Chapter 36 – Getting Back up to Speed
The afternoon of Saturday, February 11th, Jack and McGinty went on a full rounds including going by the settlement to get some answers to the questions that Jack had posed when he was forming a plan in case of flooding or a mudslide. Jack just hoped that they would never need to use that plan. He had filled McGinty in on the plan to see if there was something else that he should include. McGinty told him that he should have a clear order of who would be in charge of what and who would be in charge if something happened to either him or Bill. Jack hadn't thought about that and thanked McGinty for his input. While they continued to ride, Jack thought about who should be in charge of what and who should be in charge in case either Bill or himself were hurt. Jack knew who he wanted to ask to be in charge if something were to happen. If Bill was okay and Jack wasn't he would be in charge. If something happened to both of them, Jack wanted to ask Lee to be in charge overall. Jack wondered if he should ask Abigail, but then again he wanted to ask her to be in charge of medical if there wasn't a doctor or a nurse. Jack then started thinking about the food that would be needed and figured that the cafe would be the easier place to make large quantities of food. Jack realized that he would have to sit down with Abigail again and this time he wanted to include Bill in the meeting. Jack liked to be prepared and until he felt that they were prepared for the worst that a spring flood or mudslide could bring Jack wasn't going to be able to feel comfortable about it.
When Jack and McGinty got to the settlement, McGinty checked on things and Jack talked to some of the women. Jack got a better idea of how many people were at the settlement. He was surprised to learn that the families had originally rented from Henry Gowen and a lawyer was still collecting rent. Jack also learned that there were a total of twelve families, that included seven children aged newborn to ten. He also wanted to know if there were wagons or anything. When one of the women asked why he wanted to know, Jack let them know that he was planning in case something happened. He explained that they were close to the river. He told them that they had a wet fall and that it had been a wet winter and if it warmed up too quickly or if they got a lot of spring rain, that the river could flood and he wanted a plan of action if something were to happen. He explained to them that if there was any danger, that they would be evacuated to Hope Valley. He also expressed that he hoped nothing happened, but that it was better to be prepared in case something happened. The women were grateful that Jack thought of them. They also promised to keep Pastor Frank up to date on things and if anything changed.
Jack and McGinty left and started the ride back to Hope Valley. They talked as Jack needed and wanted to talk his plan through with someone that wasn't directly involved. McGinty agreed that maybe that it should be Lee in charge if something were to happen to both Jack and Bill, he explained that Abigail might be too busy at either the cafe or with official duties. Jack admitted that he had thought about the cafe, but not her mayoral duties. The biggest thing that McGinty expressed concern about was the lack of medical training if someone was hurt and then Jack and/or Bill were injured. McGinty explained that they were lucky that there were so many Mounties there when they went to arrest the Garrison gang. McGinty suggested talking to some of the mothers to see how their first aid skills were and how comfortable they would feel helping out. Jack agreed that it would be a good idea, but he wasn't giving up on setting up the infirmary with at least a full-time nurse. He explained that he expressed his concern of medical care to headquarters to see if they could assist in changing the situation.
Jack and McGinty got back to Hope Valley and headed to the livery. They cared for their horses and then Jack gave Thor a little attention. Jack really wanted to get Elizabeth out on Thor and hoped that the weather would hold during the week and maybe they could go for at least a short ride after school one day. He hated that Thor didn't get rode enough. He knew that would change when it got nicer, but he wanted to talk to Elizabeth about what they should do in the meantime. Jack had some ideas, but he wanted to talk to Elizabeth before he did anything. He wondered how Elizabeth would feel about letting others ride Thor, but then the more that he thought about it he didn't want to risk Thor getting hurt. He knew that it was one thing to let Joe or Bill ride Thor as they both cared for their horses as much as Jack. He also thought that since he would be getting back to full duties that he could switch off riding Sergeant and Thor. He decided for the time that it was just what it was and that there weren't any good options other than to let Joe and Bill ride him as they wanted.
After spending some time with Thor, Jack headed back to the office to write up his report of rounds and also what he learned at the settlement. He also knew that he needed to work on his disaster plan as he was calling it. He wanted one in case of flooding and one in case of a mudslide. The more that Jack thought about it, Jack realized that he needed to think about more than just the Silverton Mine or the settlement. Jack realized that he needed to think about Rock Creek as well. Jack let Bill and McGinty know that he was heading back to his house if he was needed. Jack grabbed his messenger bag and headed back to the house. He had to rework his disaster plan. He wanted one for a mudslide at Silverton Mine, one for flooding at the settlement and one for flooding at Rock Creek. He realized that some of the plans would overlap, but he wanted to be clear about things. Jack knew that Rock Creek was just outside his area, but it was actually a bit closer to Hope Valley then it was to Benson Hills. They patrolled it because they had the manpower to send someone there a couple times a month for an overnight trip. Jack knew that he should clear the Rock Creek portion with Captain Rushman, but there was something about that man that rubbed Jack the wrong way. He couldn't put his finger on what he didn't like about Rushman, but in order to keep the peace and not influence others, he had kept his opinions to himself. Jack thought about the few things that McGinty had said about him and he knew that there was something. Jack decided to just keep his eyes open and if he saw anything that was concerning, he decided that he would alert Wynn.
Jack got back to the house and Elizabeth wanted to know if he was hungry since he had been gone since after breakfast. Jack also knew that he was starting to get tired and was glad that the decision had been made to keep McGinty for a few more days. He was more sore then he thought he would be after they had rode. Jack had been able to keep it mostly hidden from Joe and Bill, or if they noticed they didn't say anything. Jack did his best to hide it from Elizabeth, but then he wondered if that was fair to her. He knew that she already struggled with him not sharing things. Jack explained that McGinty and him had eaten while they had been riding. He let Elizabeth know that they had been out to the settlement. He told Elizabeth that he wanted to work more on his plan if something happened since McGinty had brought up some interesting points and that he had thought about things that he hadn't originally thought of himself. Elizabeth asked if she could help. Jack explained how he wanted one for a mudslide at the mine and one for each if there was flooding at the settlement or Rock Creek. He knew they had a mine there and he thought they also had a settlement that was set apart from the village of Rock Creek.
"Jack." Elizabeth said. "I don't mean to add to your worry, but from everything that you have told me about the settlement, wouldn't the settlement be in danger of flooding if there was a landslide at mine. A landslide could easily push debris into the river and flood the settlement."
"Wow." Jack said. "I hadn't thought about that. I guess that I have more thinking and work to do then I thought. I would love it if you could help me with this."
"How are you feeling?" Elizabeth asked. "How did it feel to ride today?"
"I am a little tired." Jack admitted. "Not much pain while I was riding, but I could feel it when I was walking back. It reminded me of when I was learning to ride. Not riding for a few days and then riding hard, you get sore. I think it was worse than I thought it was going to be, but nothing that I can't handle. I did take an aspirin when I got back to the jail and yes, I ate a couple biscuits when I took it."
"Okay as long as that is all it is." Elizabeth said. "Please still take it easy, since Joe is still here. I am glad that you knew enough to take something when you needed it. I wasn't going to say anything. You are an adult. If you push it and complain, then that is a different story."
"I will." Jack said. "Bill agreed that it was better to keep him here until the weekend. I realize that I overdid it and will take it easy. I also know that complaining when I was the one that overdid it does nothing. Ma used to say the same thing to us boys. If we were sore or hurt and pushed it then it was our own fault that we felt worse and she didn't want to hear it since we should have known better."
"Another reason that I like your mother." Elizabeth teased.
Jack worked on his plan while Elizabeth made them an early supper. After they ate, Elizabeth cleaned up and Jack continued to work on his plan. When Elizabeth was finished, she sat down and helped Jack with his plan. He was grateful for the help as Elizabeth saw things differently and thought of things that Jack hadn't thought about. By the time that they were ready to turn in for the night, they had made a lot of progress, but Jack still wasn't satisfied. Jack still had too many unanswered questions. Elizabeth knew that Jack was worried, but she tried to reassure him that they had time. Jack thought about talking to Bill and Abigail again to see if they had any additional insight. Jack especially thought that Abigail would have something to offer especially having lived in Hope Valley for so long and seeing what happened at the mine. Jack felt so unprepared if something happened. He wondered where they would house the people and what would happen if many people were injured. There was no doctor, there wasn't even a nurse. The town lacked medical supplies and other essential items.
Sleep didn't come easy for Jack that night. Jack kept trying to picture worse case scenarios in his head. He was also thinking about what would happen to Elizabeth if he got hurt. It was Elizabeth getting hurt or him getting hurt and scaring Elizabeth that bothered Jack the most. He knew that he was well trained, but he also knew that Mother Nature could be unpredictable. He knew that Elizabeth getting hurt would be the worst thing for him. He couldn't stand to see her in pain or crying. Jack then realized that him getting hurt was just as bad since that would cause Elizabeth pain. He wasn't sure how he was going to handle everything and wished that there was an easy answer to things. Jack's tossing and turning woke Elizabeth. She knew that something was bothering Jack, but she had tried to let him know that they had time to plan and that it would be okay. She also understood that Jack was someone who planned things out. Jack liked to think things through and know possible outcomes before acting. Elizabeth didn't know what she could do to help Jack. She also wondered if it was more than just the disaster plan that had Jack worried. Finally, she sat up in bed and let Jack know that she was awake.
"Jack, honey." Elizabeth said softly. "Please hold me?"
Jack looked at her and realized he woke her up.
"Please hold me?" Elizabeth repeated.
Elizabeth laid back down and Jack wrapped his arms around Elizabeth. She snuggled into his side and rested her hand on his chest over his heart.
"Jack." Elizabeth said again.
"Yes, Bella." Jack said.
"I know that the what ifs are bothering you." Elizabeth said. "But all we can do is plan and try to be prepared. I understand your concern, but there is only so much that you can do. If you make yourself sick with worry, you will be no good to anyone. I also understand that you feel responsible for everything, but there is only so much that you can do. Please try to relax."
"Bella." Jack said. "I am responsible for what happens to the people of this valley. I can't protect them if I don't have the resources needed. In order to get those supplies, I need to think about what could happen and then write a plan to deal with those things."
"Yes. " Elizabeth said. "But you also need sleep in order to think clearly. You know what you are doing. You asked Joe what he thought. You have talked to Bill and got my perspective. What I mean is that you have asked other people to help you and besides that, we have time to plan. Please can we try to get some sleep tonight and we will talk about things tomorrow. I asked Pastor Frank to join us at the cafe for a late lunch after services. I knew that something was bothering you, but I didn't know what so I talked to Frank and asked for his help. Maybe get his input."
"I will try." Jack said.
"Thank you." Elizabeth said.
Elizabeth leaned up and kissed Jack, then laid her head back on Jack's chest. She draped her arm across Jack and snuggled close. Jack took Elizabeth's hand in his and used his thumb to brush circles on the back of her hand. Jack had his other arm wrapped around Elizabeth holding her close. It didn't take Elizabeth long to fall asleep snuggled close and being held by Jack. Jack listened to Elizabeth's breathing and it wasn't long and he was asleep.
Sunday morning, Jack packed up his paperwork and put it in his messenger bag. Jack and Elizabeth left for church and stopped by the cafe quickly. Jack talked to Abigail and left his bag on the couch in the cafe. After services, Jack and Elizabeth talked to people and then waited until almost everyone was gone to talk to Pastor Frank. They talked for a moment and then Elizabeth excused herself. Frank and Jack talked a little as they picked up the church and got things ready for Elizabeth and school the next day. Jack let Frank know what was bugging him and why Elizabeth had asked them to talk. Frank told Jack the same thing that Elizabeth had, that even if he was responsible for the safety of the valley he had to relax from time to time. They talked a little more and Frank agreed to sit with Jack and go over his plan. They headed to the cafe to join the women.
When they got to the cafe, there weren't many people still there. Pastor Frank, Jack and Elizabeth sat in the dining room and had lunch. After Abigail closed the cafe, the trio headed to the kitchen to join Abigail. Elizabeth volunteered to do the dishes while the three others sat down. Jack went over what he had already come up with and the questions that he still had. Abigail was able to answer a number of questions that Jack had and also gave him a list of people in Hope Valley that were comfortable helping with injuries. They were able to do stitches and a little more than basic first aid. Most were mine widows and had seen their share of accidents. Abigail also agreed that she should probably not be the one in charge. She needed to remain impartial in case there were disputes. Frank agreed that if something were to happen to both Jack and Bill, that Lee was an excellent choice. Frank also suggested that they pick a second person, but to leave him out of that discussion, he also wanted to remain a neutral party for people to talk to.
Elizabeth listened to them talk as she did the dishes and commented as she felt needed. When she was finished, she put tea on and then went to join the group at the table. As the conversation continued, Abigail agreed that the cafe could be used to make meals. She also suggested that yes the schoolhouse was the best place for a temporary infirmary. She explained that it was slightly removed from town and isolated. Abigail also explained how the saloon and other buildings in town could be used. She also suggested using Gowen's old house as it was forfeited back to the town. Jack hadn't thought about that, he realized that it was a good idea. He also realized that given the location of Gowen's house, which was near his office, that it would be a great place to use as storage as well. Gowen's old house was close to the infirmary and not that far from the cafe so it would be easy to move things to either place. Once Jack was satisfied that he had all the answers that he could at the time, he thanked Abigail and Pastor Frank for their help. Abigail reminded Jack that he wasn't alone in protecting the valley and that he needed to remember that the people of Hope Valley would pull together if needed. Before they left, Jack let Abigail know that as soon as he got the plan finished, typed up and approved by headquarters, that he would make sure that she had a copy.
Jack and Elizabeth walked home. Elizabeth could tell that talking to Pastor Frank and Abigail helped Jack to relax. She knew that Jack was someone who planned things out in detail and that making progress on a possible disaster plan helped him. She knew Jack would never have the answer to every question that he posed, but that he would gather enough information to keep the valley safe. She just hoped that if something happened, that Jack would be safe. She knew that he had to make a plan if something happened to him, but she hated to think about that. Landslides and floods were dangerous and Jack couldn't predict all the dangers. Elizabeth also knew that all she could do was pray that a plan would help keep everyone safe including Jack. She knew that she needed to not let her fears consume her. She remembered what both her aunt and Abigail had told her. She knew that it was in God's hands and she had people around her that would help her if something happened.
When Jack and Elizabeth got home, she directed Jack to the couch and then sat down leaning her back against his chest. Elizabeth wasn't sure that it was the best time to talk about what she was thinking about, but she also knew that they needed to talk about it.
"Jack." Elizabeth said. "It is your birthday on Thursday, is there something that you would like to do?"
"I don't want to talk about my birthday." Jack said flatly. "You know I don't like to celebrate my birthday because of my father."
"Please." Elizabeth said. "I know that you don't like to think about your birthday. I don't want to throw you a party, but I want to do something for you. Please hear me out. I just want to make supper for my husband for his birthday."
"Why is this so important to you?" Jack asked.
"I understand unhappy birthday memories." Elizabeth said. "You may think that I had everything I wanted growing up and if you were talking about material goods, then you might be right. But my father wasn't always there, it was my eleventh birthday. All I wanted that year was to spend time with my father, but he felt that it was more important to go on a business trip out of town without telling me that he was going to be gone. My mother told me in passing at breakfast that morning as if it was no big deal. I spent the rest of the day in my room. I refused to have a party that my mother had planned. I refused to speak with either of my sisters. My father came home five days later like it was no big deal. No one understood why I was upset and why I refused to have anymore birthday parties after that."
"Fine." Jack said. "You understand, that my father died the day after my birthday. It is just too hard to think about my birthday and not think about everything that I lost the next day."
"I just have one last thing to say." Elizabeth said. "Would your father want you to quit living your life? I think that your father would understand that you want to be happy and you can be happy. It doesn't mean that you love or loved him any less. You have a right to be happy and there is nothing wrong with that."
When Elizabeth was done speaking she moved to get up, but Jack wouldn't let her up. He wanted to kiss her and hold her. She turned to look at him, then pushed off his chest and walked away from Jack. She hadn't done that in a very long time. She was upset and she didn't want to take it out on Jack. Elizabeth went over to sit at her writing desk and pulled out her journal. She started to write about the day and work through her feelings. Jack sat on the couch confused. He didn't understand what had happened. Elizabeth hadn't walked away from him like that in a long time and he didn't know what he had done. He thought that he had made it clear that he didn't want to celebrate his birthday. He didn't understand why she couldn't accept that.
