Chapter 62 – Busy Morning (long)
As they were heading out of the office, Wynn saw Rushman coming out of the old mining office.
"Rushman!" Wynn yelled. "Get over here now! Please excuse me. Check out the apartments and let me know what needs to be done. If it is just cleaning, let Abigail know. If it is more, make a list and we will get it done."
"We got it." Hickum said.
Hickum and Andrew took the keys and list of apartments from Wynn and headed to the first apartment. Rushman slowly walked over to Wynn. He wasn't happy and he didn't want to deal with anything. Wynn led Rushman to Abigail's office before he spoke. Wynn wasn't happy to see Rushman and he was not in the mood for his attitude. He was especially upset that he wasn't following the orders that had been given to him. He had finally had enough with Rushman and was going to deal with him once and for all.
"Why the hell are you here and not in Rock Creek?" Wynn said sternly in a low voice. "I want a straight answer because as it stands you are in violation of a direct order."
"I got into an argument with Lee and Bill about moving the men." Rushman said, rolling his eyes. "I wanted to move them last night, but they didn't want to move them in the dark. Bill told me that if I had a problem, then I could go back to Hope Valley, so I did. I planned to ride out and meet them. I don't see the problem. I don't understand why I wasn't put in charge of the rescue in the first place, I was the ranking member heading out."
"I want those captain's stripes right now." Wynn said. "I have had enough of your attitude. When you are done removing those stripes from your serge, you can gather your stuff. You can then ride back to Benson Hills and get all of your belongings. You have ten days to report to Fort St John.
As far as being the ranking member. I think that you forget that Bill Avery was an Inspector with the Mounties and a highly respected one at that. I trust his judgment and so does Abigail Stanton and Jack Thornton. That was why he was put in charge."
"You can't be serious." Rushman huffed.
"I am only dropping you to Corporal." Wynn said. "Want to keep going?"
"Fine." Rushman said. "This is not the end of this. I am filing a complaint with Collins."
"Go right ahead." Wynn said. "You forget that I out rank him."
Rushman didn't say anything else, but turned without a salute and headed out. Wynn waited a moment before heading outside himself. Wynn needed to take a deep breath and calm himself. He headed to the mercantile and was glad that Ned was outside sweeping the porch. He approached the man.
"I need to send a couple of wires." Wynn said. "They are urgent.
"Okay." Ned said. "Katie is inside and I will be in a moment."
Wynn went inside and greeted Katie at the counter. He let her know that he needed to send a couple of wires. She handed him the notepad so he could write them out. He addressed the first to Cross in Fort St John. Wynn told him that he was sending Corporal Rushman and that he had ten days to get there. Wynn also told Cross that he needed to teach Rushman, old school style. Wynn knew he would know what that meant. Also to let him know when Rushman arrived, the message could be sent to Hope Valley.
The second message was to headquarters to let Anderson know that he had dropped Rushman to Corporal and was sending him to Fort St John with ten days to report. Wynn hoped that would be the end of things, but he wasn't sure. Wynn handed the papers to Katie and she said that they would be sent out right away. Wynn thanked her and headed out. He nodded to Ned on his way down the steps. Wynn headed back to the office. He was angry and needed to think, when he got there, Dee was working on some paperwork. He looked up at his dad and knew something had happened. He wondered if he wanted to know or was it better that he didn't. He waited a moment and then he tested the waters.
"Hey." Dee said. "I got some of the boys setting up cots and the other children cleaning Gowen's house with the help of some of the mothers."
"Good." Wynn said. "We need to figure things out. I would like to see about getting school started again soon, but I don't know how Elizabeth feels. Not only do the children need the routine, but I think that it would help everyone."
"Dad." Dee said. "Remember, Charlotte is also a teacher. I know that she is retired, but that shouldn't matter for a few days. Besides, Jack is getting better, but I don't think that Elizabeth is ready to leave his side just yet. He had a bit of a setback this morning after being out yesterday."
"I forgot Charlotte was a teacher." Wynn said. "Maybe that wouldn't be such a bad idea. I just want to get these kids back into a routine. They have had such a hard time. Did you see the message about Rock Creek? Is Jack doing okay? I knew he was in pain when I helped him back to bed yesterday, I just haven't had the time to talk to him. I don't even know the full extent of his injuries."
"Yes, and neither do I." Dee said. "I am sure that we could talk to Faith or Elizabeth. We will need her to write up for the report anyway. Before you ask, I will do it. Was that Rushman I saw heading over to the livery? I thought he was in Rock Creek. Also, Faith checked on Jack and is concerned. She is going to check on him later. She might have to send him to Union City. She doesn't want to, but she might not have a choice. She is hoping that he just overdid it yesterday when we brought him outside. Right now, he is resting and Elizabeth promised that he wasn't going anywhere today."
"Thank you for doing that, it would be helpful." Wynn said. "I believe that it was Elizabeth and Pastor Frank who found Jack. Please see if you can talk to Frank and get what happened. He can point you to the others that helped. Also talk to Charlotte, I know that she was there when they got back with Jack.
Rushman was supposed to be, apparently, he had an argument with Lee and Bill about moving the men last night, so he rode back. He better be on his way out of town. He only has ten days to report to Fort St John. I also dropped him to a Corporal. I already messaged Cross and headquarters about the change. I hope that Cross can straighten that boy out."
"I have never met Cross." Dee said. "But I have heard stories. Rushman will get with the program or Cross will probably just leave him in the middle of nowhere."
"What time is that guy from FootHills supposed to be here?" Wynn asked.
"He wasn't specific." Dee said. "All I know is that he is coming from Buxton, so that is what three, four hours with good weather. I would assume that he scheduled an early stagecoach, you want me to go check."
"Please." Wynn said.
Dee got up and headed over to the stagecoach office to see when the stagecoach was set to arrive. He learned that it had supposedly left Buxton at 7:45am. Dee was glad that it was scheduled to get here before the wounded would arrive. He wasn't sure that they would have much time to talk, but it was what it was. At least they would be able to talk to him about both the Silverton and Rock Creek mines. With the new information, Dee headed over to let his dad know. Then he wanted to see how the cleaning and set-up was coming along. Dee wanted as much done before the group arrived from Rock Creek as possible. Especially since they didn't have details about the injured. Dee set about running the errands that his father had given him. It helped for him to be busy, at least then his mind couldn't wander to what was happening. He knew that he was going to have to take some time to think about and process everything, but that could wait until later.
Wynn stayed in the office and set to work on the papers that he had been working on the night before. At one point he headed to the jail and grabbed the paperwork that Jack had requested. He wanted to see it more in detail and see if there was anything that he could handle for him. Wynn knew that it was going to take some time for Jack to be back to work and if he had already had a setback, it might even be longer. Wynn hoped that it was nothing pressing, but if it was he would deal with it after looking at the paperwork and speaking to Jack. At least it was something that he could do. Right now Wynn had more questions than answers when it came to the future of the people that had been rescued and that didn't sit well with him. He was someone that liked having answers and knowing what was going on. Also the fact that Wynn really couldn't be the one making decisions was also frustrating. He understood that at that point his job was there to supervise things and be a voice of reason, but it was the people of Hope Valley and those that were rescued that needed to make the decisions.
The rest of the morning was uneventful for the people in Hope Valley. They got cots set in three of the tents with plans to use them for the men from Rock Creek. Additional cots were added to the saloon for the children. They were also able to get Gowen's old house cleaned top to bottom. The ladies were impressed that it was fully furnished and when the Mounties had closed up the house, they had taken care to cover all the furniture, so it didn't take much to get it ready. They opened the windows to air it out. They also washed the curtains and bedding. Even the dishes that were left behind were given a good washing. The house was ready for whoever was going to be staying there.
Wynn had received the list of what needed to be done to the four apartments. Most of what needed done was cosmetic. There were a few floorboards that needed repair and some window panes that needed replacement, but other than that a good cleaning, some paint and things would be looking up. Dee got the women working on cleaning and he got a couple of the men to fix the floorboards. He talked to his dad and they ordered the windows, but they could be covered for the time being. Dee started a list of things that would be needed for the apartments. He was also thinking of what options there were going to be for the families. He knew that a lot of things would depend on what was going to happen with the two mines, but he figured that the families might want to stay in Hope Valley. He knew that it would be better for the children, because they could go to school. He also knew that there was a possibility that the men still could work at the mine and stay in Hope Valley. It also sounded like there were other job opportunities coming soon.
About 11am, Faith headed to check on Jack and Elizabeth. Dee was heading to the cafe, so he joined them. He wanted to talk to Elizabeth about something. He also wanted to talk to Faith about Jack. As much as he didn't want to hear what happened to Jack, he knew that he needed to fill out the report for his father. Dee decided to wait downstairs and give Faith a chance to do what she needed. He knew how little privacy one had when they were injured, so he was going to do what he could to give Jack his. Abigail could see that Dee was excited about something. She wanted to ask him about it, but Cody came bounding in at that moment looking for food. Dee talked to Cody for a few minutes while Abigail got him a plate of food. She just shook her head when he didn't slow down and basically inhaled his lunch. Dee just laughed. He knew that he used to do the same thing and get the same look from his mother. As soon as Cody was done, he was out the door again. About that time, Faith came downstairs.
"Jack is looking better." Faith said. "I still want him to rest and not be up, but his breathing has improved since this morning and I think he turned a corner. Pneumonia is still a possibility, but I am hoping that he just overdid it yesterday. I also don't think the cool weather outside helped. He needs to stay inside and stay warm."
"That is good." Abigail said. "Want a bite to eat while you have a moment?"
"Sure." Faith said. "I didn't have much this morning."
"Faith." Dee said.
"Yes." Faith said.
"You don't have to do it right now." Dee said. "But my father needs a report of Jack's injuries and what happened as best as you know. I have been tasked with making sure that all the reports are compiled. If you could get that to me as soon as you have a chance to write it up, that would be great. I also know that there are more injured coming in, but I thought I would let you know."
"I will try to work on that." Faith said. "As busy as I have been, I have been trying to keep up on notes for files. Is there anything else that you need?"
"A general list of injuries that you treated." Dee said.
"I will see what I can do." Faith said. "Want me to leave it at the jail for you when I get them done?"
"That would be great." Dee said.
"I will work on those after we see what comes in from Rock Creek." Faith said.
"No rush." Dee said. "I am going to head up and talk to Jack and Beth for a moment. I will be around when the group gets back from Rock Creek."
Dee headed upstairs. He needed to let Elizabeth know that he had received word from her Uncle Henry and she was able to use whatever money she wanted, she just needed to let him know. Dee also wanted to talk to her about possibly using the money to help get some basic furniture for the apartments. At least a bed, table and chairs for each. That way they could get a family to settle in them without worry. He also wanted to see Jack. Other than the few moments that he had seen him the day before outside, Dee hadn't seen Jack. He knocked on the door.
"Can we talk?" Dee said.
"Sure come in." Elizabeth said. "Who do you need to talk to?"
"Well." Dee said. "You, but Jack might be interested."
"What is going on?" Elizabeth asked.
"Well." Dee said. "First, I am glad that you are feeling better, Jack. I heard a bit from Faith and don't have more details then you had some breathing problems this morning. Second, I got word from your Uncle Henry, Beth."
"I just over did it, yesterday." Jack said. "I shouldn't have gone out. My breathing was a little off this morning, but you're right it is better. Faith was concerned and was thinking of sending me to Union City if I hadn't improved. Glad that I am doing better. What did Uncle Henry have to say?"
"He is not telling you everything." Elizabeth said. "Not only was his breathing off, but the bruising was worse as well. Faith and Abigail ended up wrapping his torso this morning to try and help. We need to keep an eye on the bruising, but Faith did say his breathing was better. He hurt his shoulder and ribs when he was thrown from Sergeant. He tries to play Mr Tough, but he can't fool me, I know that he has been in pain."
"Henry was glad you asked for his help." Dee said. "He said that the money is basically yours to do what you want with. Right now, you just need to let him know how much and where to send it. He is also sending paperwork for you to sign and send back to him so that you will have direct access to the fund if and when you need it. He didn't give me a timeline on the paperwork. I am assuming that if he doesn't have it already drawn up, it will take a few more days. I was also thinking about something else."
"What?" Elizabeth asked. "Sit, so I have to crane my neck to look at you."
Dee grabbed a chair and sat straddling it.
"Well." Dee said. "There are four apartments, we have some of the children and mothers cleaning them. But they need paint and there are a couple of windows that need fixing. The problem is that there is no furniture. Dad already ordered the paint and window panes. I was hoping to get families settled, but they have nothing."
"First, talk to Lee and then to Adam Miller." Jack said. "Adam is a whiz with designs and creating things. I know that he made all the furniture for their house. He also was the one that drew up the plans for the bookshelves that we made for Elizabeth at Christmas. I also think that Lee has another guy working for him that is handy with things like that."
"After that." Elizabeth said. "Order what you need – paint, windows, stove and icebox, whatever. I have it covered. Let Abigail know that she will be able to rent them as furnished apartments. Also send a message to Uncle Henry and tell him to send the money to Hope Valley as soon as possible or have him billed for the things you order. Just let him and I know either way. If you are ordering and billing him, just use his name and Thatcher Industries if needed."
"How much?" Dee asked.
"Whatever we figured for Faith plus the supplies for the apartments." Elizabeth said. "Then double it. That should be enough to do what we need for now. Order what you need and have him send the rest to me here."
"Bella." Jack said. "Are you sure? That is a lot of money."
"Very sure." Elizabeth said. "It is barely anything."
Jack and Dee just looked at each other and shook their heads. Jack didn't understand that Elizabeth was set to inherit several million dollars and that didn't include the money from her parents or any of the jewelry, investments or property. That was just cash in the bank from her uncle. Dee knew that Beth's Uncle Henry was wealthy, but he didn't know how wealthy he was. Dee got up and hugged Elizabeth and shook Jack's hand. He then left them to rest. He wanted to get the messages out to Hamilton and Toronto. He also wanted to be ready when the stagecoach and the group from Rock Creek arrived. After Dee left, Jack just looked at Elizabeth and shook his head.
"You didn't have to do that." Jack said. "We would have found a way."
"It is fine Jack." Elizabeth said. "It is something that I can do to help and the need is right here, right now. End of discussion. There is plenty of money for us. This is coming from a fund that is dedicated to charity. I know that there is more than enough money in that fund for what we need. Uncle Henry won't care. He has to spend a certain amount of it each quarter so might as well help where it is needed."
Jack just shook his head. He knew that Elizabeth had access to money, but to have a fund set aside just for charity was something that Jack wouldn't even wrap his head around. Elizabeth looked at the perplexed look on Jack's face and smiled. She leaned over and gave him a kiss. He kissed her back and then he rested his hand on her stomach. Jack couldn't wait to see Elizabeth pregnant. He knew that she was pregnant, but she didn't look pregnant and that was what he wanted. He wanted to draw her carrying their children. Jack was also excited for when he would be able to feel the baby kick. Jack knew that it would be some time, but he was excited about everything and was glad that he would be there to experience things with Elizabeth. He just hoped that they would all be healthy.
"You know we are going to have to tell people eventually." Jack said.
"I know." Elizabeth said. "Let's see if we can tell your mother and I want to tell Abigail. Then I don't care who knows. I just want to be able to tell them first. It won't take long for the entire town to know. Honestly, I just want to keep it between family for now. I also don't know what to do about telling my family. Given the way that they have been, I am not sure I want to just now."
"Agreed." Jack said. "Let's try to do that today or tomorrow. Today, it sounds like it might be a little busy, but we will have to see. As far as your family, they will have to know at some point, but I will leave that to you. I will trust your judgment when it comes to telling them. The only thing that I am going to say is that I suggest that you tell them before they find out from someone else."
"Okay." Elizabeth said. "Are you sure you are feeling better?"
"Yes." Jack said. "I am hungry, but I am feeling better."
"How about I head down and bring us back some food." Elizabeth said.
"Sounds like a plan." Jack said.
Elizabeth headed downstairs to get them some lunch and to let Abigail know that she wanted to talk to her later when she was able. When Elizabeth got downstairs, Abigail was busy, so she just made their lunch and headed back upstairs. She figured that she would be able to catch Abigail later. Elizabeth didn't like that Jack had been injured, but she was enjoying their time together.
