Chapter 111 – The Children (long)
Wynn and Jacobs walked into Abigail's office and found Dee there. Dee was immediately on his feet.
"There are a few messages for you." Dee said. "I will go get Abigail. I had hoped Pastor Frank would be back, so that he could be included in the conversation, but he isn't back yet. I think it will be fine and we can fill him in later."
"See if you can find Bill as well." Wynn said.
"Okay." Dee said. "Anything else?"
"Maybe something to eat." Jacobs said. "I didn't have much this morning and I am getting hungry."
"On it." Dee said.
Dee quickly left the office and went to find Bill, then headed to the cafe. Wynn motioned for Jacobs to sit down. Wynn grabbed the messages that Dee had left him and quickly looked through them. He was glad that things were moving along and he would be able to deal with the other things going on.
"What is all this?" Jacobs asked, indicating the paperwork on the table.
"Actually." Wynn said. "You may be able to help."
Wynn sat down and took a deep breath.
"What do you know about the history of this town?" Wynn said.
"Just the little that you have told me." Jacobs said. "Along with what was in the stories about Jack."
"Okay." Wynn said. "What do you know about Pacific Northwest Mining?"
"That they were/are under investigation." Jacobs said. "Several of their current and former employees were arrested before Christmas. The company has sold off a number of its mines. Other property has been forfeited to pay their debts. I also know that the company is currently struggling. I know that the bosses in New York City are looking at other ways to expand the company to recover from the investigation both here and in the States. Granted they were hit a lot harder here then they were in the States, but that investigation is not as nearly as far as the one here. I think that the company is in more trouble than they realize and they are struggling to deal with the fallout. I also know that my uncle is prosecuting at least one case.
That said, the company also knows that coal mining is not going away, they just need to find a way through the mess that they found themselves in. They are betting on the fact that both countries will continue to need coal for energy as they grow. Not to mention all the stuff going on in Europe. The company also knows that they need to change their ways or other more ethical companies will replace them."
"Okay." Wynn said. "So this town was originally founded for the most part by Pacific Northwest Mining. Before that, it was basically just a settlement with a mercantile/trading post. Pacific brought in a man, Silas Ramsey, to be mayor and then later changed who was in charge of the mine here. That man, Henry Gowen, brought in Pinkertons and they ran roughshod over this town. Greed, cutting corners and negligence lead to a mine disaster that killed forty-seven men just over a year ago. Many lost husbands and fathers. Abigail lost her husband and son. Her husband was the superintendent. Pacific Northwest and Henry Gowen, tried to blame Noah Stanton for the disaster. Long story short, Bill and Jack were able to prove otherwise. It was brought to trial here last fall and the widows won. The judge ordered the mine closed by Pacific Northwest. When Pacific Northwest pulled out, all their property was eventually forfeited back to the town. At least what hadn't been already sold. The judge ordered that it was Pacific Northwest who couldn't operate the mine, he left it open for another company if the town saw fit to sell it to them.
The judge wanted to go after Gowen, but didn't have the power or the evidence. After the trial, Gowen forced/blackmailed the mayor to leave, naming him as a replacement. Because of the work done by Jack and Bill, as well as the trial, a larger investigation was opened up into Pacific Northwest. Gowen and twenty-one others were arrested right before Christmas. Gowen and a couple other men were shot and killed when they tried to escape. Abigail was named mayor and she has been trying to deal with the mess that Gowen left her. We have learned that Gowen had set up a shell company and was using it to funnel town money to himself. He also used that shell company to buy land in and around the area. We are still trying to figure everything out.
I have requested more information that was seized at Gowen's house, sent to Union City and then on to Calgary and Hamilton. We are also trying to figure out if there are other companies, property or assets. As well as other people connected to Gowen or his shell company. We have already arrested one and had him moved to stand before a judge. Even though the town and bank just had an audit in January, I have ordered another because we have learned that one of the auditors involved was covering for Pacific Northwest. In short, we have a huge mess on our hands on top of dealing with all that came from the slides and floods."
"So you have your hands full." Jacobs said. "What do you need?"
"I started going through things." Wynn said. "I have made a list of information that I want and questions that need answered. But every time I find one answer, I have more questions. Dee has been helping as he was doing research for the Pacific Northwest task force, but we all feel that there is something missing and we are not seeing the whole picture."
"I will look it over." Jacobs said. "But I want to deal with the children first and then I need to have a conversation with Mrs Walker and her son Will."
"That reminds me." Wynn said. "I have questions for Jack. Let me write a note so I don't forget. It has been the only way I can keep track these days."
Wynn quickly scribbled a note and put it in his pocket.
"Okay." Jacobs said. "We will deal with all this paperwork, this afternoon and tomorrow. I will stay here as long as you need me. I know that you want me to run Benson Hills, but I think you need me more here at the moment."
"Thank you." Wynn said.
"So while we wait." Jacobs said. "Tell me more about this idea that you had. Maybe I can write something up."
"So we want the children to stay here." Wynn said. "They would have an opportunity to attend school and it would be a more stable environment for them. The problem is that we have orphans and those that have lost a mother, but the father wants to go back to work. Most of the children are young and don't really understand what is going on. I would like the fathers to retain their rights if they want. I also was thinking of getting a fund set up to help with all the children. Andy, the owner, offered to put a nice sum down. I think that once we get the fund set up, we can also get other donations."
"Okay." Jacobs said. "Let me think for a bit and write a few things down. I will have questions, but we can deal with those later."
"Do what you need." Wynn said. "I am going to work some more on this paperwork while we wait for Dee to get back with the others."
Jacobs and Wynn both went to work on their stuff while they waited. It was about ten minutes later that Dee entered the office with Bill and Abigail. Abigail was carrying a basket of food for them. Abigail set the basket down on the table. Dee when about making a pot of coffee. Wynn moved his paperwork. Bill looked around and took a seat. Wynn looked at Bill.
"How are things going?" Wynn asked.
"Good." Bill said. "Everyone is out of the schoolhouse and saloon. The families that are getting apartments and row houses are in them. We are just waiting on furnishings, but they will be here later. At least they were able to move their few belongings over to their new places. Cabins on the south road are done and the north road should be done in a few days. Both the storage shed behind the infirmary and the schoolhouse are done and everything is moved into them. The area for the parsonage has been cleared and prepped. The men are working on the cabins and the rowhouses. Some are also chopping up wood from some downed trees."
"Good." Wynn said. "Are the saloon and schoolhouse being cleaned?"
"Yes." Abigail said. "A group of women are going to clean both top to bottom this afternoon. They are doing laundry this morning and finishing getting the clothes for the settlers done. People have been more than generous. People may not have a lot, but they have been more than willing to share what they have. Apparently, the men also brought several bolts of fabric in the supply wagons that came later. They have been given to the women to make clothes or blankets for the settlers."
"Would I be able to donate something to help them?" Jacobs asked.
"If you want." Abigail said. "That would be wonderful, but you don't have to. Right now, if people want to donate, I have been having them put everything on an account at the mercantile so the settlers could get items that they need. Ned will know and he agreed that for the time being that would be the best. He has allowed any of the settlers to charge to that account whether it was food or other items that they needed. He has ordered pots, pans and dishes that will be going to the settlers. I told him to put what they need on an account and we will figure out a way that he will get paid later. We both were more concerned with getting the people the things that they needed. He also let me know that most of the extra stuff he ordered would be here later today as it is coming with the other stuff ordered."
"That is why we need to set up a fund." Wynn said. "That way it could help the settlers as well as the children."
"Okay." Jacobs said. "I think that the easiest way to do that, is to have one or two people who won't be taking in children to be in charge of the fund. They would make sure that the children and settlers have the things that they need. The fathers that are still working could send money to the family that has their child if they wanted to help. I would strongly suggest that they send a portion of each paycheck, but I am not sure that we can legally require them. That would require some checking and I don't have law books in front of me."
"I agree." Wynn said.
"So who were you thinking of being in charge of the fund?" Abigail asked.
"I was thinking of Sheriff Avery and the Pastor if they were agreeable." Jacobs said.
"I think that those are both good choices." Abigail said.
"I can't speak for Frank." Bill said. "But I would be more than willing to do it."
"Good then." Jacobs said. "I will put you down and then I will talk to the pastor later. I am sure that he won't have a problem with it, but I would like to talk to him."
"Good." Wynn said. "Then we can let Andy know and he can write a check before he leaves so we can start the account. I will add to the fund. I will also make a few inquiries and see if I can't get some more donations for the fund."
Wynn smiled knowing exactly what he was going to do.
"That is more than generous of you." Bill said.
"So tell me about the children that were orphaned." Jacobs said. "Do we know if they have other family in the country? What were their ages again? Do we have families that are willing to take them?"
"So." Dee said. "From what we have been able to learn, most of the families fled deplorable conditions in Russia. Even if they have family back there, I doubt that we would be able to find them. As far as other family in the country, not that we have learned. Most traveled and stayed together. As far as the three orphans, yes, we have people that are willing to take them in."
"Okay." Jacobs said. "If I were to write up samples, would someone be able to type up copies? We would need two for each child."
"Dee can do that." Wynn said. "Then you and I can work on some of this paperwork."
"Good." Jacobs said. "So we have three orphans and who are their families?"
"The first is twin four year old girls." Dee said.
"Their names." Jacobs said. "I am making notes. It will help me keep things straight if the judge has questions for me later."
"Anna and Elena." Dee said. "Their parents were Petar and Dasha Borstov. If it is alright with everyone, the girls will be going to Katie Yost."
"She is young and single." Abigail said. "But she has the support of her father, Ned, and the community. Ned owns the mercantile. Katie works there, despite taking correspondence courses to be a teacher. They have also taken in the young woman, Lucy Benson, that Bill brought back. She is going to be staying and helping with the mercantile. Lucy is also good with the girls. I think that both Katie and Lucy will be good for them."
"Normally a single person would not be considered." Jacobs said. "But we have a unique situation. I think that a letter to the judge from both you Mrs Stanton and Sheriff Avery about what happened and how the community has come together will go a long way. It also helps that there are other adults in the house. I have no problem with it as long as there is room for them wherever they are living.
"Okay." Abigail said. "But please call me Abigail. Ned has agreed to give Katie and Lucy the house and he is more than willing to take the small apartment above the mercantile."
Jacobs nodded.
"The other orphan?" Jacobs asked.
"That would be eight year old Adrik Denikin." Dee said. "His parents were Ivan and Anna."
"We have had two families express interest in the older boys." Abigail said. "Both said that either would be fine, but don't feel that they would be suited for the younger children."
"Okay." Jacobs said. "We will leave his family blank for a moment. Now the other children."
"We have five year old Odell and his three year old brother Omer." Dee said. "They lost their mother Hilma and their father Vincent Dunhan is able to return to work when we settle this with the children."
"Okay." Jacobs said. "I would like to keep the siblings together."
"Then I suggest that they go to Bruce and Ellen Weise." Abigail said. "Bruce said that they would take two if they were siblings."
"Tell me about them." Jacobs said.
"They have a five year old, Opal." Abigail said. "They live just outside of town on a farm. They raise lots of fruits and vegetables that are sold here in town. Bruce has also picked up odd jobs as needed. Ellen takes in a lot of sewing. They have the room in their house. They are better off then some, but it has been a struggle at times. They are very good with children. They have wanted more, but Ellen has struggled with losing two pregnancies after Opal. I know that they talked about adopting at one point, but were turned down due to their financial situation at the time."
"Opal." Jacobs said. "She was the little girl with the teddy bear."
"Correct." Wynn said.
"I think that they would be wonderful parents to those little boys." Jacobs said. "We will have the fund to help them make ends meet, so I think it is perfect."
"The next child is twelve year old Alec Smolin." Dee said. "His mother was found, but passed away here in Hope Valley. Her husband, Anton, and Alec were at her side."
"Again." Jacobs said. "We will leave that for a moment."
"Then next we have one year old Stefan Tarnovetsky." Dee said. "He lost his mother Irina and his father Boris is ready to head back to work."
"Any families?" Jacobs asked.
"Alice Stonelake expressed interest." Abigail said. "But she wanted a girl, since she already has a daughter. Melissa Price also said she could take a child, she has a small child already. They are both widows from last year's mine disaster here. Timothy and Mirmam Garner said they could take a child. They have a daughter about fourteen. Daniel and Sarah Lawson said that they could take one as well. They have a son, Timmy, who is about Cody's age, about ten."
"Who else do we have to place?" Jacobs asked.
"Two year old Ivan Chazov." Dee said. "He lost his mother Svetlana. His father, Roman, is also ready to head back to work. Finally, there is six year old Rose St. Germain. She lost her mother Helga and her father, Adolph, hasn't been released back to work. Rose is currently staying with him at the house with the injured."
"Okay." Jacobs said. "I think that the two little boys should be placed with the couples. As long as they don't have a preference, I don't either. So we are back to the older two boys. Tell me about those two families."
"The two families that express interest in the older boys are both from the Silverton settlement." Abigail said. "The first is Andrew and Cynthia Bell. They have nine year old Jonah and Cynthia also sharing a row house with her sister, Nancy Tucker and ten year old nephew Harper. Nancy's husband passed away at the Silverton mine. Cynthia convinced Nancy to stay here with them. It will not be a problem to have all three boys in one room. I let them know that we might not have enough beds ordered, but they assured me that it would be fine, as long as they could borrow a cot until the men could get another bed built. I have talked to Adam Miller and he has agreed to make a set of bunk beds for them. Lee said he would donate the wood and Andrew said he would work out a payment schedule with Adam. A couple people stepped up and said that they would help the Bell family to pay for the bunk beds. I haven't yet informed the family of this because we weren't sure about the children.
The other family is Tom and Ann Grady. They don't have any children, but they have Ann's mother, Marsha. The Gradys have moved into a two bedroom apartment. Ann has said that there will be no problem with her and her mother sharing a room until they can figure something else out. I have told them I would put them at the top of the list for a row house as soon as they are ready. Ann said that would be good and they would make do until that happens. Both Andrew and Tom have returned to work, but are more than willing to have the older boys in their homes. I have talked to both men before they left. They agreed that the older boys would be better and neither had a preference."
"What do you think?" Wynn asked.
"The boys are what, eight and twelve." Jacobs said.
"Yes." Dee said.
"I think that the orphan goes to the family without children if they want." Jacobs said. "I think the other one goes with the other family. It will be less of a burden on the sisters and their boys if they have a boy that isn't up for adoption right away."
"I agree." Wynn said. "As long as the families are agreeable."
"I would like to speak to each of the potential guardians." Jacobs said. "As well as the four men that are leaving their children here in Hope Valley. I would also like to speak with the other man and see what his plans are."
"We can do that this afternoon or tomorrow." Bill said.
"Good enough." Jacobs said. "But I want it done before any paperwork is signed."
"Of course." Wynn said.
