Nathan introduced himself to Sergeant Nelson and Constable Smith as he exited the Cafe. Nathan suggested they have something to eat after their journey, but Sergeant Nelson declined. Nathan saw the disappointment flash across Constable Smith's face as he grimaced and knew the younger man would have welcomed rest and food. As they walked, Sergeant Nelson brusquely requested additional information on Mr Armstrong and instructed Nathan to elaborate on the charges he had listed in the telegram. Nathan quickly explained the original charges, his concerns for Mariah's safety and what Dr Jameson had told them.
"I haven't actioned the additional charges yet; I was waiting for Constable Kinslow to return with the doctor. He is taking his witness statement."
"When do you expect him to return?"
"Any moment," Nathan explained, trying to hide his uneasiness at the Sergeant's rudeness. Sergeant Nelson sighed, and Nathan knew he wasn't happy to wait for Gabriel, or it seemed to spend any longer than necessary in Coal Valley.
As they entered the Mountie office, Bill turned from where he was warming lunch on the stove and introduced himself to both Mounties. Nathan was pleased that Bill wasn't sitting behind the desk for once, imagining how deeply Sergeant Nelson would frown on that.
"Is there somewhere else we can talk?" Sergeant Nelson asked, looking around the small area and noting their proximity to the prisoner. "I don't want to discuss our plans in front of the prisoner."
"Why not? Who do you think he is going to discuss it with," Bill asked, his voice laced with sarcasm.
Nathan saw Sergeant Nelson flush but wasn't sure if he was embarrassed or angry. Constable Smith pressed his lips together, enjoying the moment of discomfort for his superior officer, and Nathan was sure he wanted to laugh at his pompous supervisor. He knew he did. Nathan glanced toward the cell where Armstrong was being held and saw the man sitting on the cot, staring at them. Finally, he had lost some of his bravado, and it appeared he understood the seriousness of what was happening to him.
"I am sure Bill wouldn't mind if we went back to the Cafe; he is part owner and could arrange for us to discuss our plans in the kitchen, out of sight and earshot of the customers." Glancing at the clock, Nathan continued, "The lunch rush is almost over, so we won't be interrupted."
"It's the Cafe or the Saloon, gentlemen," Bill added. "Take your pick."
Without consulting Constable Smith, the Sergeant snapped, "The Cafe, of course; I shouldn't have to remind you we are on duty and in a hurry."
Nathan looked at Bill and frowned as he shook his head discreetly, stopping the tirade he was sure was coming. "I would be happy to escort you to the Cafe. Bill, are you okay to wait here a little longer?"
"Sure, I can finish my lunch. I recommend the beef stew," Bill offered between gritted teeth. "Take all the time you need, Nathan."
Nathan smiled at Bill while Sergeant Nelson glared at him. "Would you send Gabe over as soon as he arrives, Bill?"
"Of course," Bill said shortly, his eyes narrowing slightly. He returned to the stove without saying goodbye to their visitors.
"Are you sure you are comfortable leaving Avery in charge of the jail and Mountie office?" Nelson asked.
"He is a Mountie Inspector, Sir," Nathan replied. "He is the most senior officer present."
"Yes, but he might be out of practice of the day-to-day things. I asked a friend about him before travelling here, and I must say, I didn't hear very good things."
Nathan was surprised by Nelson's statement. He knew Bill had ruffled some feathers in the past, but no one ever doubted Bill's ability as a Mountie or an Inspector; he was well respected. "I am surprised to hear that, Sergeant. Bill has always conducted himself to a very high standard, here and in other postings."
"Well, not according to my sources, Constable Grant, who I am sure has much clearer oversight on Inspector Avery."
Nathan bit his tongue and decided to let it go; there was no point in arguing with this man who wouldn't be here for very long and was unlikely to be swayed. Nathan risked a glance at Constable Smith, who was glaring at the back of his leader's head. He decided it would be worth discussing with Constable Smith; the man didn't like Sergeant Nelson and wondered why.
Nathan asked the two Mounties to wait outside, while he secured them a quiet space to talk. He also wanted to apologise in advance to Abigail for Nelson's attitude. Nothing good could come of his disparaging comments about Bill in front of Abigail.
Inviting the two men inside, Nathan watched Nelson's face as he stepped inside the Cafe's kitchen, seeing him turn up his nose at the sight of the small, cosy room. On the other hand, Constable Smith breathed deeply and let out a contented sigh at the smells surrounding him.
"Gentlemen," Abigail said, smiling at them. "Please, sit," she encouraged as she placed several plates of food on the table before them. "Help yourselves to whatever you like; there is more on the stove, which you are welcome to."
Constable Smith thanked Abigail profusely and didn't hesitate to dig into the food before him, helping himself to generous portions of the beef stew. Nathan smiled at Abigail, thanking her as he waited for Nelson to do the same. Nathan's eyes narrowed as the Sergeant glanced at the food before him, lowered his gaze, and mumbled a thank you before reaching for a bread roll, ignoring the hearty beef stew beside it. Nathan wondered at the man's behaviour. Very few people could resist Abigail's cooking, especially when it was laid out before them, yet Nelson behaved as though it contained poison.
"Is there something wrong with the food, Sergeant?" Abigail asked, conveying her confusion and rising irritation. "I can prepare something else if you would prefer."
Nathan saw the colour rise in Nelson's cheeks. "I am sorry, Mrs Stanton...I am sure the food is fine, more than fine, it smells very nice. Unfortunately, I have a delicate constitution, and rich, heavy foods don't agree with me. I never eat much when on long rides."
Nathan heard genuine regret in the man's voice. He was clearly uncomfortable, which may have contributed to his sour attitude. His stomach concerns didn't explain his criticism of Bill though.
Abigail smiled, her concern for the man overriding her annoyance. "Please let me prepare some scrambled eggs while you wait for Constable Kinslow," she offered. It will be much easier for you to digest."
It was early afternoon when Gabriel finally arrived. Nathan stood, hurrying to his friend, welcoming him inside and seating him at the table. Nathan bustled around collecting plates and other items for Gabriel. Finally, when they were all sitting at the table, Gabriel began to speak, filling them in on his discussion with Dr Jameson between bites of his food. Nathan wasn't surprised that Constable Smith refrained from asking questions, allowing Nelson to talk as he ate the dessert Abigail had set aside. Despite having devoured two large servings of the aromatic stew, Constable Smith's eyes lit up when he saw the pie. When Gabriel had satisfied Sergeant Nelson, answering all his questions, some of them twice, the table fell silent as they focused on finishing their meals.
It was late afternoon when the group of Mounties left the Café; having discussed and reviewed the information from Jameson, including the proof he said he had to support the allegations, deciding on the charges to be laid, and when to lay them. When they finally agreed, they thanked Abigail. They left for the Mountie office, with Gabriel escorting Constable Smith back to the livery to collect the transport wagon before meeting them at the Mountie office.
Nathan led the way across town, acknowledging but not answering the curious looks of the townspeople who saw them. Nathan glanced at the Saloon, wishing he could see Elizabeth. Unfortunately, school was over for the day, and he had missed her. He would have to wait until he got home that night to catch up with her. He was keen to hear what she had to say about Colleen and her plans.
As Nathan and Sargeant Nelson arrived at the Mountie office, they could hear shouting from inside. After a glance at each other, they hurried to the door, pushing it open to see Armstrong yelling at Doctor Jameson, who sat on his bunk, ignoring him.
"What is the meaning of this?" Sergeant Nelson yelled at Bill.
"Mr Armstrong appears to have some issue with the doctor sharing information about him with the Mounties," Bill replied, his voice mild. It's certainly been interesting how much you can learn when you let someone rant and rave."
Armstrong stopped yelling abruptly, looking at Bill angrily. Nathan could see from the look on his face he hadn't realised what he had been saying.
Armstrong directed his attention to Sergeant Nelson and snarled, "When am I leaving this place? I want to go somewhere where I can get real justice and not deal with these people anymore."
"You will go when it suits me to go, Mr. Armstrong. You do not get to dictate to the Mounties when and where you go." Nathan watched Sergeant Nelson turn his back to Armstrong and addressed Doctor Jameson: "Thank you for your assistance. I have heard you have been very cooperative, and that will serve you well."
"What about the girl? Why isn't she locked up with us for assaulting me?" Armstrong said. "Are you going to let her get away with what she did? I thought you Mounties always got your man or woman?"
"You are correct. No one who commits a crime goes unpunished."
Nathan's heart sank. He had hoped Armstrong would be too concerned about saving himself from the more serious charges to continue pursuing Mariah. He glanced at Bill, who was frowning, too.
Nathan sighed when he saw Nelson sit across from Bill at his desk. Reaching for the notebook on the table, he pulled it toward himself and wrote something down before showing it to Bill. Nathan stepped forward to read the message, grimacing when he saw the words he had written.
"Who is the girl, and what did she do?"
"Nathan," Bill said lightly, "have you had a chance to do your rounds in the Town? Maybe you and Sergeant Nelson should do them now while we wait for the others."
"That's a great idea, Bill. Sergeant Nelson, would you like to accompany me?"
Nathan could see Nelson hesitating, torn between getting his answers and leaving Bill in charge again. He hoped he would say no, ignoring Armstrong's allegations, but it seemed unlikely.
"Of course, Constable, lead the way."
Nathan walked out of the Mountie offices and proceeded down the boardwalk. He needed to figure out where to take Sergeant Nelson, wondering where they would have enough privacy for the conversation, he knew they were about to have. He decided the Infirmary would be perfect. Robert could discuss what he knew of Mariah's case with Sergeant Nelson, giving him a different perspective on the charges.
"Where are you going, Constable? I have no intention of going on your rounds with you. I want an explanation as to why this is the first, I have heard of this and why I heard it from a prisoner and not you or Constable Kinslow. "
"I will explain in the Infirmary that Dr Pearce has had involvement with Mariah and knows the history of the assault better than I do."
Nathan strode away from Sergeant Nelson, not giving him a chance to argue with him. He didn't want to be too antagonistic, though. He needed the man to be open to hearing what had occurred and calm enough to listen, understand, and show compassion.
Nathan saw Robert's surprise when he walked through the door, quickly followed by concern that something had happened. Nathan raised his hand to reassure him and stop his questions as he stepped aside so Nelson could follow him inside. Nathan quickly made introductions and explained why they were there. Faith was out seeing patients and unlikely to return, which meant they had some time alone to discuss what Robert knew.
Robert succinctly recounted Mariah's side of the story, and Nathan could tell the Sergeant was softening his stance. Robert's recounting made it clear that the assault had occurred in self-defence only, and Armstrong provoked Mariah. Nathan reluctantly explained the thefts in Brookfield and its surroundings, adding that no one would press charges for these matters.
"I am not happy about this Constable. I feel you deliberately withheld information relevant to this case, and I am not sure what I will do about it." Sergeant Nelson stared at Nathan, looking as though he was going to continue, then stopped, clenching his jaw.
"Is everything okay?" Nathan asked, concerned as he saw Nelson's hand rest on his stomach.
"I'm fine. It's a small matter of indigestion, and there's nothing to concern yourself with."
Nathan glanced at Robert, adding, "The sergeant seemed uncomfortable at lunchtime also."
Robert asked Nathan to give him a moment with the Sergeant, and Nathan was pleased to step outside the Infirmary; the last thing he wanted to do was listen to someone else's digestion issues. He was glad to see Gabe and Constable Smith approaching from the livery with the transportation wagon. He stepped toward the road and waited to assist them in securing the wagon when they arrived. Nathan explained to the two Mounties why he was outside the Infirmary, and he and Gabriel shared a glance as he explained. Nathan knew Gabe was concerned about repercussions for Mariah as much as he was.
"Constable Smith, please tell me a little about the Sergeant?" Nathan asked the younger man as they stood outside the Infirmary. "He was very keen to leave Coal Valley, and I wondered why.
"It's nothing personal against you or your Town. He doesn't like anything." Constable Smith said with a frown. "He is the most miserable man I have ever met."
"He doesn't seem to like Bill Avery," Gabriel commented drily.
"It's not personal. Everyone told him what a great Mountie he was, so he pretended he had heard the opposite. You learn to ignore him because he is a good Mountie, even if he is a stickler for following rules."
Nathan sighed. That didn't sound good for Mariah. He wasn't worried about himself; he would face whatever punishment Sergeant Nelson felt was necessary. He hoped that Robert would have some sway with the man being an independent witness to what Mariah had experienced.
The three men checked over the transport wagon again while they waited. Once Nelson decided he was ready to leave, there was only a little to do, and they were needed to assist with the transfer. Nathan and Gabriel filled Smith in on what had transpired so he was aware of the charges against Armstrong, using the chance to make sure the younger man understood Mariah's innocence and could advocate for her if Nelson decided she would have to face charges.
The infirmary door opened, and Nelson stood still, framed in the doorway with a smile. Nathan was shocked; the man was barely recognisable. Robert Pearce really was a miracle worker.
"Is everything okay," Nathan asked tentatively.
"The Doctor gave me something for my stomach, which has really done the trick. While doing so, he explained the extenuating circumstances of the young woman Mariah Bower. While I may disagree with you withholding information, I can understand why you did so in this instance."
Nathan watched as the Sergeant glanced at Constable Smith, standing by his side, and said, "do not get any ideas from this Constable."
As Sergeant Nelson stepped toward the transport wagon, Nathan stood beside Robert, shaking his head incredulously.
"What on earth did you do to him?"
"A little tonic of Juniper and honey," Robert said with a chuckle. "It works quickly and effectively, and I find people much more reasonable when they feel well."
"Well, I appreciate whatever you did and said, it's made all the difference." Nathan clapped Robert on the shoulder and started toward his fellow Mounties before looking back at him. "I will see Mariah later to confirm everything is fine once they are underway. I want her to know it is finally over."
The Mounties made short work of the prisoner transfer. Dr Jameson went quietly, accepting his fate given what he had done. Nathan knew his demeanour had been helped by knowing that he and Gabriel had asked for leniency, given he was testifying. Armstrong did everything he could to make it difficult for them. He refused to leave his cell, requiring Constable Smith to resort to force to extricate him. Outside the Mountie office, he refused to step into the transfer wagon, and eventually, Nelson directed them to lift him inside, shackle his legs and arms, and then shackle him to the seat.
Nathan and Gabe stood together, watching as the wagon disappeared.
"So, Nelson wasn't so bad," Gabriel commented.
"Yes, in the end." Nathan agreed. "I don't care how long it took; I am just glad he agreed no charges should be laid against Mariah."
"Do you think she will stay here in Coal Valley?"
"I think so. She has settled in very quickly. All we need is to find her a job. She can't stay here with nothing to do, and Abigail doesn't need her in the Café."
"And you don't have to worry about Colleen anymore," Gabe said with a smile. "That is wonderful news."
Nathan frowned. He might not have to worry about her illness, but he still needed to talk to her about her idea of moving out. He decided there was no time like the present.
"Gabe, on that note, I have somewhere I need to be. Can I catch up with you later, after dinner?"
Nathan strode off after receiving Gabe's agreement. He would tell Mariah the good news and then head home to his family; this conversation couldn't wait.