Chapter 83 – Next Steps in Moving Forward
After Lee left, Abigail looked at the three men sitting in her office. She once again took a deep breath and said a quick prayer.
"A lot has happened in the last few days." Abigail said. "I think that we all need to be on the same page. Dee, can you take notes so we can fill Jack in later and I can also address the council."
"Of course." Dee said.
"First of all." Abigail said. "I have looked over the books again and checked a few other things. As far as I can tell there are no other entries that I am questioning other than the two names that I am not familiar with that I spoke about last night. I have also briefly spoken to Jenkins and as far as I can tell he is being honest. I didn't go into detail, but I asked for the town ledgers that he keeps and he handed them over, although he seemed surprised. I told him that I was trying to get a better handle on things and comparing books to make sure I hadn't missed something. That said, I will wait until the auditors have looked over things again.
I also think that you guys need to speak to Dottie Ramsey again. I think that she knew more about what her husband and Gowen were up to. I don't want to get her in trouble, but I think that she may be able to point us in a direction that we haven't thought about. Don't feel bad about pressing her, I know that she knows more than she is saying. She is not stupid and I know for a fact that she has a wonderful memory. She spent hours in the cafe listening to people and she also spent hours helping Gowen. We need to get out ahead of whatever is going on."
"I agree." Bill said.
"We also need to talk to all the people of the Silverton settlement." Abigail said. "We need to learn what they know. Maybe Joe and the other Mounties can help with that I don't know. I will leave that to you. I also think that we need to talk to Andy again and see if there is anything else that he knows. I just don't want to be caught by surprise again. Too much has happened and I think there are pieces missing to the puzzle. I don't think we have the whole picture and that is what is bothering me the most. That being said, we also need to start getting back to normal around here and that is going to start with the funeral tomorrow and getting people settled and back to work. Don't get me wrong, I love having you here Wynn, but I think that we need to find a routine."
"Thank you Abigail." Wynn said. "I will be here as long as you need, but I agree with getting back to normal. I have decided that I will be sending Carver and Green back tomorrow after the funeral. I believe that Constable Jacobs should be here anytime. He may be staying for a few days, but then he will be heading to Benson Hills. McGinty will be here for a couple of weeks as Jack recovers. I have additional plans for later, but I am not willing to share at the moment."
Bill looked at Dee and then Wynn.
"We will talk later?" Bill questioned.
"Yes we will." Wynn said. "Now as far as getting people settled, I think that the best thing that we can do is let people know their options and then it is up to them. We have the list of men that will be released to work. I have also asked that Faith speak to the men that she is releasing so that they know that they are able to return to work for Andy on Friday if they want. I am arranging for the man with a broken leg to be moved to Union City. I also suggest that maybe today, we start to get the men that will be staying in Gowen's house settled. That will get people out of the infirmary and tents I think. We can set up cots at the house if there are not enough beds.
Of the list of men that are too injured to be released, one is married with an infant and the other is a new widower with a six year old daughter. For now, I would like to get the seven other single men into the house. I believe that we were going to offer an apartment to the one with an infant since it appears that he and his wife have patched things up. We haven't figured anything out for the other man, but I don't see why he can't be in the house with his daughter if he wants. The next thing will be to get people out of the saloon and schoolhouse, but I have a feeling with people heading back to work on Friday it won't be a problem. I think we will then use the tents until housing is ready."
"That sounds good." Abigail said. "What are we going to do about rent for those we have housing for?"
"How much is the rent?" Wynn asked.
"The apartments would be seven dollars a month." Abigail said. "The row house would be ten."
"What about the cabins?" Dee asked.
"I would have to look." Abigail said. "Since I haven't had to rent one of those, I don't know off the top of my head. I would assume they would be similar to the row houses."
Dee could see his dad thinking, it was almost like Dee could read what he was thinking.
"Dad." Dee said. "Are you sure?"
"Yes." Wynn said. "Abigail, the first month on the apartments and row houses is covered. After that, offer the people two months at half price and then it goes to the regular price. That will give them a chance to get back on their feet."
"Wynn." Abigail said. "You don't have to do that. We would have figured something out."
"It is fine." Wynn said. "People don't need to know where the money came from, but it will help everyone and the town will get the money that it needs. Does that proposal sound fair?"
"I think Wynn is right." Bill said. "We want to help these people, we need to give them a chance to get on their feet. Who knows how many people are going to take you up on the offer and stay."
"Deal." Abigail said. "Dee, I am going to need you to type up some rental contracts. We will write in the names and amounts afterwards."
"No problem." Dee said. "I will get right on that. Two copies of each, right."
"Yes." Abigail said. "Talk to the newspaper, I think that they might have a mimeograph that you can use. Mrs Bickley works in the office over there most days. If not, try her house. Bill can let you know where it is. If there is a fee, please let me know and I will deal with it. I think it would be easier for you then to have to type that many copies."
"Not a problem." Dee said. "I will get a basic contract typed up and make a bunch of copies. That way you can use it for the row houses or apartments in the future. I will even leave it basic enough that it could be used for the cabins or other buildings in town."
"Thank you." Abigail said. "If you have other things to do, I have hired Laurel Miller for specific projects. She types very well. You might also ask some of the women from Silverton if they are any good at typing."
"I will let you know." Dee said. "I saw that there was some other typing that you had set aside."
"Yes, I was going to talk to you about those." Abigail said.
"I have it." Dee said. "I will let you know what is going on. At least it is one thing that I can take off your plate. Besides, I am here and it is something that I can do and do well."
"Alright." Wynn said. "We have dealt with housing and getting people settled as much as we can, it will be up to people to decide what they want. I have heard back and the auditors from Ottawa should be here by the end of the month. Given what has happened, they felt it best to send someone completely removed from the providence. I have no idea who is coming or what will happen. I will try to help as much as I can. But for now, I say that we move forward as normal. We will work on trying to get more information, but I just hope that there are no more surprises in the works. Is there anything else that we need to talk about?"
Before anyone could answer there was a knock at the door. Bill looked over to see McGinty and he waved him in.
"Was there something that you needed?" Wynn asked.
"Yes, Sir." McGinty said. "May I come sit?"
Wynn motioned for him to join them at the table.
"Thank you, Sir." McGinty said. "First, while I was on rounds, I noticed a number of trees down while I was out. I have talked to Lee and he is going to have men clear them, leaving them near the clearing for firewood for people. He is also going to have the men cut them into manageable pieces to be split. I figured that if all else fails, we could get some men to split it and stack it here in town for the jail, infirmary, schoolhouse and/or cafe. The people that you are trying to get settled will also need firewood at some point.
Second, I have sent a few men with a wagon back out toward the settlement. I saw some debris after the water receded. Not sure what was all there, but I figured it was best to gather it and see if anything is salvageable. Also, Hickum has men helping with the graves and coffins. They are almost ready at the cemetery, we are just waiting on the wagon with the bodies from Rock Creek."
"How did the river look?" Bill asked.
"Based on what it was before when I was here." McGinty said. "It looks pretty good. It is still flowing at a good rate, but it is well within its banks. High in spots, but nothing to worry about at this time. I would continue to watch for debris or a lot of rain. I have again warned the children to stay away from the river because it is still dangerous.
I talk to many of the outlying farmers and they are doing well. Many were dealing with water and downed trees, but nothing that they didn't expect. Roads and trails are looking pretty good. Still muddy in a few spots, but nothing to worry about. I have noted those and also let people know. Nothing else of note on rounds. I have made notes in the log and will type up a full report of what I have done. I have other reports that need to be typed. Bill, may I use the typewriter at the jail?"
"Thank you." Bill said. "Please type what you need. The jail typewriter is property of the Mounties."
"McGinty." Wynn said. "I am sure that you might have heard or figured it out, but you will staying here, at least until the end of the month. I am sending Carver and Green back tomorrow after the funeral."
"Thank you, Sir." McGinty said. "As long as Bill here doesn't mind, I will move my stuff over to the jail then. What are we going to do with the supplies still at the office? I know that Andy rented it."
"I was thinking that after we get the men settled back at Gowen's." Abigail said. "We could see about putting things back there. I don't know where else we can really store things. How much is left over there?"
"Can I make a suggestion?" McGinty asked.
"What are you thinking?" Bill asked.
"Since you have people here to help build." McGinty said. "I would suggest that you add a good size storage room off the back of the infirmary. There is room and that way things can be stored long term. I assume that the cots, blankets and tents are going to be staying here for a while. With it at the infirmary, it would also be close to the Mountie office if we needed it in the future. That way you could use the house more for people. Also with the infirmary being town property, it would make sense that the storeroom go there. It really is the perfect location."
"Good idea." Abigail said. "Please go talk to Lee and Hickum about it. I agree that it would be a good place to store things. It would also be a logical place. A good size storage room with shelves. I don't want things on the floor if we can help it. There are a couple of other buildings here in town, but I don't think that I want to start using them if we might be getting new businesses."
"Good plan, Abigail." Wynn said. "McGinty, make it happen. Is there anything else?'"
"No." McGinty said. "I just figured that you would want an update as soon as possible. It appears that despite the disruption this morning, everyone seems to be going about what needs to be done. I will be over helping the men if I am needed. I also assume I am on regular rounds until told otherwise. I will make sure that they are done and notes made. If there is anything that needs attention I will be sure to let you know."
"Thank you." Bill said. "Yes, on rounds."
"Dismissed." Wynn said.
McGinty quickly got up, saluted, and left the office to do what he needed.
"See, no need to worry." Wynn said. "People are doing what they are supposed to and things are getting done. I think that we are just about done here, so let's all get back to what we need to do. What time did you want to call a meeting, Abigail?"
"I was thinking about 4pm." Abigail said. "I might just blow the whistle. It won't take long to let people know what is going on."
"Let me know if there is anything you need." Bill said. "I will spread the word about the meeting. I think I am going to go check on the men."
"We will be here doing paperwork." Wynn said. "At some point we need to start talking to the people from the settlement and also sit down with Andy again."
"I will start talking to people." Bill said. "Maybe we can talk to Dottie together later and sit down with Andy this evening or before the funeral tomorrow. We have a good direction right now, but I know that there is more that needs to be done. I also know that you need more information."
"Sounds good." Wynn said.
Just as Bill was leaving, Clara came up the steps carrying a basket. She knocked and entered the office.
"I made you all some sandwiches." Clara said. "The cafe has been busy, but Mona Weaver and Ann Grady both came to help out. I figured that you were all working. Here, I need to get back."
"Are you sure?" Abigail asked. "I can come help."
"No, stay." Clara said. "We got it. You need to deal with things. Pastor Frank said that you were busy and needed us to help a little more for a few days."
"Thank you." Abigail said. "I will be over later."
Just as quickly as she appeared, Clara was gone from the office. Abigail, Dee and Wynn all worked on their paperwork as they ate. As much as they wanted to be out doing something and directly helping the people, they all knew that the paperwork was more important. Each also knew that there was no one else that was able to do the paperwork in front of them. That was especially true for Wynn and Abigail. As much as the two of them hated paperwork, it was what seemed to consume their days. Abigail knew that it wouldn't always be that way, but at the moment paperwork was what needed her attention. Until she got a better handle on things and people were settled and into a routine it was what she had to do.
Wynn on the other hand was going over every piece of paper that he had received as well as all the notes that Dee had taken. He needed to get a better handle on what was going on. He knew that Abigail was right and they were missing pieces of the puzzle and he wanted to figure out what they were. No, Wynn needed to figure it out. He had said that he was there to help and that was what he was determined to do. He knew that if he could get out ahead of the Gowen mess, it would lighten Abigail's load.
While Abigail, Dee and Wynn were stuck inside dealing with a mountain of paperwork, the other people of Hope Valley were busy. Under the direction of the Mounties and Lee, the men were able to get the graves dug and all the coffins ready. That afternoon, they were also able to get the four apartments ready once furniture and things arrived. They started on a good sized storage shed off the back of the infirmary. The women pooled their resources and worked on laundry for the injured and those from the settlements. Wyatt Weaver found Pastor Frank and was able to get a couple more books to read. He was enjoying having time to read, although he felt bad about not working. Pastor Frank reassured him that he was entitled to free time, since many of the men wouldn't be heading back to work until Friday.
With the help of some of the women, Faith was able to get the seven men settled in Gowen's old house. She left Mr St Germain and his daughter in a tent for the time being. Roy Hall, his wife and infant son were also in a tent for the time. Faith wasn't happy about it, but realized that it was getting warmer and wouldn't be so bad. She also remembered that Wynn had said that those with children would have priority on housing. The only man left in the infirmary was the man with the broken leg and he was going to be moved in the next day or two to Union City.
By the time that Abigail finished her paperwork and stepped out of her office that afternoon, the mood around Hope Valley was different. There was an air of hopefulness. Yes, there was still the sadness that came with the funeral the next day, but in general it felt different. The last number of days it seemed that there was a darkness hanging over Hope Valley and it was starting to take a toll on everyone. What Abigail saw when she stepped out of her office that afternoon, were children laughing and playing in the street. She saw people going in and out of shops. She saw people talking and going about their business. The other thing that Abigail noticed was the smell of sawdust and the sound of building. It was something that she knew they would have for some time to come and it was a welcome addition.
