Nathan stepped up to the Mountie office purposefully, thrusting the door open, striding inside, and walking to his desk. He didn't glance at the cells or acknowledge the man inside the one on the left. Taking off his hat, he placed it on his desk, within easy reach. Nathan kept his back to the prisoner as he thanked Mike for being there and told him Abigail was holding breakfast for him.
After Mike left, Nathan settled into his seat and finally looked at Mr Armstrong, saying, "You had an eventful first evening in Coal Valley." It wasn't a question but an observation to see how the man would respond.
"That Barman cut me off for no reason," Armstrong snarled, his voice croaky, his bloodshot eyes flashing angrily.
"That's not what the Town Judge told me," Nathan replied, calm and conversational. "He tells me Tom had good reason to cut you off, and you also threw a punch. At him."
"The Judge?" Armstrong questioned; his voice less angry now as he tried to hide his concern.
"Yes. The man who escorted you here last night, Judge Avery. Where were his manners, not introducing himself to you." Nathan shook his head as though disappointed. "I'll make sure he introduces himself when he comes with your breakfast."
Nathan looked down at the paperwork on his desk, busying himself pretending to read it while secretly keeping an eye on Armstrong.
"Where is she?"
"Are you looking for someone?" Nathan sat back in his chair, relaxed as he looked at the man again.
"Mariah Bower, my fiancé, I was told she was in jail here."
"Mmmhhh, Mariah, you say. Where did you hear that? We had a woman in here recently, but her name was Patricia."
"In Brookfield, I was told she was brought here."
"Well, I am not sure what I can tell you. We haven't had a prisoner by that name, and the woman who was here isn't here any longer, as you can see," Nathan said, sweeping his arm toward the empty cell opposite Mr Armstrong.
"Where is she?" he demanded. "I want to talk to her anyways."
"I am not obliged to tell you anything about another prisoner, and I don't know what you think you could do with the information if I did." Nathan stood and faced Armstrong, strolling toward him. "You aren't going anywhere, Mr Armstrong, not until you face sentencing for the charges against you from last night."
"You can't keep me here," Armstrong snarled, gripping the bars so tightly his knuckles turned white.
"You are right about that. It wouldn't be fair to expect you to face Judge Avery for sentencing. I am arranging for you to be transferred to Union City." Nathan watched the man's face turn red; his anger was palpable. Smiling, he turned his back on him, walked over and collected his hat. Opening the door to the office, he turned back and said, "I'll check on your breakfast after I telegram Mountie headquarters," then left without a backward glance.
Nathan took a deep breath as he walked toward the Mercantile. Ned Yost or his wife, Florence, would be there, and he could send the telegram immediately. So far, Armstrong hadn't mentioned what Mariah had done to him, the assault the night she ran, but it was only a matter of time. The moment he found out they knew what he had done to Mariah, he would accuse her. Nathan knew they would have to address the possible charge with whoever the Mountie was headquarters sent to Coal Valley.
Nathan made quick work of sending the telegram and headed for the Saloon. He wanted to talk to Tom, who he hoped would still be there, cleaning up after the night before, readying the Saloon for the upcoming school day. He needed Tom to corroborate Bill's story and find out who else had witnessed Armstrong's behaviour. He wanted no doubt that Armstrong was guilty. If he also saw his wife there, that would be a bonus.
As he reached for the Saloon door handle, he heard someone call his name and turned to find Robert Pearce striding toward him.
"Morning, Nathan. Did Bill fill you in on last night?
Nathan nodded and explained to Robert what had occurred that morning, including his steps to implement their hastily put-together Plan B. He watched Robert nod in agreement and knew he was pleased to have avoided Doctor Jameson's involvement in their ruse.
"Once I talk to Tom and confirm the charges, I will head out to Henry Gowan's and update him and Gabriel. Once we transport Mr Armstrong and Dr Jameson leaves Town, Mariah won't need to continue hiding, and Gabriel can go home to Brookfield."
"And the charges against her?" Robert asked, knowing until that was settled, there would be no real peace for her.
"If Mr Armstrong presses charges, then we will deal with it, but until then..." Nathan paused, "I am happy not to give him too much time to speak up and keep him focused on himself."
Both men turned at Bill's voice, calling to them. Nathan could see him carrying food from the Cafe and was pleased he was on his way to watch over Armstrong.
"Is the prisoner receiving the usual sumptuous meal from Abigail?" Nathan asked.
"It's a funny thing," Bill said with a grin, "she was all out of bacon and eggs this morning, so it's cold toast and lumpy porridge."
Robert snorted at Bill's innocent expression before turning to Nathan. "Let me know if there is anything I can do with the situation," he said. "I'm pleased to say I don't have many appointments besides Colleen at 11.30."
"Thanks, Robert; I might take you up on the offer after I speak to Dr Jameson. I am curious to see what he has to say for himself and why he is here supporting Mr Armstrong."
"Of course, Nathan." Robert clapped Nathan on the shoulder and farewelled both men before returning to the Infirmary.
"Elizabeth is still at the Cafe if you are looking for her," Bill advised.
"No, it's Tom I want to see. I want to get his statement straight away, so everything is done. I have requested the Mounties send someone to escort Mr Armstrong to Union City, and I don't want any loose ends holding them up when they get here."
"I'll take Mr Armstrong his breakfast before it gets any colder," Bill said with another grin. "I'm looking forward to seeing how he is feeling this morning. Terrible, I hope."
Nathan smiled at Bill before turning away and finally entering the Saloon. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dark interior of the building, and he thought again of how much Elizabeth and the children needed a proper schoolhouse. He would speak to Lee and Henry again when the situation with Armstrong was over, and the danger had passed.
"Constable. Are you here about last night?" Tom called from where he was wiping down the bar.
"Yes, I am. I hoped to take your statement while it was fresh in your mind." Nathan said as he stepped toward him and removed his hat.
"No problem, the last thing I need here is unruly travellers; it upsets the locals." Looking at the staircase opposite him, which led upstairs to the rooms, he said, "his friend hasn't surfaced yet, but I expect he will soon. He doesn't look like he has skipped too many meals, and I made sure they knew breakfast finished at 8:00 so school can start."
Nathan stood at the bar and took notes as Tom recounted his version of the events of the previous evening. What Tom told him matched Bill's recollection as he had expected. It was clear Mr Armstrong had been drunk and disorderly, followed up with attempted assault. He could charge him with enough to justify the Mountie's trip to Coal Valley.
Nathan turned at the sound of footsteps overhead and watched as Dr Jameson stopped at the top of the stairs when he noticed him at the bar. Nathan wondered why his presence made the man's face blanch; he hadn't done anything wrong that he was aware of.
"Dr Jameson, if you want breakfast, you must sit right now," Tom called. "The Constable doesn't bite." Tom laughed as he said this, although he was the only one to do so.
Dr Jameson walked slowly down the stairs, sat at the table furthest from Nathan and buried his head in the menu, engrossed despite the limited options.
"The Cafe offers a broader selection of items, and Abigail is a fantastic cook," Nathan said, his tone friendly and light. "No offence, Tom."
Tom guffawed at Nathan's apology as he walked over and poured the doctor a coffee, "none taken; I know how my cooking compares to anything Abigail serves."
"I might take you up on the Constable," Dr Jameson said, rising to his feet, eager to escape Nathan.
"I'll walk you over," Nathan smiled, his tone brooking no argument. "We can chat about last night while you eat."
Nathan and Tom shared a look at the doctor's grimace as he reluctantly followed Nathan from the Saloon, shoulders drooping in defeat.
Nathan walked into the Cafe and headed to a seat in the corner, wanting as much privacy as they could get for their discussion. "Take a seat, Dr Jameson; I'll ask Abigail for some menus."
Nathan strode toward the kitchen, parting the curtains and glancing around for Elizabeth. Asking for the menu was just an excuse; he wanted to catch his wife and tell her what he had learned at the jail and how it changed their plans for after school. She looked up as he walked in, a smile spreading across her face at the unexpected visit.
"Nathan, I promise I am going to pay for breakfast next time we are here; you didn't have to come back for another breakfast today," she teased.
Nathan laughed and walked over to where she sat, leaning down, and kissing her lips. "I am having breakfast with Dr Jameson, Mr Armstrong's companion, and came for a menu. I wanted to tell you what happened since I left you."
Nathan quickly filled Elizabeth and Abigail in on his steps to remove Mr Armstrong from Coal Valley. "I can't wait until this afternoon to visit Henry and the others. I need to tell them Armstrong is locked up and isn't going to turn up there. I want to reassure them as quickly as I can."
"Of course, Nathan. We can ride anytime; this is much more important." Elizabeth was so pleased that Mr Armstrong didn't pose a threat to Mariah and the others; she would have given up however many rides were needed. "I am so glad it has worked out this way."
"There is still the chance Mr Armstrong will press charges against Mariah, and I still don't understand Dr Jameson's role in this. Until we do, I won't rest easy."
"Well, you go back out there with him, and I will bring some menus out to you with some coffee," Abigail said, filling the coffee pot.
Nathan studied Dr Jameson as he walked back to the table. He could see the man dragging his napkin back and forth between his hands, stretching it taut before releasing it and repeating the movement. It was clear Dr Jameson wanted to be anywhere but where he was.
"Dr Jameson, we haven't been formally introduced. My name is Constable Nathan Grant, and I am the Mountie for Coal Valley. I have contacted Mountie headquarters and requested they send someone to escort Mr Armstrong to Union City for trial."
"Union city, why there? Couldn't a trial happen here?"
"Because the man your friend took a swing at last night is our Judge."
The doctor's head dropped to his chest, and he stared at his hands, where they again twisted the napkin into knots before he straightened it out.
Looking at Nathan, Dr Jameson asked, "What about Mariah Bower? Has he found her there in your jail? We were told she was here."
"Mr Armstrong is the only prisoner in the jail in Coal Valley," Nathan replied, his answer truthful but evasive. "Doctor, if you have any information about Mr Armstrong and why he wants to see Mariah so much, I would like you to tell me."
"She is his Fiancé; it's only natural he would try to find her after she left Town," the doctor sputtered, his cheeks flushing as he spoke.
"Doctor Jameson. I never rush to judgment, but I believe you are lying right now." Nathan held the man's gaze, staring into his eyes intently. "I think we both know Mr Armstrong is not her fiancé, and I want to know why you are here, helping him try and locate her."
"Constable, I...can't," the doctor said, looking away from Nathan, his shoulders slumped, as he tried to maintain his composure.
"We can help you, doctor. Whatever it is, we will find a way to help you." Nathan paused, "if you let us help you, we can help Mariah too."
"Please, help her," Abigail urged, surprising the two men who hadn't heard her approach. "Let Nathan help you both."
"So, she has been here and was arrested," Mr Armstrong said sadly as he shook his head, his face grim. Glancing at Abigail but unable to maintain eye contact, he looked at his hands as he spoke, "It's too late to help me, Ma'am," the man said, his voice trembling.
"It's never too late! Not for Mariah or you."
"I have done too many things that cannot be undone, and ... I don't deserve your help."
"I don't know if that is true, but even if it is, what about Mariah? Doesn't she deserve your help?" Nathan asked. "Or are you going to let Mr Armstrong hurt her again?"
"Keep her safe from him; he is not a... nice man, and if he finds her, he will hurt her."
"Why? Why does he want to hurt her so much? She is a young girl who didn't want to be trapped in a marriage with an old man; surely that isn't enough for him to pursue her like this." Nathan asked, unable to reconcile the story with the intensity with which Mr Armstrong had persisted.
"Mr Armstrong became obsessed with Mariah," Dr Jameson said after a moment, "his fixation was unhealthy and escalated quickly." The doctor hesitated, and as Nathan watched him, he saw the doctor sit up straighter in his chair and knew the man had decided to quit hiding what he knew and tell them it all.
Words burst out of the doctor, as he spoke, barely taking a breath. "I didn't know his first wife, but there was talk about the two of them; there always is in a small town. I'm told she was young when they married, too young, but she'd had no other choice. Her parents died in a road accident, which was never satisfactorily explained, leaving her vulnerable and in need of support. They weren't married long before she died. There was always speculation about her death; some say Armstrong was responsible, but he wasn't, at least not directly." The doctor paused and lowered his voice, "she took her own life. I know this because the funeral director and I are old friends."
The doctorstopped to take a mouthful of coffee and resumed his tale, "after her death, he courted another young woman or tried to, but she refused his advances, and eventually she escaped by moving away to live with her aunt in another town. This happened several times until he had become a laughingstock in the eyes of the townspeople, someone to be pitied and avoided. This was when he turned all his attention to courting Mariah. I think he believed if he could woo her and marry her, it would change everyone's opinion of him. Every time she rejected him, it enraged him, and he pursued her even more doggedly, becoming more insistent. It was as though only she could redeem him and his reputation. He didn't see he was only making it worse. When he found out Mariah had told her father what he had done, the liberties he had taken, he took steps to stop him before he could tell the Constable, or anyone, to prevent people from finding out, and he was ruined for good."
"So, he was responsible for her father's death?"
"Yes, he was, and I covered it up; I told Mariah he died of his illness, but it wasn't true, and she knew it."
"Why would you do that? Why did you help him if you knew what he was doing? Why are you helping him now?" Nathan persisted.
"He knows my secrets, Constable, every dark, dirty one of them, and he threatened to expose me if I opposed him." Doctor Jameson looked at Abigail before looking away, the compassion in her eyes too much for him. "I haven't always been a good man. I drank heavily, and I gambled without success, and he took advantage of that. I have done things I am not proud of to repay my debts to him."
"Would you make a statement, telling the truth of what happened? Would you testify against him knowing your secrets may be revealed?"
"It is over for me. I can never practice medicine again, never return home, even if I weren't exposed. I couldn't, not after what I have done, but you're right. It is not too late to stop him and free Mariah." When Doctor Jameson spoke again, his voice was firm, "I will answer any questions you have for me, Constable and I promise to tell the truth. It's time I faced the consequences of my actions."
"Would you come with me, doctor, after your breakfast? I want you to speak to Constable Kinslow from Brookfield and tell him what you have told me."
"I am happy to go now; there is no way I could stomach food right now; I would choke on it, although I am sure the food is delicious, Ma'am."
Abigail didn't respond to the doctor's words, but she glanced at Nathan, and he knew she was asking him to show compassion to the broken man who sat before them.
Nathan hurried the doctor out of the Cafe, eager to get to Henry's home and Gabriel. When Henry opened the door to them, Nathan hurried the doctor inside, introducing him as he did so. "Can you find somewhere for the Doctor to talk to Gabriel, please?"
"Of course, you can use the Library Nathan. Gabriel is in the kitchen, charming Mrs Hagarty. My other visitor is still upstairs."
"Thank you, Henry; I'll find Gabe and bring him to you and the Doctor," Nathan said, hurrying away.
Walking down the hallway to the kitchen, Gabriel, and Mrs Hagarty's voices drifted toward him. Rapping his knuckles on the door, he stuck his head around it and smiled at the two of them.
"Sorry to interrupt, but I need to speak to you, Gabriel. In the Library."
"Of course, Constable," said Mrs Hagarty. "Can I get you something to eat or drink? Mr Kinslow has just finished his breakfast, but I could make you something."
"No, thank you, Mrs Hagarty. I had breakfast not long ago at the Cafe."
"And I can't compete with that! I purchase a lot from Abigail's. Mr Gowan likes her baked goods, and my scones never turn out as well as hers." Reaching out and collecting Gabriel's plate, she said, "I'll miss the food at the Cafe."
"You're leaving?" Nathan asked, wondering what Henry would do without her.
"Yes, I told Mr Gowan this morning. Mr Hagarty hasn't been well, and we are going to Benson Hills to stay with my daughter, so we are closer to a hospital for his treatment."
Nathan and Gabriel wished her and her husband the best of luck and speedy recovery before leaving the room. As they walked back to the Library, Nathan asked Gabriel to hold his questions until he could fill both him and Henry in at the same time. Nathan looked at his friend, "Once I have updated you both, I need to speak to you alone about who is in the library and what I need you to do."
Henry and Gabriel stayed silent as Nathan told them everything he knew. He informed them about Mr Armstrong's arrival in Town, the altercation with Bill, the charges to be laid, plus the transfer request. He explained that the man waiting in the library had information he wanted to share with them.
"I don't want to influence you, Gabriel, or taint your interview. I need it to be independent of the information he has given me. It's the same reason I don't want to be involved in transferring Armstrong to Union City."
Nathan was glad when Gabriel stood and walked toward the library without further questions. "Do you want to ask Mariah to come down, Henry? The danger to her is over, Mr Armstrong is in custody, and Doctor Jameson is no threat to her."
"Of course, Nathan," Henry said with a smile as he hurried up to knock on the door of Mariah's room.
Nathan waited in the foyer and began to pace. It felt like an age since he had been in the same spot, doing the same thing, but he realised it had only been the day before. Everything with Armstrong had escalated quickly, and his words to Elizabeth that morning were coming true; this would be over before they knew it. Mariah might face an accusation of assault from Mr Armstrong, but given the circumstances, there wouldn't be consequences for her. Mariah could stay in Coal Valley or go home, whatever she chose, but at least she would have a choice.
Mariah burst into tears the moment she heard Mr Armstrong had been arrested. She was sobbing by the time he told her doctor Jameson was willing to testify against Mr Armstrong and confirmed she was right, and he had been the cause of her father's death.
"What happens now?" Mariah asked tentatively, wiping the tears from her cheeks. "Where do I go?"
"You're welcome to stay here again tonight, Mariah. The Constables will return to Town, and I will go with them; Mrs Hagarty can stay with you."
"I couldn't put you out of your home, Mr Gowan; you have already been so kind to me," Mariah protested.
"I know Julie is staying by herself while Rosemary and Lee are on their honeymoon. I'm sure she would welcome the company."
He watched the smile light up Mariah's face as she nodded, "I would love to stay with Julie!"
"I could escort you and Mariah to Town in my car; Gabriel could bring the doctor back on his horse. Newton can stay here, or they could lead him home," Henry offered.
"I would like that, Henry; I will come for Newton later after school gets out. Mariah, please prepare to leave, and I will let Gabriel know the plan.
Nathan watched as Mariah hurried upstairs to gather the few items she had brought. He wanted to leave before Mariah saw Doctor Jameson; he didn't want her upset again. He felt relieved with the outcomes but knew he wouldn't relax entirely until Armstrong was away from Coal Valley and Mariah and locked up where he could do no more harm.