Chapter 79 – Another Trying Day (long)
Wednesday dawned crisp and bright. Despite being an early riser, Charlotte had trouble waking that morning. She was feeling the weight of everything that had happened over the previous few days. She hadn't remembered feeling that exhausted since she had lost her husband all those years ago. She took a few extra minutes before she dressed and climbed from the tent. She headed around the side of the house first and then was headed inside.
Dee was already in the kitchen when he saw Charlotte head to the back of the house. He wanted to make sure the coffee was ready before he woke his father. Dee knew that with everything that had happened it had taken its toll on his father and he wondered if it was starting to take a toll on Charlotte as well. As much as she tried to pretend that she was invincible, she was human. Seeing death and destruction takes its toll on anyone, even him. He knew they had a few hard days ahead, but he did what he could to remain grounded. Dee was even going to ask Jack if he could play his guitar, since he hadn't brought his guitar this time. Dee had seen the case, but even though he had picked out the guitar, he had never seen it close up.
There was a part of Dee that was itching to play the guitar that he had found for Jack partly because it was a beautiful instrument and partly because he wondered if it sounded differently being a higher end guitar. Even Dee hadn't ever had one that nice. He was just glad that he had been able to find one. What Dee didn't know was that it was exactly like the one that Jack's father had given him. All that Dee knew was that it was the same brand and within the years that Jack would have gotten it.
Charlotte was surprised to see Dee when she entered through the backdoor. She quickly wiped her eyes, she didn't want him to see her tears. Dee did see them, but he wasn't going to say anything, he knew that she wouldn't have wanted that.
"Coffee?" Dee asked.
"Please and thank you." Charlotte said.
"How long do you plan on sticking around?" Dee asked.
"Not sure." Charlotte said. "I was thinking of asking you the same thing."
"I figured that Dad and I would be here at least until the end of the month." Dee said. "I know Dad wants to see that people are getting settled and/or back to work before we leave. He also wants to make sure that everything is going more smoothly before we leave. I know that we planned for two weeks. I have already wired my mother to have her send additional clothes on the train. All we have is one set of casual clothes and our uniforms."
"I think I will stick around for a while." Charlotte said. "I think Jack and Elizabeth will need some help. It is going to take Jack some time to recover and I assume Elizabeth is going to need some help as well."
"I agree." Wynn said as he walked into the kitchen. "Just so you know, Dee and I know about Elizabeth. We are thrilled. Thank you for thinking about the clothes Dee. I was thinking that if we were staying that we would need things. I know that we can do laundry, but it would be nice to have something other than a uniform to wear."
"I am glad that she has some family." Charlotte said. "I also wanted to say thank you for all that you did for Tom in Hamilton in January."
"No problem." Wynn said. "Tom did the hard part as well as Jack and Elizabeth. I was just there to make sure everyone was fine."
"Have you heard from him?" Dee asked.
"He sent me a wire to let me know that he arrived in Port McNeil." Charlotte said. "But nothing since. I am going to assume that no news is good news. I just hope that he takes this opportunity to straighten his life out. He usually only contacts me when he needs something, so I am not worried."
"I am as well." Wynn said. "As far as I know, he has had no further dealings with any Mounties since I put him on that train. I have left word for the Mountie office in Port McNeil that if he does get into trouble, they are to contact me as well as Jack."
"Again, thank you for all that you have done." Charlotte said.
"Either you want some breakfast or should we just head into town?" Dee asked.
"Is there something that you can make?" Wynn asked.
"I think that there are eggs and a few slices of bread left." Dee said.
"Let's use up what is here so it doesn't go to waste." Wynn said. "We can always pick up a few more things."
Dee started pulling out the things to make breakfast for the three of them.
"Charlotte." Wynn said. "I still feel bad about you sleeping outside. Dee and I can bunk at jail or in the mining office and you can stay here."
"It is fine." Charlotte said. "I like the quiet and fresh air."
"As long as you are sure." Wynn said.
"I am." Charlotte said. "I will let you know if that changes."
"I will hold you to that." Wynn said.
Wynn and Charlotte continued to talk about what still needed to be done while Dee made breakfast.
"You are going to make a young lady very lucky one day." Charlotte said. "Handsome Mountie who can cook. I am surprised that you don't have a line of young women."
Dee blushed and it didn't go unnoticed by either Charlotte or his dad.
"Oh, by the look of your face." Charlotte said. "I think that there is a special young lady."
"He is sweet on a young waitress where we like to go." Wynn said. "I think she likes him as well, but Dee hasn't asked her out."
"Dad!" Dee hissed.
"What?" Wynn said. "I haven't said anything that is untrue."
"A piece of advice." Charlotte said. "Don't wait too long. What is the worst that happens? She says no. Then at least you know how she feels one way or the other."
Dee didn't say anything, he just finished making their breakfast. He put a plate in front of each of his dad and Charlotte before grabbing his own. Wynn said a quick prayer and the three ate in silence. They all knew that there were things that needed to be done and wasting time talking wasn't helpful when there was work. Charlotte let them know that she would do the dishes and then join them at the cafe. With that, Dee and Wynn headed out and left Charlotte at the row house. Wynn figured that if she wanted a few minutes to herself and he was more then willing to let her have that if she needed it.
Wynn and Dee arrived at the cafe to find it a bustle of activity. Not only were they trying to feed the people from the settlement, the regular lumberjacks had come in since they were heading back to work. Dee immediately took his serge off and headed to the kitchen to help. He wasn't above rolling up his sleeves and helping, especially after the conversation that they had last night. He saw that Abigail needed help and he also knew that his dad was in a bit of a mood.
"What do you need?" Dee asked.
Clara looked at him and shrugged. Mary Graves walked back into the kitchen and looked at Dee. She tried not to show it, but she was frustrated.
"Give me a minute and I will get you a plate." Mary said.
"No." Dee said. "I am here to help."
Mary breathed a sigh of relief. It wasn't that she minded feeding the Mounties, but they were getting slammed and she needed a break.
"In that case, would you mind bringing in some wood and heating water for dishes?" Mary asked.
"On it." Dee said.
Dee stepped outside and brought in a couple arm loads of wood. He then took the large pot and pumped water to heat the dishes. He then went to the sink and started sorting things so he could wash dishes. Before long, Abigail came downstairs with a tray from Jack and Elizabeth.
"Dee you don't have to do that." Abigail said.
"No problem." Dee said. "I am here to help. You guys look like you have your hands full."
"Well, thank you." Abigail said.
Dee went back to the dishes while Abigail cooked and Clara and Mary handled everything else. When it finally slowed down, Abigail looked over at Dee. He had been doing dishes for over an hour and it didn't seem like he had made a dent, although she knew he had because they had used some of the dishes that he had first washed. Abigail felt bad about him doing her dishes, but she wasn't going to turn down the help. Finally, she walked over to the sink.
"We can finish if you want." Abigail said.
"I don't mind." Dee said. "Honestly Dad knows that I am here and would have sent for me if he needed. He was in a bit of a mood, so I figured that it was safer here."
"As long as you don't mind." Abigail said. "I will take the help."
"Well." Dee said. "It is going to cost you a batch of sugar cookies while I am here."
Abigail laughed and shook her head.
"I think I can handle that." Abigail said. "So what is this surprise that is coming for Wynn on Friday. Don't even try to lie to me. I saw that look in your eye. I am just wondering if there is anything that I can do to help."
Dee looked around and saw that they were the only ones there. He motioned for Abigail to come closer.
"Mom is coming to spend a few days." Dee whispered. "She wants to be together for Easter. I am also sure that she is looking forward to helping you in the kitchen again. I have gotten them a room at the saloon. I will continue to stay at the house unless Charlotte wants the bed."
"That will be good." Abigail said. "I promise I won't say anything to anyone."
After leaving Dee at the cafe, Wynn first headed to Abigail's office. He wanted to write up the charges that needed to be sent with Captain Taylor. It wasn't long and Bill joined Wynn in the office. He wanted to find out what the plan was before they did anything. Bill looked around and didn't see Dee, but figured that he was doing something for his dad. Bill kind of liked the kid and wondered why he didn't have a regular posting like most Mounties that had been out of the academy for a few years. He thought about asking, but then wondered if it was any of his business. He figured that either something happened or Wynn just liked having him close.
"Saw Taylor and MacDonald last night." Bill said. "I sent them to the mining office."
"Yeah." Wynn said. "Taylor stopped by here. How are you doing today?"
"Sleep helped." Bill said. "Just exhausted still. I think it is going to take a couple of days. I can't get the image of those kids out of my mind. What we found was pretty bad. I mean I have seen things as a Mountie, but that was bad."
"Don't push yourself." Wynn said. "There are plenty of people around to help. If you need to take a little time, please do so. Even Charlotte seemed upset yesterday and she needed a little bit of time this morning. I am sure that it has taken its toll on all of you. So please take the time if you need. Also please don't say anything to Charlotte. I tried to talk to her, but she didn't want to."
"Okay." Bill said. "I know about Charlotte. She was like that when Thomas died, and even before, but it was worse when he died. It was like she shut down emotionally. I know that she had to have dealt with it at some time, but I am sure it was where and when no one saw her. What is the plan?"
"We need to get Mullins taken care of first." Wynn said. "Then I have to send this stack of wires. There are graves that need to be dug and coffins made. We also need to arrange for the bodies from Rock Creek."
Wynn stopped and looked at Bill for a moment.
"How are you doing after what you said last night?" Wynn asked.
"I am fine." Bill huffed.
"Really?" Wynn said. "I don't think so, but I will let it go for now. You need to deal with things. At least it makes sense why you reacted the way you did at Christmas about Gowen. I don't care if you talk to me, Pastor Frank or someone else, but you need to talk to someone."
"Fine." Bill said. "But can we get through the next couple of days."
"I will give you until Monday." Wynn said. "Then I will push the issue."
Bill didn't say anything, but nodded to Wynn. Wynn went back to his paperwork.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Bill asked.
"Could you go over to Ned and get these wires out?" Wynn asked. "They are all ready and need to get out right away."
"That I can do." Bill said. "I will then make sure that Carver and Green are getting the graves dug. I think I may get a couple of the older boys to help. I will also contact Rock Creek."
"Thank you." Wynn said, handing Bill the wires to go out. "I am going to finish this and then get Mullins out of here."
"Sounds good." Bill said. "I will be at the jail after I get these done."
Wynn nodded and then Bill left. As he was heading down the steps, he saw the five Mounties. He headed their way. Bill knew he could at least get the five of them going on things. He knew that it would help to have them ready. He also knew that there were tasks that needed to be done and he wanted everyone to know what needed to be done. Since Jack was injured, Bill was going to make sure that everything was done as Jack would have wanted.
"Joe." Bill said. "Full rounds haven't been ridden for a while. Will you please do that and make a note in the log? Check the river and out laying farmers, see if they need anything. I know that Jack would normally check on those that didn't come in for services, but since we didn't have regular services, please make sure that everyone is okay. Let people know that the mercantile is open and things are getting back to normal around here. Also if people ask about school, tell them Monday unless they hear otherwise. Take your gear and be safe. When you are done, please check in at the cemetery and see if they need help out there."
"I will." Joe said.
Joe turned and headed to the mining office to grab his things and then he would leave. Bill turned to Carver and Green.
"Carver and Green." Bill said. "Wynn wants you to make sure that the graves are dug and the coffins are ready for tomorrow. Talk to the Pastor, he has the plan. When I get a chance, I will send some of the older boys out to help you. Sounds like we are going to try and put families together."
"Thank you." Green said. "We were just going to grab some canteens and head out."
"Captain Taylor." Bill said. "Nice to meet you. Bill Avery, Sheriff of Hope Valley and retired RNWMP."
"Nice to meet you." Taylor said. "Any idea why we are here?"
"You will be taking a prisoner to Calgary." Bill said. "Wynn is just finishing writing out the charges and transfer papers."
"Wynn?" MacDonald asked.
Bill let out a little laugh and shook his head.
"Sorry." Bill said. "Deputy Commissioner Delaney. We are a little less formal around here and he and I go way back to when we were both patrol Mounties."
"Okay." MacDonald said. "As long as that works for you, I think I will stick with Sir."
"Get your horses ready and then bring your things to the jail." Bill said. "We should be ready to go by the time that you get back."
Bill watched as the men did what they were told. He then headed to the mercantile to send the wires for Wynn and check if there were any messages. He also sent a message to Rock Creek to have them bring the bodies to Hope Valley for burial. After leaving the mercantile with no new messages, Bill headed back to the jail. He stopped when he got to the steps. He realized that Mullins hadn't eaten and he should at least get him some breakfast. Bill ended up heading to the cafe. When he walked in he saw Dee doing dishes.
"Mary." Bill said. "I need breakfast for the prisoner?"
"Here let me." Dee said, wiping his hands.
"Thank you." Mary said. "There are biscuits and some fried ham."
Dee quickly fixed the plate for Mullins and handed it to Bill.
"Avoiding people?" Bill asked.
"Nope." Dee said with a smile. "Just helping where they need."
"Okay." Bill said, shaking his head.
Bill left to feed his prisoner and Dee went back to his dishes. Dee would end up working on dishes for another half an hour before he was needed elsewhere, but he didn't mind. At least he felt like he was helping and he didn't mind washing dishes. It was something that didn't require him to do a lot of thinking and that was what he needed at the moment. Dee also knew that he needed to talk to Jack and work on things for his dad, but needed to clear his head and unlike Jack, he didn't like chopping wood. He was good at it, but he didn't necessarily like doing it.
