Chapter 119 – Making a Point with Becky

Just as the ladies were finishing up, Dee walked in and Becky called out from upstairs.

"I will get Becky." Charlotte said.

"Thank you." Abigail said.

"Dee, was there something that you needed?" Elizabeth Rose asked.

"Sort of." Dee said. "I was going to come over before, but Dad needed me. I was hoping to have some tea and a small bite to eat. I know that we are eating with Jack and Beth tonight, but I really need something."

"Let me get you a cup of tea." Ann said. "The water is still hot."

"It is okay." Dee said. "I have my own blend."

Elizabeth Rose looked at her son.

"Are you alright?" Elizabeth Rose asked.

"Yes." Dee said. "I have a little pain in my leg and hip, but not bad. I thought some tea would help and I don't want to take stronger meds."

"Okay." Elizabeth Rose said. "But please say something if it starts to get worse."

"I will." Dee said. "Please don't tell Dad, he is already worried."

"I won't lie to your father." Elizabeth Rose said.

"Fine." Dee said. "But it is not that bad. I think I just overdid it yesterday while helping with the graves."

"Okay." Elizabeth Rose said.

"So what is in this tea?" Ann asked.

"Dandelion, ginger, cloves and willow bark." Dee said. "After I got hurt, I wanted off the strong pain meds. Especially when I left the hospital. When Dad was stationed up north before I was born, he learned some of the ways of the natives. He sought a Cree elder and explained what was going on. The elder went to their medicine woman and this is what she gave Dad. Along with how to make more. It works great and I don't have the effects of a cloudy mind that I do with the meds."

"Then sit and take it easy." Ann said. "Here are some scones and go sit with your mother and relax."

"I should get back to some paperwork." Abigail said.

"Dad and them are almost finished with what they have." Dee said.

Just then Charlotte came down with Becky.

"Charlotte." Abigail said. "You should have called for me, I could have helped you."

"Nonsense." Charlotte said. "It was no problem. Becky just wanted to come downstairs. I can easily bring her down."

"Okay then." Abigail said.

As Charlotte set Becky in her chair and moved her to the table, Dee looked over to her and smiled.

"Welcome home, Miss Becky." Dee said. "So good to see you up and smiling."

"Thank you." Becky said. "But I am not exactly up yet."

"You will be before you know it." Dee said. "I bet by the time that I leave in a couple of weeks, that you will be chasing Cody around."

"Easy for you to say." Becky said.

Dee looked at his mother and then Abigail. Both nodded. Dee moved over closer to Becky, he then turned her chair to face him.

"Becky." Dee said with a very serious tone. "Yes, I do know. Last year, I was attacked twice while I was working in Cape Fullerton. The second time, the doctors weren't sure that I would ever wake up and when I did, I didn't even know my name. It took some time and some work, but I have almost all my memories back and I am back working. You can do anything that you put your mind to if you really try. From what I hear, you have enough strength in your legs, but are afraid of trying. If I had been afraid of trying, I would never have been here to help take you to Buxton at Christmas when you were sick. So trust me when I say that it may not sound like fun to do the exercises that doctors gave you, but it will be so worth it.

Right now the only thing holding you back is yourself. I had doubts I would ever work again. I am going to tell you the same thing that my sister told me – suck it up and do it or you will never know how far you can go. She would know. She was in a horrible accident when she was younger, it left her with scars and she was told that she would never walk again because of the damage to her spine. She learned to walk. Yes, she uses crutches and a wheelchair at times, but she can take a few steps without them. She was also told that she probably would never have kids. Her and her husband have a beautiful two month old little boy. If she would have given up, she would never have met her husband or had her son. She also probably wouldn't be one of the most sought after independent editors back east. She works from home editing papers and books for lots of people. So you hear what I am saying."

"Yes." Becky said.

"Good." Dee said. "Then I will be here for a couple of weeks. Come talk to me if you want. I understand where you are and what you are feeling. Just remember, I won't let you give up."

With that, Dee turned back to the table and finished his tea and scones. No one said anything about what Dee had said to Becky, but everyone was thinking that was exactly what she needed to hear.

"Can I go outside for a bit?" Becky asked.

"Yes, you may." Abigail said. "But please don't go far and don't get chilled."

"I won't." Becky said. "I just want to sit in the sun for a bit. I will stay on the porch."

"Very well." Abigail said.

After Becky left, it was Ann that spoke first.

"Dee." Ann said. "Sorry for what you went through, but I think that was exactly what that girl needed to hear."

"Thank you." Dee said. "You don't think I was a little harsh."

"No." Elizabeth Rose said. "It was what she needed to hear. She kept telling the doctors that she couldn't do something, but then when she had help, she could do it. She just won't do it on her own."

"Well then." Dee said. "Keep pushing her. Help her with things, but don't cater to her. Push her to keep doing things for herself, like moving in the chair like she just did. I know that it would have been easy for you to push her outside, but it is better that she do it herself."

"Thank you, Dee." Abigail said. "I will try to keep that in mind."

The group in the kitchen continued to visit and finish their tea. Just as they were finishing up, Wynn and Jacobs walked in the back door.

"Hello." Abigail said. "What can I get for you?"

"I need a break." Wynn said. "I have been through the paperwork and there is nothing more that I can do tonight."

"I told him to relax a bit." Jacobs said. "There is plenty that we got through, but there are still questions, we just don't have the paperwork."

"Then I agree." Elizabeth Rose said. "Time for a break. I think we should head back to the room, get you changed and then head to Jack and Beth's for the evening. I am sure that there are things that you need to talk to them about that happened today. There will be plenty of time to work later."

"Yes, dear." Wynn said. "Most of my clothes are at Jack and Beth's, so I can change there."

"Do you have something other than a uniform there?" Elizabeth Rose asked.

"Not really." Wynn said.

"Then you are in luck." Elizabeth Rose said. "I brought several sets of regular clothes for both of you. I am sure that I can wash your uniforms before you have to wear them again. I am sure that with what has happened, being out of uniform is suggested."

"She is right, Sir." Jacobs said.

"You know." Wynn said. "I am not in the mood to argue."

"Good." Elizabeth Rose said. "You wouldn't win anyway."

That brought a chuckle from Charlotte, Abigail and Ann.

"Sir." Ann said. "I am sure that you have learned not to argue with your wife."

"Yes." Wynn said with a smile.

"Good." Elizabeth Rose said. "Abigail, what time do you need me in the morning?"

Abigail looked at Ann and Charlotte.

"The lumberjacks start coming at about seven." Ann said. "So come whenever you want. I am sure that you are tired from traveling."

"I will be over before breakfast is over." Elizabeth Rose said. "If Wynn here is going to be working on paperwork, then I might as well keep busy."

"Don't forget that the men are moving that cabin tomorrow." Jacobs said.

"That is right." Wynn said. "I think that they said about ten in the morning. Jack wants to see that, so we will have to get a wagon so he can come watch."

"We also have things to get ready for Easter dinner." Abigail said. "Wynn, Jacobs please let any of the Mounties coming in that they are more than welcome to come over on Sunday. I am not going to be officially open, but I have no problem feeding you guys."

"So we all have plenty to do tomorrow." Jacobs said. "You all relax tonight. Bill and I can handle things here in town. McGinty is around as well. Thank you, Abigail. I will let them know. I don't know how many will take you up on it, but I will spread the word."

"Please let me know if things get out of hand at the saloon." Wynn said.

"They won't." Jacobs said. "Especially if I have anything to say about it."

Everyone just looked at Jacobs, but realized that he was probably telling the truth. He wasn't going to let anyone get out of control, if he could help it. Wynn knew that Jacobs size alone would be a deterrent.

"Please be safe." Wynn said. "Remember, sidearms even when not in uniform. Please tell Bill. I know him. He will say that he forgot."

"I won't let anything happen." Jacobs said. "Please have a nice evening and try to relax."

"I will have my sidearm as well." Charlotte said.

"As long as you don't use it unless in immediate danger." Jacobs said, giving Charlotte a look.

"Is there something that we should be worried about?" Ann asked.

"We got an alert about an escaped prisoner." Jacobs said. "So don't be surprised if you see additional Mounties in town this weekend. We will be staging out of here since we have a commanding officer."

"Okay." Ann said. "Let us know a description, that way we can keep our eyes open."

"I will have Bill drop one off." Jacobs said. "He had some that he was handing out to people."

"Thank you." Ann said.

Charlotte looked at Wynn and knew that there was more to the story then Jacobs was saying, as Elizabeth Rose had already said. Charlotte also realized that everyone didn't need all the details, but there was something else that they weren't saying, she just knew it. It was like she could feel that there was something going on. Charlotte was determined to find out what was going on so she could be ready for whatever happened.

"Charlotte." Elizabeth Rose said. "Are you coming out to the house for supper as well?"

"I think I will." Charlotte said. "As long as Ann thinks that she can handle things."

"Go." Ann said. "Clara should be back soon."

"Okay." Charlotte said. "See you in the morning."

"Jacobs, want the keys to the office?" Wynn asked.

"Why not." Jacobs said.

Wynn handed the keys to Jacobs, then helped his wife stand. Together they walked out with Dee right behind them. As they passed Becky, Elizabeth Rose reminded her to not stay out too late and that they would be back in the morning.