Chapter 123 – Interrupted Evening (long)

After Wynn and Dee left, it took a moment for everyone to gather their thoughts.

"It will be okay." Charlotte said. "I am sure that it is just a formality that Bill wanted them there."

"I don't know." Elizabeth said. "I have a bad feeling about things."

"Beth." Aunt Elizabeth said. "It will be alright. Wynn and Dee are good at what they do. There is also Jacobs and McGinty in town. I am sure that Charlotte is right and it is just a formality."

Elizabeth let out a sigh. The group went back to their meal, but it was a lot quieter than it had been before. Jack noticed Elizabeth was still subdued.

"Bella." Jack whispered, leaning over.

He waited until she was looking at him.

"I am not dismissing your feelings." Jack said. "But they will be fine. Maybe Bill had more information and that is why he wanted Dee. I know that they have been working on things, so please let's not worry. I am sure that they will be back soon."

"Jack is right." Charlotte said. "Besides, if there were arrests, they would need to notify the ranking member of Mounties and that would be Wynn."

Elizabeth looked over and saw both Jack and Aunt Elizabeth nodding.

"Okay." Elizabeth said. "I still have a bad feeling. I feel so disconnected from everyone lately."

"It will get better." Aunt Elizabeth said. "Especially with school starting on Monday."

"Your Aunt is right." Jack said. "As nice as it has been to spend so much time together this last week, we need to get back into a routine. I know I am not cleared to work yet, but I feel the same thing. We both need a routine and getting school going again will help with that. I know that you won't be there all day right away, but even being there in the mornings will help with a routine. I am sure that it will also help you to feel more connected to people. I would encourage you to maybe go spend some time at the cafe tomorrow. Even if you just sit with the ladies in the back."

"I think that is a wonderful idea." Aunt Elizabeth said. "Don't forget that they are moving that cabin tomorrow. Wynn said something about getting the wagon so Jack could come watch. I am thinking that he could sit with Becky and it would make her feel better."

"Speaking of Becky, how is she doing?" Jack asked.

"As well as can be expected." Aunt Elizabeth said. "She shocked Abigail, as she didn't know that girl would be coming home with a wheelchair."

"What happened?" Elizabeth asked, shocked.

"Hold up." Aunt Elizabeth said. "Becky is fine. She can walk, even if her legs are still lacking some strength. The biggest problem right now, is the lack of confidence. People have been doing everything for her for months. She is able to walk when the nurses are right there supporting her every step, but refuses to do it on her own. They were hoping that being at home would help with that."

"What about school?" Elizabeth asked.

"I am not sure." Aunt Elizabeth said. "From everything that I have heard talking to the girl, she is quite bright, but I don't think that she has been in regular school since before she left the orphanage. I am sure that it won't take her long to catch up, but it is something that we need to deal with. Charlotte and I can do that. We will access the new students and then figure out a plan with you about what we need to do. Just be aware that some of them may not catch up with their peers before school gets out. These children have been through a lot."

Elizabeth nodded.

"So Becky will be in class then?" Jack asked.

"I am sure that Abigail will insist on it." Aunt Elizabeth said. "Like I told her, the doctor wants as normal of a routine as possible. We can help her, but we also need to encourage her to try to do things for herself. I think that the more that she is able to do on her own, the more she will want to try, including walking."

"Got it." Elizabeth said. "Just one more thing that we will need to deal with in school."

"Your aunt and I will be here to help." Charlotte said. "I know that eight to ten new students is a lot, but we will be fine. I will be here as long as you need me."

"What about the ranch?" Jack asked.

"Nothing that your uncle and cousins can't handle." Charlotte said. "They know how important being here for you is to me. Besides, they are always on me to slow down."

"Okay." Jack said. "But I don't know if you call this slowing down."

Charlotte just leveled a look at Jack and he put his hands up in surrender.

"Aunt Elizabeth." Elizabeth said. "I didn't ask, but how long do you plan to stay?"

"I am not sure." Aunt Elizabeth said. "I have an open return ticket. I had figured at least a week, but who knows. I might want to stay longer."

Charlotte and Aunt Elizabeth looked at each other. Jack noticed the looks that the two exchanged and he had questions, but he figured that they wouldn't tell him anyway so he kept it to himself. IF they didn't tell him that night, he knew that he would ask in the morning. Jack figured that it was part of what Wynn wanted to talk about.

"Well." Jack said. "You are more than welcome for as long as you want. I feel bad for you staying at the saloon."

"We will be fine." Aunt Elizabeth said. "We can always come stay with you, but I know that you also need some time and space to get back into a routine. I don't mind. I am just glad to be here with my husband and son. Abigail offered us a room as well. I know that she has Clara and the kids, so that is why I didn't take her up on it."

Elizabeth smiled. She knew her aunt didn't really like the saloon, but was kind enough to give them some space.

"I promise next time that you are here." Jack said. "We will have a proper guest room for you all to stay in."

"So you are building?" Charlotte asked.

"As soon as the ground is dry enough." Jack said. "I have been working with Lee and we have everything ready as soon as we are able. A lot of the men in town have agreed to help. I just wish I was able to do more."

"You will be." Elizabeth said.

"So tell me about this house?" Charlotte said.

"It is a large two story house." Jack said. "It has a full wrap around porch. Downstairs there will be a large library and office, along with an open kitchen, sitting and dinning room. There will also be a bathroom downstairs. Upstairs will have a large bedroom for Elizabeth and I. I have also included seven other rooms upstairs and two bathrooms – one for Elizabeth and I and one for everyone else. It is also going to be completely wired for electricity, even though we won't have it for some time."

"Wow." Charlotte said.

"I know that it is larger than anything else here in Hope Valley." Jack said. "But we want a large family and we also want to be able to have you stay over when you all visit."

"Let us know if there is anything that you need help with." Aunt Elizabeth said.

"I am going to need help picking out furniture." Elizabeth said. "I just hope that it is done before this little one arrives. I don't care if it is fully furnished, but I want to be in the new house before this one arrives."

"And I will do everything in my power to make that happen." Jack said.

Elizabeth looked over and smiled at her husband. The group went back to talk more about the house and what the rooms were going to look like. Aunt Elizabeth grabbed some paper and started making a list of things that they would need for the house.

When Wynn and Dee got to the edge of town, they could hear a commotion at the saloon. They picked up their pace and headed straight there. Neither Wynn or Dee said anything to each other, they both knew what they needed to do. They had their hands on their sidearms as they approached the double doors. Dee took a moment to peek inside the window and saw several men standing yelling. He motioned to his father and they entered the saloon. As they looked around the room, neither one of them saw Jacobs or McGinty. Dee looked at his father and received a nod. Dee raised his other hand to his mouth and let out a sharp whistle. The room quickly quieted down and all eyes turned to face the two men standing just inside the door. They weren't in their serge, so not everyone knew that they were Mounties. Dee nodded to Bill and then looked to his father.

"Bill, what is going on?" Wynn asked.

"Several of the men got into an argument over cards." Bill said. "Jacobs took the two who started it over to jail. McGinty isn't back from rounds yet, sorry to interrupt your evening."

"Men." Wynn said with a stern voice. "This is what is going to happen. If you can't get along then you will not be here. I will inform the man that sent you here and you will not be employed by him any longer. If you have already been paid, then you will be required to return the pay or face charges of theft. I also suggest that you call it an evening."

"Who do you think you are?" One man shouted.

Wynn squared his shoulders. Bill saw the look on his face and moved back as Wynn moved over to the man. Wynn stood at his full six foot one and looked down on the man that he was several inches taller then.

"I am Deputy Commissioner Delaney." Wynn said. "I suggest that you shut your mouth, because your behavior has interrupted my supper and I get a little cranky when I don't get to eat."

Bill had to look down as he tried to hide the smirk that covered his face. Just as Wynn was staring the man down, Jacobs walked back into the saloon, followed by McGinty. When McGinty saw the man that was giving Wynn a hard time, he walked over to stand next to his superior officer.

"What did I tell you about causing trouble?" McGinty asked.

Without taking his ice cold blue eyes off the man, Wynn spoke to McGinty. Bill watched the exchange and was ready to act if needed.

"This man has been in trouble before?" Wynn asked.

"Yes." McGinty said. "Jack had trouble with him before. He works for Mr Coulter. Last time he was fined twice his daily wage and told to stay out of trouble. He was warned that if he continued to cause problems he would be held for a circuit judge. Jack also spoke to Mr Coulter and let him know what would happen."

"Then I think he needs to be held for disturbing the peace." Wynn said.

McGinty reached to lead the man away, and he pulled away from him. Bill quickly grabbed his arm to stop him, but the man jerked away from Bill, hitting him in the face. Jacobs quickly was there and pinned the man against the pillar.

"Add assault." Bill said, holding his jaw.

"Go get some ice." Wynn said. "Then come across the road so we can sort this all out."

"Yes, Sir." Bill said.

Bill turned to get some ice from Sam and saw that Sam was already getting some ice in a towel for him. Wynn nodded at Jacobs who physically picked the man up and carried/frog-marched him across to the jail, while the man was yelling the whole time. Bill put the towel to his face and looked at the door where Jacobs had just disappeared with the yelling man. Wynn then turned and looked at the rest of the men gathered.

"I highly suggest that you all keep it under control for the remainder of the night." Wynn said. "No one will be happy if I have to come back over here."

All the men that were standing quickly sat down. Wynn then turned to Sam.

"Have the men that were taken away paid their tabs?" Wynn asked.

"Yes, Sir." Sam said. "I only let regulars start a tab. Everyone else pays as you go, unless they are staying upstairs."

"Very well." Wynn said.

Wynn turned to McGinty.

"Please stay here." Wynn said. "You can write up your notes from rounds later. I also want a report of what happened tonight in the morning."

"Yes, Sir." McGinty said.

"Dee go back to the house." Wynn said. "Tell your mother what happened and that I will be along shortly."

Dee nodded and headed out. Wynn looked at Bill for a moment and then around the room, before he turned to Sam.

"Please let me know if there are any other problems." Wynn said. "I think that Jacobs and McGinty will be able to handle it, but if not, please send them to get me."

"I will." Sam said. "Again sorry for interrupting your meal."

"Understood." Wynn said.

Wynn then turned, headed out the door and to the Mountie office. It didn't take long and Bill was right behind him.. When Wynn and Bill got to the jail, there was a man in each cell.

"I thought that you brought two over?" Wynn asked.

"I did." Jacobs said. "When we got here, the first admitted that he swung at the other man after being called a cheater. I gave him the option – pay a fine or wait for the judge. He agreed to pay the fine. I wrote it up, he signed the papers and paid the fine. I also warned him that he is not to be in the saloon other than for meals for five days and I better not catch him drinking alcohol in that time either. He agreed. I will get you the report."

"And the other man?" Wynn asked.

"He started things by calling the other man a cheater and pushing him." Jacobs said. "I figured I would let him cool his heels for a few hours and sober up before dealing with him."

"Okay." Wynn said. "Your call, please make sure to write it all up."

"Yes, Sir." Jacobs said.

"Bill?" Wynn said.

"Both of those men here have been in trouble before." Bill said. "I believe they were two of the men that Jack had sent off paperwork about. He didn't like the way that they were acting."

"Jacobs." Wynn said. "I think that paperwork is over at the office. If it is not there then it is in the safe here. Please double check and see if there is anything about those two."

"And if there is?" Jacobs said.

"Figure out what is the best course of action." Wynn said. "I will trust you to make a decision after talking to Bill, checking the paperwork and the file that Jack has on those two."

"Yes, Sir." Jacobs said.

"Bill." Wynn said. "Are you going to be okay?"

"Yes." Bill said. "I have been hit harder by my ex-wife."

Wynn just looked at Bill, but didn't ask any questions.

"Then please write up the reports." Wynn said. "I am going to head back to the house and finish my supper."

"What about them?" Bill asked.

"Let me know what you decide." Wynn said. "But if they have caused trouble before and paid a fine, then I suggest that they be sent to Buxton and held for the judge."

"Okay." Bill said. "I will let you know."

"Good night gentleman." Wynn said. "I will check back in with you when we come back in later. I assume that Dee will stay at the house since the jail is full. Is there enough room for both you and McGinty in the back room?"

"Yes." Bill said. "We moved some stuff to the storage shed next door so it is fine."

"If not, he can bunk in my room at the saloon for a night." Jacobs said. "I ended up with a corner room and there is plenty of room to set up the cot."

"Figure it out." Wynn said. "If needed he can crash at Jack and Beth's."

"Yes, Sir." Jacobs said. "McGinty at the saloon?"

"Yes." Wynn said.

"I will go check on him in a bit." Jacobs said.

Wynn nodded and then turned to head out. Just as his hand was on the knob, there was a knock. Wynn took a moment to take a deep breath before he opened the door.

"Lee." Wynn said with surprise.

"Evening," Lee said. "I heard some of my men were causing trouble again. I came to see who it was."

Wynn stepped back to let Lee enter the jail. Lee looked around and saw two of his men sitting in jail cells. Lee shook his head at the two men, then turned to Wynn.

"I am done with these men." Lee said. "This is at least the third time that they have been arrested for causing a disturbance. I will have Chris clean out their spaces at the bunkhouse. Do what you need to. I can easily hire other men that won't cause trouble."

"Are you sure?" Wynn asked.

"Absolutely." Lee said.

"I will have paperwork for you to sign in the morning." Jacobs said. "It will just state that you are terminating employment with the two men due to ongoing problems."

"Just let me know." Lee said. "I am sorry that they caused trouble tonight. I know that you were hoping for a quiet night. What happened to the third man? I heard that there were three that were causing trouble."

"He paid a fine and agreed to not drink or be in the saloon other than meals for five days." Jacobs said.

"Okay." Lee said. "From what I understand it was one of the new men in town."

"I believe so." Bill said. "I will also talk to him later and remind him that if he wants to continue to live and work in this town, he already spent his one chance and he better walk the straight and narrow from now on."

"Thank you." Lee said. "Again, sorry for the trouble."

"Not your fault." Wynn said. "Now if there isn't anything else, I would like to get back to my supper."

"Go." Jacobs said.

"Make sure you two eat something as well." Wynn said, pointing at Jacobs and Bill.

"We will." Bill said.

"Would you like a ride back to the house?" Lee said. "I am heading that way."

"Yes, please." Wynn said.

Wynn and Lee left the jail. Bill turned to the two men sitting in his jail and shook his head. He then turned back to Jacobs.

"If things keep up like this." Bill said. "I am going to need a bigger jail."

Jacobs grinned at Bill as he knew that Wynn was thinking the same thing.

"Well." Jacobs said. "Hopefully things get better and not worse, but I hear you."