for healing for me as I recover. Please watch over us and keep us close to you. Amen."
"Amen." Elizabeth said.
"I know that you have school this week." Jack said. "I was planning on going into the office some this week, but I promise that I won't over do it. I want to keep up on paperwork and also check on Bill. I never got through all the reports from when we were gone. I also want to read the other reports about what happened."
"I will be checking with McGinty that you don't overdo it." Elizabeth said.
"And I am sure that he will have no problem telling you." Jack quipped.
Jack and Elizabeth enjoyed the simple meal. Once they were finished, Jack offered to help with the dishes. Elizabeth refused to allow him. He stayed at the table and talked to Elizabeth while she cleaned up the dishes from breakfast and lunch. Jack remembered the envelope that Wynn had given him the night before. He grabbed it out of his jacket and sat back at the table to wait for Elizabeth. Once the dishes were done, Jack pulled Elizabeth to him and she leaned down and kissed him. She then sat next to Jack to see what it was that Wynn had given them. When Jack opened the envelope, he pulled out a note and when he opened, there was a check.
Dear Jack and Beth,
I know that you both work very hard, but please use this toward things you need for the house. We only want the best for you. We are sorry about the way that Beth's family has been toward the both of you in regards to your relationship. Please remember, that we support you and will help you in any way that we can. Also your arm chairs should arrive soon.
Love Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Wynn.
"That was sweet of them." Elizabeth said.
"Yes, it was." Jack said. "I have an idea."
"What would that be?" Elizabeth teased.
"I am supposed to be taking it easy." Jack said. "So how about we head upstairs."
"Think you can handle that." Elizabeth asked.
"I think I will manage." Jack said.
Elizabeth checked the fire in the stove before heading upstairs. Jack grabbed his sketchbook and portfolio before heading upstairs. He wanted them in case he couldn't sleep, then he wouldn't have to come back downstairs. Jack set his portfolio on the table next to the bed and then pulled Elizabeth into his arms and kissed her. As they were kissing, he slowly started to undo the buttons on her skirt. Jack sat on the bed and pulled Elizabeth down next to him. His leg was hurting so he didn't want to stand anymore.
