Chapter 99 – Explaining Things (short)

Wynn knew that Dee would still be over at Abigail's office working. He was also sure that Bill was bursting with questions. Wynn wasn't sure that Bill was going to be able to wait to get his questions answered, but if Wynn knew anything, Jacobs wasn't going to make it easy for Bill to get information out of him. The three men walked in silence. Bill was forming a long list of questions, but wasn't sure that he was going to get the answers that he wanted. One of Bill's first questions was how Jacobs knew so much about people and his second was how he was still just a constable and hadn't risen in the ranks to a higher position. Dee looked up as the three men entered the office.

"Is everything alright?" Dee asked. "Do you want me to leave?"

Wynn looked to Jacobs, who just shook his head slightly. Wynn was going to let Jacobs run this meeting because of what he had said at the jail. If he wasn't comfortable with Dee being there, then Wynn was going to respect that. Wynn was also glad that Jacobs had Dee stay. He knew that Dee would be able to pick up on different things as well as take good notes of what they talk about.

"Stay for now." Wynn said. "I may have you go relieve McGinty if we are here long. He wants to do rounds and check a few things. We have things that we need to talk about, so I want you to take notes right now."

Dee nodded. He also wondered if his dad had forgotten about supper with Jack and Elizabeth since they were at the house. Before Dee could say anything, Jacobs spoke up.

"Sir." Jacobs said. "I know about you as well. I know that you are Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton's uncle. Your wife is the sister of William Thatcher. I didn't say anything, because I don't think that loud mouth Monclair needed to know if he doesn't already."

Wynn motioned for the men to all sit. Bill put a pot of coffee on before taking a seat.

"Thank you for that." Wynn said. "Jack and Beth have requested that this piece of information not be released. Yes, I was here for Jack and Beth's wedding and most of the town knows that I am her uncle, but they also respect her desire for privacy. I am not sure they know how we are related, other than Beth introduced us as her aunt and uncle to people. She didn't explain anymore as far as I know. I know that she hasn't shared much about her past – at least specifics with people.

Those in town, with few exceptions, don't know the extent of Elizabeth's wealth and we will keep it that way. We aren't lying to them, but Beth doesn't want to be treated differently. Most people know that she grew up back East in a well to do family and that is okay. She has truly made friends here and wants them to continue to be her friend because of who she is and not what she can give them. We most definitely don't let other Mounties know. Jack doesn't want to be treated differently either. I doubt that most of the Superintendents know, especially given that my wife and I don't spend a lot of time with her family. Jack and Beth being the exception to that.

If Jack and Beth want to share information with people, then that is up to them, but I know that Beth wants nothing more than to have privacy. That is part of the reason that she left Hamilton. She wanted to go somewhere where she could make a difference and not have to worry about what people wanted from her because of who her father was."

"Understood, Sir." Jacobs said. "I understand that, given who my grandfather is. I won't say anything and I will squash any rumors that I hear. As you have figured out, I have no time for spoiled brats, especially ones who think that because their parents or grandparents have money that they can do whatever they want. I know that Mrs Thornton is not that way, because if she was, she would have never made it in this town. I may not have been here long, but I know how small towns work. Granted this town seems different, but I am sure that there are still people that like to gossip."

"You are correct." Bill said. "Elizabeth is one of the most kind and generous people that you will ever meet. She is an excellent teacher and the children adore her. You are also right that there are gossips who would like nothing better than to talk about others. Hope Valley is also different in that it takes care of people. We are still careful what we share with people."

"I knew I was right in recalling you." Wynn said. "I am just sorry that you have had to deal with this just as you arrived."

"No problem." Jacobs said. "It was my pleasure to put those three in their place and an even greater pleasure to be there to protect Mrs Thornton after all Jack has done for the Mounties. I have to ask, are the stories about him true? I mean I even heard stories all the way up in Fort St. John."

"Depends on what you have heard." Bill said.

"Tolliver gang, Garrison gang, Swenson Twins." Jacobs said. "Not to mention rescuing the granddaughters of thee Andrew Russell. And then there was something about a shootout with armed bank robbers in Fort Garry. Not even mentioning the achievements at the academy. I will say that even though they have not been married long, the Thornton love story is legendary among the Mounties. He rides in, rescues her from outlaws, and then they fall in love. Like I said stuff of legends."

"Well, then." Bill said. "I think most of what you heard was true."

"I look forward to meeting him." Jacobs said.

"I have a million questions." Bill said. "But first, let's get down to business. What are you suggesting for those three sitting in my jail? And yes, I say my jail because my other title other than Inspector is Sheriff of Hope Valley."

"Good." Jacobs said. "I look forward to working with you since I will be in Benson Hills."

"Yes, you will." Wynn said. "More about that later. Now what are you thinking?"

"First." Jacobs said. "Monclair faces the maximum, that boy has had more than enough chances."

"I agree." Wynn said. "We will have to contact Union City about transporting him back to Hamilton. I will be sending along a detailed letter."

"Union City will be here tomorrow." Dee said. "Also here is a draft of a letter to send along to Superintendent Anderson and a second to the Commissioner."

Wynn looked at Dee and once again thanked God that he was there. He knew having Dee around made things easier. He knew that Dee was able to anticipate things that he needed and get them done without having to be asked.

"Did you tell Union City how many they were going to be transporting?" Wynn asked.

"One to three." Dee said. "I told them to bring the covered transport wagon and at least half a Regiment."

"Good." Wynn said. "What about the other two, Jacobs."

"For Mr Kensington." Jacobs said. "What I am proposing is that he stay away from Corporal and Mrs Thornton. He is not to contact them or seek them out. If he does that, we just hold on to the reports and evidence until the statute of limitations runs out in three years for the attempted kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. If he can behave and not cause trouble in that time, the reports get filed away and nothing happens. If not, it comes back on him full force. Additionally, he is to never refer to Mrs Thornton as his again."

"Do you think he will agree?" Bill asked. "Because, apparently Jack arresting him and me, threatening him if he ever went near Elizabeth again, did nothing."

"Oh, I know he will." Jacobs said. "Because at this point it is going to be about saving face and his own butt. I think he is worried about what else I know about him, which by the way is a lot. Nothing illegal that I can prove, but he likes to flirt with that line. I am sure that the last thing that he wants is a full on investigation into his life or that of his father's. Which I am fully ready to launch if he continues to cause trouble. I already know that my uncle has had a private investigator look into the Kensingtons regarding another matter with one of his clients. I am privy to some of that information, but nothing that I can share at the moment. I would have to talk to my uncle and get his permission."

Wynn just gave Jacobs a look and Dee made a quick note, otherwise the matter was dropped. Dee knew that his dad was going to have someone look into the Kensingtons no matter what happened the next day. He was just glad that it wasn't going to be his job to do that.

"And William Thatcher?" Wynn asked.

"At a minimum." Jacobs said. "He will have to agree to not alter any papers when it comes to Hamilton Shipping or Thatcher Industries in reference to Elizabeth and what she is entitled to. He will also have to agree to let her live her life. He will be allowed to contact her, but he can't demand anything of her. He will also need to agree to stop trying to ruin her marriage and pushing other men on her. I also suggest a conversation with Corporal and Mrs Thornton to see if that is acceptable or if there are things that they want in place. If William Thatcher fails to agree to the stipulations, then he can face a judge and explain why he did what he did."

"I agree." Wynn said. "I also think we let him know that the reports will be held for the three year statute of limitations. If he violates the agreement, the charges will be filed and he can deal with the consequences."

"Sounds like a plan." Bill said. "I highly doubt that they will agree to them, but good luck. From what I know, William Thatcher is not one that likes to be told what to do."

"Hey well." Jacobs said. "I have another card I can play if that is the route that he chooses to go and I know that he will not want me to play that card."

"Care to share?" Bill asked.

"I will share a little bit." Jacobs said. "But you must understand that if anything I say in this room gets repeated, I will not be happy."

Jacobs adds a scary teacher stare at Bill just to further his point.

"O–kayyyyy." Bill said.

"I have a completely legal way to make William Thatcher understand that he needs to back off." Jacobs said. "I was truthful when I said I didn't know the finer points of Conrad Thatcher's will or the papers of Thatcher Industries. I do however know who wrote them and have a general idea about what would be in there. I am pretty certain that there is a clause in there that allows one of the heirs to assert control of the company once they are married. From my understanding, Elizabeth would be the person that could do that, since neither of her sisters are married. I also fully understand why she would hesitate to do so. However, if that clause is in there, there would be a way to assert control and still live her life as she wants."

Wynn looked over at Dee and Dee caught what was going on, he knew that his dad wanted notes to send to Andrew. Maybe there was something that Jacobs was going to tell them that none of them might have thought about. Wynn was most interested, it wasn't that he wanted to see his brother-in-law lose his business, but he knew how much that Elizabeth wanted if there was a way to not be so involved. Wynn also knew that he was going to have to talk to Andrew and maybe Jacobs again before they presented something to Jack and Elizabeth, but at least Wynn had hope that things could work out for Elizabeth.

"I am listening." Wynn said.

"Without having the documents in front of me and knowing exactly what they say." Jacobs said. "I can only give you a general answer and can't be specific. That said, she could assert control of the company, but not be listed in other than official legal documents. She could also name a third person or persons to control the company for her. Say if she wants to maintain her privacy and not have to deal with day to day things of the company. She names a person or persons who are in control and they report to her and her alone. They would have the ability to speak on behalf of and represent the company in all matters legal and financial.

They would basically be the public face of the company and handle all the day to day things. We could petition a judge to seal the papers of Hamilton Shipping and Thatcher Industries citing safety concerns if the identities of Corporal Thornton and his wife were to get out. I could easily convince a judge to go along with that. If that were the case, there would be a gag order in place and the people that knew that Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton had control of the company would not be allowed to speak of it without penalty. This would include government officials. She would have control of the company, but would be able to live her life as she wanted with the exception of having to receive reports of the company and attend an annual board meeting."

"Is that really possible?" Bill asked.

"Yes." Jacobs said. "I know a number of wealthy women who are married, have control of a family company, but are completely hands off. Few people would believe that these women were behind very successful companies, because the front men do such a wonderful job. If I was legally able, I could name three such companies off the top of my head. One that I wrote the papers for. Granted none of the businesses are as big as Thatcher Industries, but I don't see why it wouldn't be possible."

"Very good." Wynn said. "Bill, go over to the jail and let McGinty go on rounds. You can talk to Jacobs' later."

Bill got up and slapped Jacobs on the back as he walked by shaking his head. Bill was not easily impressed and he was impressed by Jacobs. He wanted nothing more than to spend time with the man and get to know. Bill wanted to know how his brain worked. Not that Bill would admit it, but he wanted to learn everything that he could from Jacobs so that he, Bill, could do his jobs better.