Chapter 57

Jack opened his eyes when the sun came in through the bedroom window. He was frustrated when he woke up. The walk last night was incredible. His Elizabeth was passionate and took control as soon as they were out of sight. It reminded him of their walk around the lake in San Fransico. They haven't made love outdoors very often, but he was really beginning to enjoy it under the protection of not getting caught. He assumed that was part of the excitement.

Just beyond the open field where the kids play in front of the row houses, was a section of woods that was private. Elizabeth found a small walking path and drug him down the path. When she was satisfied, they were deep enough into the woods not to get caught, she unleased her passion on her receptive husband.

Elizabeth was laying with her head on his shoulder and her hair was strayed across his chest and her pillow. He loved the feeling of her hair on him in the mornings. The birds were chirping through the window. The weather was still nice even though the temperature was dropping a little. His smile only grew when she snuggled a little closer to him. Even in her sleep, she wanted to be closer to him. That made him happy.

He had mixed feelings about his job duty for the next couple of days. He was looking forward to his time in the mounties coming to an end. However, he was also regretting it. He loved being a mountie, but in this season of his life, it wasn't the best for him and his family. He was looking forward to being sheriff. He could still protect people and have a family life. He just wished his last assignment didn't involve Mr. Kensington. He looked at the clock and knew he had a few minutes before he had to climb out of bed.

He settled into his pillow and pulled his wife closer to him. Just as he was more comfortable, he heard the heavy feet of his little boy stomping down the hall. He knew he only had seconds before the knock on the door came.

"Are you ready?"

I am father. Let's get this awful ordeal behind me. This has gone on for long enough."

"I agree, Charles. Now, once we are in Medicine Hat, we will have one last meeting with Mr. Wilson. Then we wait the evening out until the trial begins tomorrow."

"I turned in my notice to leave Hamilton yesterday at mountie headquarters."

"I'm grateful you did that. That only continues to show that you are a good man."

"Let's hope the judge sees that."

"He will. Mr. Wilson seems to be pretty confident he will. Ok Charles, we don't want to miss the train."

"Are you sure you have to leave?"

"I do. This is my last assignment as a mountie, JJ. Once this is finished, I'm retired from the mounties. Then I take a few days off and then I am sheriff."

"No more trips?"

"Very few trips."

"How long will you be gone this time?" JJ pouted.

"At least two nights but probably longer. Maybe a week or less. However, mommy will be here with you."

JJ smiled. He didn't like that his daddy would be gone, but he was grateful his mommy would be home. He was also happy that Jack wouldn't have to travel any more for work. He liked having him around.

Elizabeth came down the stairs to her two boys sitting at the table with a plate of breakfast in front of them. She smiled knowing Jack made breakfast for them. She sat down in her normal seat. After inhaling the scent of the eggs that were on the plate in front of her, she pushed the plate away to the middle of the table.

"Are you ok? Are the eggs bad?"

"No…for some odd reason, they just smell bad to me today."

"Huh…they taste fine." He smelled his eggs. Then he looked over and noticed his son was still shoving the eggs in his mouth. "They may not be Abagail's eggs, but JJ had no problem eating them." He turned his attention back to his bride.

Elizabeth noticed his look. She just shrugged her shoulders. She reached for her cup of tea and took a nice drink. Then she reached for the toast on her plate and placed some jelly on it.

"When are you leaving?"

"I need to leave by nine. I'll catch the stagecoach. I should arrive in Medicine Hat at about two. Then I'm checking into the local mountie office. I'm assuming D. A. Scott would like to meet with me sometime after."

"I'm going to miss you." She reached for his hand.

"Me too." JJ spoke with a mouthful of eggs.

"JJ…" Jack and Elizabeth stated at the same time. They were trying to teach him manners. They didn't think the lessons were sinking in.

"What?" He stated. Once he looked up into their faces, he knew he messed up. "I'm sorry." He stated as he reached for his napkin.

"Do you know if Grace is going?"

"She said she wasn't. Father will be traveling today with two mounties. He is set to testify under his plea deal."

"Would you like for me to get him a letter from you?"

She smiled at him knowing her so well. "It's already in your duffle bag."

Jack nodded his head. "Now young man…you are to work with your mommy while I'm gone. No making her days any harder. Got it?"

"Yes daddy."

"Now, help me finished the food and we will wash the dishes before I head out. No need to leave extra work for your mommy."

"You wash, and I'll dry."

The family stood at the stagecoach platform dreading this very moment.

"You're the man of the house until I get back home."

"Yes sir."

"Help your mother when she needs it, but don't push her. She doesn't like that." He whispered into his son's ear. Elizabeth hid her smile when she heard what he said to JJ. She loved Jack as a father. He was teaching his son to be a man. Someone to work with his wife and to help without being pushy.

Jack gave his little boy one last hug. "Now, you are supposed to help at the home site. Do what you need to do, but make sure you find time to be a boy. Have fun."

"I will. See you very soon." JJ held on for one more hug squeezing Jack with every ounce of strength he had in his little body.

Jack held on a little longer even when JJ released his hug. Then he turned his attention to his beautiful wife who was standing with tears in her eyes. They haven't overtaken her eye lids yet.

"I will miss you. I'll be home soon."

"You come back to me as fast as you can." She lost control of her tears as she stepped into his open arms.

"I'll only be gone for a few days. This is a safe assignment. No danger here."

Elizabeth only tightened her hold on him. She knew it was a safe trip. He wasn't chasing a bank robber through the woods or a bootlegger in the wilderness. Even with that piece of knowledge, she just couldn't keep the tears from flowing. She inhaled a long breath to steady herself.

"I know…" She whispered. "We need you here."

"This is the last one." He kissed her on the top of her head. "When I'm sheriff, these kind of trips are few and far in between. Once I'm back, I'm on leave and then begin to work here."

Elizabeth smiled and nodded her head. She was grateful.

"I'll be around so often you will send me out doing projects…you know…keep you man busy so he won't be in a tizzy."

She laughed. "Maybe, but you'll still be home every night."

"I'm looking forward to that."

"Me too."

With one last kiss that was somewhat tame, he climbed onto the stagecoach and then stuck his head and hand out the window. She immediately reached for his hand.

"I love you, Elizabeth Marie Thornton."

"I love you, Jarrick Thornton."

With that proclamation, the stagecoach lurched forward when the team of horses dug their hooves into the dirt. Their hands didn't separate until the distance required it. He gave them one last wave as the stagecoach began to gain speed going down Main Street. Elizabeth blew one last kiss in his direction.

"Come on…Auntie Abagail has a snack for us." JJ stated as he reached for his mommy's hand.

Elizabeth smiled. She knew her little boy was trying to take care of her. It made her love him even more.

About five minutes out of town, Jack noticed the stagecoach began to slow down. He stuck his head out the window and looked in front and then behind the stagecoach just before it stopped. Then it completely stopped. He looked up at the driver when he leaned over.

"Sergeant Jack Thornton?"

"Yes, that's me."

"Here." He stated as he extended a plain, vanilla envelope. Once Jack accepted the envelope, the driver straightened himself back onto the bench seat and grabbed the reins. He flipped them twice against the horses' backs and yelled for them to get going. Jack immediately settled back in his seat and stared at the envelope. Slowly, he turned the large envelope over and unclasped the metal closer and then unsealed the flap. He pulled out a handwritten piece of paper.

Sergeant Jack Thornton…

Frank and Mr. P stood back drinking some tea watching JJ. He was at the home site laying out the colorful river rock. He had given his mommy strict orders not to visit the new home. He had several of the rocks sit out in front of the home. They could tell he had them in a certain pattern, but they couldn't figure it out. They also didn't know how he was figuring out the pattern. They watched him place a rock down and then work through the pile to find another rock. Once he sat that down, he would repeat the process.

"How in the world is he doing that?"

"I'm not sure." Frank stated. "I believe he sees it in his head and then finds the piece and then places it."

"I believe you're right, Pastor. But how is he doing that?"

"Jack always says that he is a bright young man, but I'm beginning to believe Jack may have been too conservative with his praise."

"I think he's smarter than we think. I just think he might hide it a little."

"Why do you say that Mr. P?"

"I think he just wants to be a kid, but I do think he's smarter than we think. Look at him…he's figuring it all out in his head without any paper. Even more than that, he's not been wrong one single time."

The two men continued to watch this little boy work through the pile of rocks. He was placing them in front of the wall and working his way down the wall placing the rocks on the ground in front of it. They were also impressed that he had just enough left over after the wall to make a flower bed in the front yard.

"You know, when he told us to get this amount of rock, he stated he got enough to do a flower bed."

Frank looked at the pile that was left over. "Well, he had it figured out exactly right. That pile that is left over is just enough for a decent flower bed."

"Elizabeth may have her hands full with him in school."

"I believe you are correct sir."

Abagail was sitting in the chair in front of the desk. She still didn't like sitting in the big chair behind the desk. She just didn't feel worthy to sit there. She just turned over the piece of paper and began to read the next page on top of the pile when she heard the knock on the door.

"Come on in. It's open." She called out before looking up. She smiled when she saw her self proclaimed younger sister.

"What are you up to?"

Without saying a word, Elizabeth walked up to her friend. She took hold of her sister's shoulders and pulled her up to a standing position. Elizabeth turned her around and guided her to the big chair behind the desk. Abagail huffed but followed Elizabeth's leading. When she was standing in front of the chair, Elizabeth pushed down on her shoulders just enough to force Abagail to sit.

"There." Elizabeth stated as she turned to walk in front of the desk. She sat down in the chair just vacated by Abagail. "This is how it should be."

"You know, you have gotten more bold since you got married." Abagail shook her head. "And I'm not sure if it's a good thing or not." Both ladies chuckled.

"Maybe, but you belong there." Elizabeth nodded toward her current chair. "Now, how is it going?"

"Pretty good actually. Mary is a godsent at the café."

"I can easily see that."

"You must be missing Jack."

Elizabeth lowered her head. "He has been gone for just a few hours, and I can barely stand it."

"That is what happens when you fall in love."

"I just can't shake the feeling that something bad is going to happen."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not sure…it's his last assignment. Deputy Commissioner Pearson said that after this assignment he will be on paid leave until his starting date as sheriff."

"That's a good thing, right?" Questioned Abagail.

"Yeah…"

"So, what's the problem?" Abagail asked as she laid down the stack of papers she was reading.

"I don't know…I guess I'm just worrying to be worrying."

"I get it. It's his last assignment. Anything could happen. However, this is a safe trip. He is only going to court and testifing."

Elizabeth rubbed her face with both hands. "I know…" She let out a long breath.

"But…?"

"Have you ever just had a feeling…" Her voice trailed off.

"The last time was a few years ago. On that horrible day when I lost…" Abagail's voice trailed off.

When their eyes met, a world of thoughts traveled between them. Abagail saw the worry in Elizabeht's eyes. Elizabeth saw the connection with the hurt for her previous family and the worry for Jack.

"Go get packed. I'll find Frank and he'll take you. I'll stop by the livery and have them get a team and wagon ready."

"Do you think I'm overreacting?"

"I want to say yes, but you should never easily dismiss a gut feeling."

"Thank you Abagail."

"I'll keep JJ with me, or he can stay with Mr. and Mrs. P."

Elizabeth jumped from her seat and left the office without even saying bye to her sister.

"What are you doing here, sweetheart?"

"I need you to do a favor for me."

Frank looked at his wife as she approached him.

"Frank, I need you to take Elizabeth to Medicine Hat."

"Now? Why?"

"Can you go?"

"Abagail, what's going on?"

She took a few moments to share the conversation she and Elizabeth had in the mayor's office. Frank nodded during her explanation.

"So, she has a gut feeling and therefore I'm taking her to Medicine Hat to check on Jack."

"Yes. If you…"

Frank held up his hands to stop his wife. "Of course, I'll take her."

"I'm going too." JJ stated.

Frank and Abagail turned around to see JJ standing a few feet away.

"Something's wrong."

"JJ…"

"No Auntie Abagail. Daddy said that I'm the man of the house and I need to protect mommy. He said I'm supposed to work with her. If she's going to check on daddy in Medicine Hat, I'm going. Mommy's not facing her nightmare alone. I'm standing with her."

With that statement, JJ turned and ran all the way to the row house. He didn't give Frank or Abagail a chance to say anything.

Elizabeth was packing some clothes in her trunk when she heard footsteps downstairs. She wasn't sure who it could be. It was too soon for Frank to be by, and JJ was at the home site. She had strict orders from her little boy that she wasn't allowed to visit the site.

She walked out of her bedroom and made her way to the top of the stairs.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm going with you." JJ stated as he climbed the stairs. He walked past Elizabeth on the top step hurrying to his room. He needed to pack some clothes for the trip.

"JJ, you need to stay here." Elizabeth stated as she turned to follow her son to his bedroom. "JJ, you need to stay here." She repeated the second time. It wasn't like him to ignore her.

"I'm sorry mommy, but I can't. I'm going with you."

"JJ…you need to listen to me." She stated placing her hand on her hip. She didn't like this defiant side of her son. This was the first time she had seen this in JJ.

"I hear you mommy." He stated as he pulled the trunk out from under his bed. He placed it on his bed and then opened the lid. As he walked to his dresser, he spoke. "How many days are we going for?"

"JJ, you're not going. I'm not sure how long I will be gone. You will stay with Auntie Abagail or with Mrs. P."

"No mommy. I'm going with you." He stated. He pulled out five pairs of socks and undergarments. After placing them in his trunks, he walked toward the closet.

"Jack Johnson Thornton…how dare you not listen to me!?"

JJ turned to his mommy. "That's the first time you used my full name in that tone. I'm not sure I like it when you say it that way." He stated as she tilt his head.

Elizabeth squared her shoulders at his insolence. "When you don't listen to me, I will use that tone. Now young man, why are you being so rebellious? This isn't like you."

JJ stopped and turned his full attention to his mommy. "I'm not trying to be rebellious. I'm just doing what daddy told me."

"And what is that young man?" Challenged Elizabeth. Her mind was running through every possible scenario of things that could be wrong with Jack. She wasn't paying too much attention to what was happening in JJ's bedroom. All she knew was that she was getting frustrated, and she was almost certain it wasn't all about JJ.

"Daddy told me that I was supposed to be there for you. That I should help you and not make extra work for you. That I should be there for you. You're going to your nightmare's trial tomorrow. Mommy…" He changed his tone to a voice that was full of love. It melted her heart. "…I'm not letting you face your nightmare by yourself. I'm being the man daddy told me to be."

Without knowing it, she reached up for the tear that just escaped her eyelid. His voice was so loving that it immediately took all of her anger and frustration away. She thanked God for this little boy. He was trying to love her the way his daddy was teaching him.

"Come here." She stated as she moved his trunk and sat on the edge of his bed. She patted her lap for him to sit down. "I just have this weird feeling…I'm sure it's nothing. However, I want to go and check on your daddy. Frank is taking me. Once I'm there, I will be with your daddy."

JJ nodded his head, but he still wasn't buying it. "Mommy…" He stated as he sat up taller in her lap. "…as the man of the house since daddy is gone, it is my job to stand with you. I can't do that if I'm at Auntie Abagail's house and you are on the road to Medicine Hat. What would you do if you needed me? I promised daddy I would stand with you. I can't do that if I'm not with you. I just want to be there for you if you need me. I want to be the man daddy is teaching me to be. I also want to be the man you would be proud of. You often say to Auntie Abagail that you love it when daddy stands with you. It's important for you that he works and stands with you. I want to be like daddy because he's a good man and you love him so much."

She wanted to immediately state that Frank would be there to hel[, but she thought better of it. Elizabeth closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She knew she lost this little battle with her son. He just wants to be like his daddy. He also wanted to love her the only way he knew he could, to be with her.

"Pack for five days. I'm not sure what we will do, but that should be enough. Please be ready to leave in twenty minutes."

"Thanks mommy!" He quickly wrapped his arms around her neck and squeezed tightly. "I'll be ready in ten."

"Let me check your choices before you close your truck."

"Yes mommy."

"Don't you dare!" Exclaimed Rosemary.

"What?" Asked Lee as he laid the color swatch down on his desk.

"You can't be serious with that color for the wedding?"

"I was just looking at it. I wasn't suggesting anything." Lee shrugged his shoulders. "Why don't you just figure it out the way you want it and then just let me know."

"Is that what you want?"

"I think it's what you want." Lee responded. "Every idea I have suggested you gasp at it and quickly dismiss it."

Rosey huffed at his statement. Then she stopped when she saw his look. "It's true, isn't it?"

Lee nodded his head.

"I'm sorry Lee. It's just…"

"And that's why I don't make many suggestions. Yet, you fuss with me when I don't. Just decide what you want and then inform me on what is going on."

"It's not supposed to work that way, Lee."

"And this is the way it's supposed to work?" He stretched out his arms. "You just decide, and I'll show up in my suit."

Rosemary sat down on the chair that was closest to her. She replayed all the conversations they had over the wedding ideas. He was right.

"I'm sorry Lee. I've gone overboard with this haven't I?"

He chuckled. "Rosey, you go overboard with everything you do."

She huffed at his statement.

"That's who you are, and I know that. However, you cannot be frustrated with me when I step back."

"I know. I'm sorry."

"Now, what colors are you thinking?" Lee asked with a smile.

Frank was on one side of the bench seat and Elizabeth was on the other end. JJ was sandwiched between them. It was a little bit of a tight fit, but no one complained. The two trunks were tied to the small portion of the wagon just behind them. The road was a little bumpy, but the horse and wagon were making good progress.

"Are you ok?" Frank asked during a long straight section of the road.

"Yeah. I may be feeling a little silly now that we're on our way, but I just can't get over this weird feeling I have."

"Maybe it's because of everything finally coming to a head with the court case and trial."

"Maybe…"

JJ shifted in his seat just a little. "Maybe it's your nightmare."

"Maybe." Elizabeth answered ruffing up his hair. "Thanks for coming."

JJ offered her a smile.

Jack stepped off the stagecoach. It wasn't a super long ride, but long enough that he didn't want to do it again. He sighed as he looked over the town. He hasn't been to Medicine Hat for a while. However, he still knew his way around town. He turned left to find the hotel his superior informed him he would be staying. If he remembered correctly, it was a nicer hotel than normal for a mountie to stay at during a trial.

He quickly found it and checked himself in. He found his room and deposited his duffle bag on the bed. He pulled out the letter to reread it. He wanted to make sure he knew what he was supposed to do.

Sergeant Jack Thornton –

I believe I understand the ploy of Mr. Wilson during Mr. Charles Kensington's trial. Sorry for the cloak and dagger, but I didn't want to give away I know anything. Half a mile west of your hotel room is a small café called Smoke-in-Fire. They have great barbeque and other meats. Meet me there at seven for dinner. We will discuss things then.

D. A. James Scott

Jack shook his head at the secrecy. This didn't make sense to him. Of course, he would be part of the trial as the arresting mountie if called upon. That was protocol when requested by the D. A. The meeting for dinner was odd. He quickly unpacked his duffle into the small drawers of the room and made his way to the lobby. At the front desk, he sent a telegram to both Elizabeth and JJ. He always sent JJ a telegram. It made him feel all grown up.

Jack knew he had a couple of hours before his time to meet Scott. He didn't want to sit in his room. He has sat long enough today already. He wanted to go for a walk, but first he decided to check on Mr. Thatcher. He knew he would be traveling in today for the trial as the key witness. He thought he could check on him and send an update to Elizabeth about her father. Plus, he needed to deliver Elizabeth's letter.

William Thatcher arrived at the local mountie's jail after a long train ride. As a low security prisoner, he was escorted by two mounties, but they didn't have him shackled. Over the weeks he has been in prison, he has found favor with his guards. They appreciated that he took the time to work with the younger prisoners. They hoped the class would keep the young men out of jail upon their release.

While William hated his circumstances, he was grateful for the change it brought to his life. It completely reshaped his thinking about life. He stretched as he stepped off the stagecoach. He was grateful this was the last thing he needed to accomplish. Once this trial was finished, he could put the whole stupid ordeal behind him. He would continue to serve out his time and be released to his beautiful wife. That was something he was greatly looking forward to.

"This way." The mountie stated.

"Yes sir."

"William…" The guard stated. "…is there anything you want to eat?"

"Whatever is planned would be fine. Don't make any special accommodations for me."

The guard nodded his head. He has known the Thatcher name for a long time. He also knew who rich men act when they were arrested. William didn't act that way.

"There's a recently new place just a little ways down the road. It's supposed to have great barbeque."

"Sounds good to me. Whatever is easiest for you."

"I've been wanting to try it. I've heard word that it should be good."

"Barbeque pork sandwich sounds perfect."

Jack walked into the jail that was much larger than the one at Hope Valley. The front room consisted of one large, common room with a cluster of desks in one corner. Jack walked to the front counter where a low ranking mountie was stationed.

"Sir. What may I do for you?" The young mountie stated when he noticed the red serge.

"I'm Sergeant Thornton from Hope Valley. Has a prisoner named William Thatcher arrived yet? He is scheduled to appear in court tomorrow."

"Sergeant Thornton." The mound man stated as she stood out of respect. He has heard about the Toliver gang arrest while he was in the academy. He also heard several other stories of Jack's accolades. "Yes sir. He arrived within the hour."

"Constable, may I see him?"

"Sir, he isn't expecting any visitors. Please allow me to check with my superior."

"That's fine, Constable."

The young man stared at Jack for a moment. He never thought he would meet Jack. After several awkward moments, he turned and disappeared down the hallway. Jack assumed the cells were down the hallway along with the superior officer's office.

After a few moments, the young Constable appeared with a smile.

"Sir, if you will follow me, I will take you to Mr. Thatcher."

"Thank you." Jack looked at the other mounties in the room. They were all staring at him. He felt a little uncomfortable with the looks.

"According to Jack, this is his hotel." Elizabeth stated as Frank pulled the wagon to a stop.

"Let me help you unload your trunks." Frank stated as two bell men stepped out of the front door.

"Frank, I didn't think, but what are you going to do?"

"I'm heading back home. I'll stop and camp out whenever it gets too dark to travel. Then I'll finish the trip tomorrow morning."

"Oh Frank…I'm so sorry."

"Nonsense Elizabeth. I just need to get back tomorrow as soon as I can. By going back part of the way this evening, my trip tomorrow will be shorter."

"I don't know how to thank you for this."

"Elizabeth, you don't have to thank me. I'm going to a livery to feed and water the horses while I get me something to eat. Then I'll get something to take with me and then head out. I'll probably leave in the next thirty to forty five minutes."

"Thank you, Frank."

"Elizabeth, I was happy to help. Let me see you two inside."

"I've got this." JJ stated as he stood a little taller.

Frank smiled as he looked at Elizabeth. JJ was really trying to be the man. It touched Elizabeth's heart. She was so proud of him.

"Let's go young man." She stated. She gave Frank a hug and he refused her when she tried to give him money for his food and the horse's supplies.

JJ took his mother's hand and escorted her into the nice, but not too nice, hotel. The two bellmen followed them in.

"Good afternoon. I'm Elizabeth Thornton and this is my son, JJ Thornton. Has my husband, Sergeant Jack Thornton check in yet?"

The man behind the counter smiled at the lady. "Let my check." After looking for a moment in his register book. He looked back up. "Yes ma'am. He checked in a little while ago. He's not here at the moment. He said that he had a couple of hours before an appointment. He said that he was going to walk around a little bit because he sat too long toady."

"That sounds like daddy." JJ laughed.

"It does."

"Did you say that you are his wife?"

"Yes, wife and son."

"Could you tell me where he is stationed?"

"Hope Valley. He is set to testify at a trial that is beginning tomorrow."

"Perfect. Sorry, but we must check."

"That's fine."

"Would you like a key to his room? He said he would be back before his appointment."

"That would be great. Thank you."

"Second floor, room 239." The clerk looked at the two men holding the trunks. With their nod, he spoke to Elizabeth. "These men will follow you up with your trunks."

"Thank you."

William looked up when he felt someone standing at his cell door. He didn't hear anyone approach. "Jack." He whispered. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm in for the trial. I thought I would check on you. I can give Elizabeth a message that you are doing well. Also, I have a letter from her."

"That's very kind of you Jack. Thank you."

"Are you all set for tonight and tomorrow?"

"I am." William replied. "Everything is ok. They are getting dinner and I'm just waiting."

"That's good."

"Tomorrow is already set as far as I'm concerned. I just tell the truth and it will all take care of itself."

"True. So, you're well?"

"I am. I know this sounds odd, but I am doing better now than I have in a very long time."

"That's great to hear."

"Gracie and I are in a better place than we have been in for years. Elizabeth and I are better too."

"I'm grateful to hear that sir. Unfortunately for us, we must face something difficult to see what we have."

"That's a lot of truth in that statement Jack. It's in that humbling time that we learn what's important to us. I have found that…except for that one thing."

Jack wanted to ask what that one thing was, but he also didn't want to know. He was simply here to check on William so he could give an account to Elizabeth.

"Jack." William began slowly. "You are that one thing."

"What do you mean, sir?"

"I have made amends with my family except for you. Thank you for all you did for me after you arrested me. You went way above what you should have done. I am truly sorry I didn't listen to my middle child. I was stubborn and bull headed. I would like to develop a relationship over time after you deem that I am truly sorry for my actions during the sawmill and for how I treated you when Elizabeth brought you home to Hamilton."

"Sir, you don't have too."

"Yes, Jack, I do. I was awful to you and to Elizabeth. I apologized to her, and she has graciously accepted. I assume that is what a good daughter does for her wayward father. Now, I will do my best to change your mind concerning me. I'm not asking for your forgiveness now. I'm asking for time to show you that I am a changed man. Then, if you think I am true, I will ask for your forgiveness."

Jack studied the older man in front of him. He didn't look like the prideful, arrogant man back in Hamilton. He also didn't look like the defeated man in the jail cell in Hope Valley. He looked different. He looked like a man that was rebuilding his life. That surprised Jack a little. He never thought William would humble himself like this. His father's teaching came to mind. "If a man is truly sorry, he has earned that chance if he does what he needs to do." Jack heard his father's voice.

"I hope so, sir."

As Jack exited the long hallway into the common room, he saw an old friend from the academy. They have served on a few cases together.

"Hey Keegan. You have a moment?"

"Hey Jack. What are you doing here?"

"Do you know anything about Mr. William Thatcher?"

"Just what's in his file. I'm on guard duty for him tonight."

"It's empty back there except for him."

"Yes. Maybe it'll be a quiet night with no problems."

Jack thought about it for a few moments. "Keegan, would you do me a huge favor? I'll owe you."

"Jack, I could never repay you for all you have done for me. What's on that mind of yours?"

Author's Note:

Since Christmas is next Monday, I will push the next chapter until Tuesday. If you celebrate Christmas, I wish you the best Christmas ever. Merry Christmas! Enjoy your family and friends. Make someone smile.