Chapter 57 – Mudslide at Rock Creek
Before Abigail was back to the cafe, she heard the old mine whistle blow three short blasts. It didn't take long and all the women were running toward town, children in tow. No one knew what was going on, but everyone was starting to gather around the old mining office. Everyone knew that it had to be something serious to blow the whistle, since it hadn't been used since the mine had been shut down after the trial. Abigail headed that way. She got to the mining office and saw DeWitt Graves there.
"Sorry." DeWitt said. "I figured that it was the easiest way to get everyone to come to town. I wasn't sure it would work, but it was worth a try. I knew that if it worked at least everyone would be heading this way. I remembered that three short blasts from the office meant a meeting and I hoped other people would remember as well. If not, they would at least come to see what is going on."
"No." Abigail said. "It is fine DeWitt. Try to get everyone to gather around, I will address the crowd in a moment. I need to talk to Jack first."
"Look, Mrs Stanton." DeWitt said, pointing to the cafe.
Jack was in Lee's old wheelchair and was headed that way with Elizabeth, Charlotte and the older boys. When they got to the mining office, the boys helped Jack up the steps.
"What is going on?" Jack said.
"Inside for a moment." Abigail said.
Elizabeth, Charlotte and Jack followed Abigail inside, where she talked to them for a moment before addressing the crowd. She told them what she knew. She didn't have much information, but she felt that Jack deserved to know before the rest of the town. Abigail could see that the information pained Jack. She knew that he wasn't well enough to head out to help. When they got back outside, the entire town, plus all the people from the settlement that were able had gathered around. They were all talking over each other as Abigail tried to get their attention. The boys helped Jack back into the wheelchair at the foot of the steps. Charlotte was on the other side of Abigail who stood a few steps up so people could hear her. Jack nodded to Charlotte. Joe and Lee both saw Jack nod to his mother and quickly covered their ears. Not knowing what was going to happen, but seeing Jack cover his ears, Dee did the same. Charlotte let out a quick sharp whistle, silencing the crowd.
"Thank you Charlotte." Abigail said loudly. "Listen and then I will try to answer your questions. I have received a communication from Rock Creek. There was a mudslide at their mine and they need help. Benson Hills is also headed that way, but I think that we should head that way to help. We have the people and supplies. Besides that, there are Benson Hills Mounties here to help us, so I don't know how many they have to send. I will not fault any man that doesn't want to go, I understand that you need to think about your families. I don't know how many hurt or anything. I also don't want anyone that hasn't gotten clearance from Nurse Carter to go. I don't want anyone to get further hurt. I know that you might feel the need to help, but if you are injured, please consider staying here and helping in town."
"I think that we should put it to a vote." Someone called out.
"Fine, we will." Abigail said. "But it will be a simple majority vote and we will stand by that. Dee and McGinty come up here. Alright. I will ask that you raise your hand to the question and keep it up until I say. The Constables here will count. This is for all citizens of Hope Valley AND the settlement who are sixteen or older."
Abigail waited until Dee and Joe were in place and then turned to the crowd. She wasn't sure what was going to happen, but she trusted the citizens of Hope Valley.
"Alright." Abigail said. "The matter in front of us is do we send people and supplies to Rock Creek, if you vote YES, please raise your hand and keep it up."
A large number of hands went up. Joe and Dee, as well as Charlotte all counted. Abigail watched them and when she got the nod from Joe and Dee she turned back to the crowd.
"Thank you." Abigail said. "You can lower them."
"We have a majority." Charlotte said. "We don't need the second question."
"Let's do it anyway." Jack said. "As a formality."
"The matter in front of us is do we send people and supplies to Rock Creek, if you vote NO, please raise your hand and keep it up." Abigail said.
She looked around and saw a few hands go up. Again, Joe, Dee and Charlotte all counted. Dee nodded to Abigail and then gave a thumbs up for her to see.
"Good enough." Abigail said. "It looks like you have voted to help. Before I give further instructions. Let me say this, we will still have the service for Mr Tucker and Mr Albertson at 5pm at the cemetery. If you want to stay for that and ride out after, that is your choice. Also can I have the four boys that Charlotte spoke to and their parents stay here for a moment when we are done. Now any able bodied man that wants to go help, please head over toward Lee's office and he will instruct you. We will get horses from the livery as possible, but please listen to Lee and Bill. Thank you."
The four boys stayed behind, along with each of their mothers. Abigail went to talk to them for a moment. She let them know that the boys were old enough to speak for themselves, but she wouldn't let them go unless they had permission from their mothers. All four mothers hugged their son and then let them go if they wanted. They understood that the boys wanted to help and they were needed. Wyatt and Gabe stayed back to help in Hope Valley but both James R and James F headed over to Lee's office to head out with the group. Once again, Faith wanted to go, but Charlotte convinced her to stay and they would send the wounded back if they had to. Between her and the Mounties, there was enough to render more than basic first aid.
Jack wanted to go, but knew that there was no way. He hated that other Mounties were going where he should be. He felt that Rock Creek was part of his responsibility and needed to be there. Dee also felt like he should go, but he knew that he was needed in Hope Valley to help with things and he didn't think that his father would let him go. People staying behind also started to move over toward Lee's office, but stayed in the back. Dee pushed Jack that way with the intent of helping him back to the cafe. Elizabeth was glad that Dee was staying, but she knew that he wanted to go.
All in all, Lee, Bill, Rushman, McGinty, Green and Carver lead over half the men of Hope Valley out in three wagons with many others on horseback. Every available horse, minus Thornton's and Delaney's, were put into service. Charlotte was in there as well. Jack wasn't happy about it, but he knew that there was no talking to her when she had her mind made up. Jack shook his head for a moment, when he realized he was surrounded by strong-headed, stubborn women, his mother and wife included. Once the men and Charlotte were underway, Abigail turned back to the remaining people. She wanted to speak to them. She wished that she had something better to say, but she knew that things might get worse before they got better. Abigail also knew that the people of Hope Valley were strong and would do what was needed.
"Can I have everyone's attention?" Abigail called.
All eyes turned to her. Jack and Dee were right by her side.
"I want everyone to say a prayer and then we have work to do." Abigail said. "We have a burial to attend this evening. We also may be getting injured. From what I understand, those platforms are almost ready. I would like them finished and those tents up before the service if possible. I also want people to turn in early tonight. If there is a need to call people, we will sound the whistle, otherwise I don't expect injured to arrive until morning. Also would there be a way to gather all the children in the morning and have them play in the field by the row houses with the older girls watching. If that is not possible, please let me know. I have a feeling we will need all hands on deck and I don't want the children underfoot."
Pastor Frank stepped up. "Everyone. Can we please say a prayer for the men that are heading to help, as well as the men that may be injured."
Everyone bowed their heads and Pastor Frank prayed.
"Heavenly Father." Frank prayed. "Please watch over and keep those heading to Rock Creek safe. Also be with the people at the mine there. Please be a comfort to them and heal them as You see fit. Please be with the people here in Hope Valley as we ready things for the possible return of more injured. Give each of us wisdom to help and open hearts for those that have lost family members. This town more than most knows the pain of that loss. Please keep us to You. Please also be with us this afternoon as we get ready to bury two men already lost due to a landslide at the Silverton mine. Please keep the Mounties that watch over us safe so that they can do their jobs. Be with those injured that are still here in town, comfort them and give them peace. Let us pray as the Lord taught us Our Father …."
The men that had stayed behind headed back to the field to finish the platforms. Ned headed back to the store. Many of the women headed back to the row houses. They wanted to finish the laundry they were working on and get ready for the next day. The children were encouraged to head to the saloon to rest or to the field to continue playing. Dee helped Jack and Elizabeth back to the cafe. Abigail stood there in the middle of town overwhelmed for a moment. Pastor Frank saw her and pulled her into a hug. Frank knew that Abigail was getting overwhelmed and he didn't even know everything that was going on. He knew Abigail needed a moment and that was why he hugged her, he was just glad that she didn't try to pull back. Frank had been taking it slow with her since she was still struggling with her feelings after losing her husband. Frank knew that he would wait as long as it took for Abigail to feel comfortable and let him in more.
After a moment, Abigail took a deep breath and thanked Frank for being there when she needed someone. After stepping back, she looked around the town that she called home for so many years. So much had changed and yet the important things hadn't, neighbors still cared for and helped each other when needed. There may be more new faces than there were old ones, but the lessons of the past had been passed down and the things that made Hope Valley special were still there. When Abigail headed back toward the cafe, she saw Wynn standing on the porch with Mr Mullins. She just shook her head and headed to the cafe. She had supper to make. She also wanted to check on Jack. She wasn't happy that he had come for the meeting, but she knew that there was nothing she could have done to stop him, especially with his mother helping him come over.
"Who the hell does she think she is?" Mr Mullins said. "She can't just order people around like that."
"Actually she can." Wynn said. "You wanted to know who she is, as you heard, her name is Abigail Stanton and she is the mayor of Hope Valley. This is her town and those people all respect her. More than that, I respect her. She is an incredibly strong woman."
"Funny." Mr Mullins said. "Henry Gowen is mayor, besides a woman can't be mayor."
"Henry Gowen is dead." Wynn said. "Why can't a woman be mayor? Abigail Stanton held this town together over a year ago when Gowen's negligence at Pacific Northwest Mining led to the death of forty-seven men, including Mrs Stanton's husband and son. It was her strength that held this town together and helped the people to overcome what had happened. Now if you have a problem with her, you have a problem with me. I suggest that you arrange a stagecoach out of here in the morning. I also suggest that you see if Sam has a room for you at the saloon hotel, otherwise you can sleep in the barn for all I care."
With that, Wynn set Mr Mullins suitcase at his feet, pulled the door shut and locked it. He then walked away and headed to the cafe to check if Abigail was alright. Wynn also thought about seeing Jack if he was still up. He didn't look back and wasn't concerned about what Mr Mullins did. After the way that he talked to Abigail, he wished that he could arrest him on something. Technically, he could, but he would need Abigail to agree to press charges. He wasn't sure if he wanted to go that route at the moment, Wynn just wanted the man gone.
Mr Mullins was standing there looking around, he saw a number of people coming and going from the saloon, so he headed over there. He thought that maybe they were open. When he walked in, he saw women, children, and some injured men everywhere. He looked around and finally asked one of the boys who was in charge.
"Mrs Stanton." Wesley replied.
"No, I mean where is the MAN in charge?" Mr Mullins asked.
"Man?" Wesley asked. "You asked who was in charge and I told you, Mrs Stanton."
"I think that he means Mountie Jack." William said. "But he is at Mrs Stanton's"
About that time, Sam walked over to where the boys were talking to Mr Mullins.
"Boys." Sam said. "Time to go."
The boys left to get ready for the burial service. Sam turned to the man who the boys were talking to.
"Can I help you?" Sam asked.
"I was hoping to get a room and drink." Mr Mullins said.
"Room, I have." Sam said. "But from what I hear, you have been told that there is a dry order in effect. You made a huge mistake upsetting Mrs Stanton. Right now she is the only place that is open to eat."
Sam left to get the key to the room upstairs. Mr Mullins followed him and paid for the room, but was not happy.
"Why are there so many people here if you aren't open?" Mr Mullins asked.
"Because there was a landslide at the nearby mine and then a flash flood took out the settlement that many of the miners and their families were staying at." Sam said. "We are the nearest town, so they were brought here. Besides, we take care of our own."
"Whatever." Mr Mullins said. "What time does the stagecoach come back?"
"You have to wire Buxton and order one." Sam said. "You can do that at the mercantile, but I would go now, Ned will close for the service and not open back up. If you wait until morning, it might not come until late in the afternoon. Either way, I don't care. If you are here, I suggest that you stay to yourself. I don't need you upsetting the children. They have been through enough. There are still Mounties in town and I have no problem getting them."
Mr Mullins took his bag upstairs and then went to order a stagecoach for the next day. He also picked up some jerky and things at the mercantile. He wasn't going to head to the cafe, he didn't want to deal with Mrs Stanton anymore. He couldn't believe the way that he had been treated. Didn't they know that he was a wealthy man who worked for even more wealthy men? He actually hoped that the town would fail because they turned down his offer to reopen the mine. He couldn't believe the way he had been treated. Didn't they realize who he was? Mr Mullins hated small towns, they had nothing to offer. He was regretting ever coming here. As much as he liked working with Henry Gowen, he hated the backwater towns that were ultimately where the mining was. Mullins much preferred to travel in style. He was going to insist that any future travel was only where he could go by train.
