Chapter 81
"You have got to be kidding me!?"
"What?"
"Why are you standing on the counter? With your shoes on nonetheless."
"Ma…I wanted some water. The last time I stuck my head under the stream of water I got my hair wet and that got my dress wet. That's when I got in trouble." The little auburn haired clone of Elizabeth stated as she turned back around trying to reach into the cabinet. The three and a half year old looked just like Elizabeth. She was a perfect mirror reflection of her mother except for her father's dimples. While she looked like her mother, she acted just like her father. Elizabeth was certain she should have been a boy.
"Stop!" Elizabeth sighed. "What does that have to do with you standing on the counter and with your shoes on?"
"I wanted some water, and I needed a cup so I wouldn't get in trouble getting my hair and dress wet."
Elizabeth could only slightly shake her head at her daughter's reasoning. "That may be so, but that isn't a good enough reason to stand on the counter. We have talked about this."
"Mommy, what am I supposed to do?" The little girl turned around while still standing on the counter. She placed her hands on her hips just like her mommy.
That little action from her clone was always a little frustrating to her. Not because she was acting like her mother, but it was due to Jack's teasing and laughing at them. He always told her that she was just acting like her mother and that's why it was so frustrating. She was just as adorable as her mother when she did it. To Elizabeth, she was truly looking at her reflection.
It wasn't just the stance that melted Elizabeth's heart. The dimples that were permanently framed on her daughter's face were drawing her in. Those dimples were all her husband's. Every time the little one showed those dimples, she could only see her husband in her daughter's face. It was almost too much to handle. It wasn't just the stance and dimples that was drawing her in. It was the mischievousness in her eyes that was exactly like her older brother's. Just like JJ, the little one would get this mischievous expression in her eyes when she knew she was pushing the limits. She would never go over those lines, just up to them just like her older brother. While they may not have been blood related, you would have never known it. They shared many things in common and every one of those common traits was too adorable.
That's what Elizabeth always imagined her husband was like as a child, pushing boundaries but never going over them. JJ was exactly the same way. The two little ones always wanted to know if the boundaries moved any. Once they knew the boundaries, they would never dare to cross it. The scene of her little one standing on the counter with her hands on her hips with that dimpled grin and mischievous eyes was just too much cuteness for Elizabeth. However, she knew she couldn't fold to all of that sassiness. She tried her best to hide her smile.
"Well then, you come and get me or daddy. Or your big brother for help. You know what you are suppose to do."
"Well, JJ is busy outside with his girlfriend, Emily." Th little one sassed. "I didn't know where you or daddy was. So, I just took things into my own hands."
"And that is why you are in trouble." Elizabeth stated as she walked to her clone. "Now, let's get you down and I will get you a cup of water." Elizabeth picked up her daughter and placed her on the floor. The little one took off outside. "Hey, where are you going?"
"I'm not thirsty anymore." She stated as she ran to the door. She turned her head over her shoulder saying the statement.
"What do you mean you are not thirsty any longer?" Elizabeth stated as her clone ran out the door. "That little one is just like her father."
"Good. You love daddy…so that means you love me." She heard from the little girl as she jumped off the porch.
"You're lucky you are so cute."
…
Elizabeth jumped a little when she felt a swift kick to her shin. It didn't fully wake her, but it did interrupt her dream. When she felt the second kick, she finally opened her eyes. She noticed a little head full of brown hair resting against her chest. Her son was pushed up against her.
"So, that's why I'm so warm." She whispered to herself.
She took a moment to look around the home. It was still darkness coming through the window. She looked toward the chair that was beside the couch. Jack wasn't there. She did notice a small note on the little table in front of her. She hated that he got in so late and then had to leave so early. She wasn't sure what time it was but knew darkness still had a strong grip on the morning sky.
With it being so early, she decided she wasn't going to wake up yet. She wanted to enjoy the time with JJ on the couch. She tightened her hold on him and closed her eyes. She was also hoping the dream would continue.
…
"Good morning."
"Morning?" Sam stated. I thought it was still night." He teased looking out the jail window. |
"How did last night go?" He nodded toward the jail cells.
"Pretty good. It took them a few minutes to settle down, but they finally did when they realized we weren't going to take them to the outhouse anymore. Littleton and Collins stated the same thing."
"Good. I left a note for Abagail to have breakfast ready for everyone at seven this morning. She will have it ready, and we can pick it up and bring it here. I have food for you all too."
"Thanks."
"Did Roy, Littleton, and Collins finish their reports?"
"Roy did. Littleton and Collins are almost finished. My report is on the desk in the black basket."
"Nice. I have my sheriff's report finished. I just need to make a copy of it for my records. I'll give you a copy if you want to attach it to your report for headquarters."
"That sounds nice."
"So." Jack began as he grabbed two mugs and began to pour coffee for both of them. "Have you told Faith about your intentions of requesting this posting?"
"I haven't really seen her yet. She was here working on that one, but we haven't truly spoken yet." He nodded to Cody.
"She'll be excited."
"I hope so."
"Sam, do you really think that?"
"Just hoping."
They looked up when there was a knock on the door. Mr. Yost opened it holding a telegram.
"Sheriff, this came for you and Constable Reed."
Jack took the telegram that was extended to him.
Sheriff Thornton and Constable Reed –
Mounties will arrive by noon. The prisoners will be moved within two hours of mounties' arrival. Superintendent Williams will be ranking officer on scene.
Seargeant Franks, Mountie Headquarters
"Wow…Superintendent Williams is coming?"
"I guess the Toronto Six requires it." Jack shrugged his shoulders.
"Good morning." Roy stated as he came through the back door. He headed straight for the coffee and mugs.
"Are you sure?" Teased Jack.
"It will be once I have some of this coffee."
"At least its not unleaded."
"Jack, don't even joke about that this morning." Roy shook his head. "Sleeping in a tent after night watch is for young men."
"You're not old."
"Fine, for younger men." Roy stated as he poured himself a cup of coffee to the rim of the mug.
Jack laughed at his new friend. "Here, read this." Jack handed the telegram to him.
"Wow! Superintendent Williams is actually coming here?"
"That's what Sam said. You two have been around each other too much."
"Academy brothers do that." Roy sighed after taking a slow sip of coffee.
"You have to ignore him early in the mornings, Jack, until he is beginning on his second cup of coffee."
"Noted." Jack laughed. "Let's figure out the day and we will fill in Littleton and Collins when they wake up from their sleep."
"Yeah, they had the rough time frame last night."
…
"Your up early."
"Good morning. Jack left a large breakfast order this morning."
Frank stepped off the bottom step and walked toward his wife. He wrapped his arms around his wife and interlocked his fingers around her tummy. He kissed the back of her neck. She relaxed back on him. She loved his attention.
"Need any help?"
"You're doing just fine." She sighed with contentment.
"When it's ready, I'll deliver it to the jail for you."
"Thank you. I wasn't really looking forward to going there this morning."
"I understand. Jack and the mounties really outdid themselves in arresting that gang."
"He also requested food for everyone when they leave to transport the men to Medicine Hat."
"You do have a busy day. I guess I need to leave you alone." He kissed her neck one more time. As he began to pull away, she leaned more into him.
"A couple more minutes." She whispered.
"Are you finally admitting that I am a distraction?"
"Never." She exclaimed as she fought against the smile trying to grow on the corner of her lips. She was grateful her husband wasn't facing her. She tilted her head to the left, allowing Frank better access to her neck.
…
Elizabeth giggled when she heard her little man tumble down the stairs. He couldn't sneak up on anyone even if his life depended on it. When JJ was halfway down the stairs he called out for his mother.
"Mommy!"
"JJ! Inside voice." She called out. She began to take off the eggs from the stove when her son ran toward her and enveloped her into a hug.
"I love you, mommy."
Elizabeth sighed. "You are lucky you are so cute." She squeezed her little boy.
"Did daddy leave early?"
"He did. No going by the jail until tomorrow, ok?"
"Sure. Will he be home earlier tonight?"
"He should be."
"Good. I've missed him."
"Me too."
JJ squeezed her one more time. He released her and went to the table. Elizabeth placed the eggs on a plate and then placed the plate in front of her son. She tussled his hair for a moment and smiled at her messy haired son.
"Make sure you comb your hair before we leave for school."
"Why do you always say that?"
"Well, do you ever comb your hair before I tell you too?"
"Nope." He laughed.
"I think your father is the same way."
"May I go to the pond with Emily and Sam after school?"
"Sure. No getting in the pond or bringing home anything that is alive or was alive." She pointed her finger at him. When she made eye contact with her little boy, her heart melted at the mischievous look in her son's eyes. She instantly remembered the dream with the little girl with the same look in her eyes. She didn't even realize she reached for her tummy.
When JJ saw her reach for her stomach, he noticed she would lovingly rub it. "Do, all mommy's do that?" He nodded toward her tummy.
"I suppose. I know your mommy did that when you were in her belly."
"You think?"
"I know. Mommies do that because we love our babies, even when they are in their mommy's belly." She noticed a small smile forming on her son's face.
"Is that why you always rub my back to the top of my head?"
"You are perceptive young man. I may not have given birth to you, but I love you with a mommy's heart. You are as much my son as this little one. You belong in my heart and I wouldn't have it any other way. You are my son."
JJ wrapped his arms around his mommy. He loved her with everything that he had inside of him. "I love you mommy." He tiptoed and kissed her cheek when she bent over. "Oh…just so you are aware, there will be something in my pockets this evening. I just don't know what it is yet."
"I figured. I love you. Now, off you go. I'll be right behind you."
"May I carry your books for you?"
"Such a gentleman like your daddy."
…
Jack and Sam walked the last prisoner in from the outhouse. The trips went without incident. Jack was pretty sure that was due to the food that would be waiting for them if all went well. As soon as Jack closed the cell door, Frank walked in with the first basket of food. There was another one sitting on the porch. He couldn't open the door while holding both baskets.
"Finally." One of the prisoners stated with a hint of excitement in his voice. Just like the rest of the prisoners, he was hungry. The food was excellent last night.
"Thanks Frank."
"No problem, Jack. There is another basket on the porch."
"I'll get it." Collins called out.
Frank nodded his head. "Thanks." He turned his attention back to Jack. "How are you?"
"Tired, but good."
"I get it. Anything I can do for you?"
"No. The mounties are coming today to pick up these four. Once they are out of my jail, I can take a deep breath."
"Hey, you look familiar." Gabe called out as he watched Collins come in with the second basket.
"Me?"
"Yeah…you do look familiar." Trevor stated. "How do I know you?"
"I wasn't always a pastor."
"That's it…you're a powder man from the Garrison gang."
"Was a powder man. I'm not that guy anymore."
"You're Frank…Frank Hogan. You're the best powder man out there."
"I'm not that guy anymore. I've served my time. I'm a pastor now."
"A pastor?" Gabe asked shocked with a little chuckle.
"Yeah. I left that life behind. It only got me in a lot of trouble. I'm a new man."
"Sheriff, don't you know who that guy is?"
"Yes. His name is Frank, and he is the town's pastor."
"No…"
"Yes. He has been done with that old life a long time now."
"Who cares who he is. Where's the food?" Silas interrupted.
"He's a powder man, he could easily get us out of here."
"I don't think so." Frank shook his head. "I'm not that guy." He stated again with determination.
"Too bad. There is some money in it for you."
"No thanks." Frank turned his back to the cells. "Jack, anything I can do?"
"No Frank. Thanks for bringing this to us."
"No problem, Jack. I know you won't need me, but if you do, just find me."
…
Jack, Sam, and Roy were standing on the porch of the jail. They day was beautifully sunny with just the hint of fall in the air. It was just before noon. They were expecting the transport team at any time.
"We know what lover boy here is going to do, what are you planning?" Jack teased without looking in Sam's direction.
"I'm not sure yet. I don't have a destination in mind. Maybe move a little closer to my mom." Roy stated.
"Where would that be?"
"Close to Cape Fullerton."
"That would bring excitement."
"I think I may be too old for that much excitement."
"You're not old Roy."
"Maybe not, but I feel like it at times. This job will age you quickly."
"Yeah…" Jack stated until they heard several clanging of hoofs. They looked up and saw sixteen mounties riding their way. They were side by side, each group following the team in front of them. Superintendent William had to be the guy in front. He was the most decorated, and older, man in the group.
"Look alive." Jack stated as he straightened up. He may not have been in the mounties any longer, but he was still a mountie who had years in the force. Sam pounded on the door to warn Littleton and Collins of the mounties arrival.
The lead mountie pulled the reins on his horse to stop him in front of the jail, Sam and Roy saluted him as Jack stood at attention but didn't salute.
"Constables. Sheriff. I'm Superintendent Williams. This is the transport team for the Toronto Six gang."
Jack nodded his head. "I'm Sheriff Jack Thornton here in Hope Valley."
"I'm Constable Sam Reed and this is Constable Roy Williams. Constables Collins and Littleton are inside on guard duty."
Williams nodded his head. He turned to the men who were behind him. "You four, please go in and relieve the two constables."
"Superintendent Williams, Mrs. Hogan from Abagail's Café will have lunch here for everyone within thirty minutes. The livery is down the street. He is prepared to feed and water the horses for you all while you eat."
"Thank you, sheriff." The rest of the mounties stepped up to take the reins of all the horses once the mounties dismounted them.
"Sheriff Thornton. I knew your father. I served with him for six months back east on an assignment. He was a good mountie, a better man."
"Thank you, Superintendent Williams."
"I was saddened to see you step down from the mounties. I heard your concerns."
"Thank you, sir."
"Now boys, I have heard about the reports you sent in. However, I would like to hear what happened yesterday from you."
…
"My goodness, Abagail. You are running around here like everything is on fire. You are making me tired just watching you. How may I help you?"
"Oh Grace. Thank you for the offer, but I am putting the finishing touches on this order for Jack."
"For Jack." Grace sounded surprised. "Abagail, there are enough food here for twenty men."
"Jack said to prepare for fifteen, but I had a feeling I needed to make more."
"Why would Jack need that much food?"
Abagail packed the remaining food as she explained the last few days to Grace.
"Oh my. No wonder I haven't seen Jack yet. That sounded dangerous." Concern was evident in her tone.
"It was extremely dangerous. He won't share how dangerous, but it's finished."
"Thank goodness." Grace let out a long breath. "I admire how Elizabeth handles all of that. I couldn't tell anything was weighing on her yesterday."
"She hides it well. I know it still gets to her, but she does well with it."
"Do you need help taking the food over?"
"No. Frank will take it. He doesn't want me going over there while the prisoners are there."
"You have a good man, Abagail."
"I do. Once the Toronto Six is out of Jack's jail, life should get back to normal."
"The Toronto Six…? Oh, I have heard a lot about them. They are extremely dangerous."
"They are. Jack and the mounties have four of them in the cell. The mounties just arrived to transport them to Medicine Hat for trial."
"I'm grateful Jack is alright."
"All of us are."
"Well, since you are busy, I'll get our drinks."
"Your two friends?"
"Oh, they are working for Thatcher Shipping. Jerry Watts is the man Jack and Elizabeth asked to run the day to day operations for them in Hamilton. He is a good man. Joyce is his wife."
"How is all of that going?"
"I don't really know. I have taken my husband's lead, and I don't ask questions about the company."
"I find it hard that Mr. Thatcher was able to step back like that."
"I would have never thought he would be able to just a few months ago. However, William has completely changed."
"Elizabeth has said the same thing."
"I'm sorry all of that happened, but to be perfectly honest with you, I am eternally grateful it occurred. I got my William back…maybe even a better version of him."
"I understand."
…
"No Sam. That's not it."
"And how would you know that, Emily?"
"Man, I wouldn't question her. She's never wrong." JJ shook his head. "I don't know how she knows, but she does."
"I don't believe her." Sam stated.
"Ok you three. There isn't any talking during private reading time. You all know better." Elizabeth warned the trio.
"Sorry Mrs. Thornton."
"When the class is dismissed for lunch and recess, please see me at my desk before you leave."
"Yes ma'am."
The trio of students sighed at getting in trouble. Elizabeth watched her students for a couple of minutes. Then she reached for the cowbell that was on her desk that Jack gave her a couple of years ago. She rang it after she dismissed the class for lunch and then recess. Without being asked, JJ, Sam, and Emily stood and walked to Mrs. Thornton's desk. She was waiting for them at her desk. She was leaning against it with her arms crossed.
"You three know the rule during free reading hour. So, why were you three talking during it?"
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Thornton. Emily said something but I didn't believe that she was right."
"I jumped in and told Sam that Emily is never wrong."
"And you?" Elizabeth nodded toward Emily.
"I was trying to defend myself."
"All of this during reading hour when you should have been reading?"
The three students lowered their head. Elizabeth looked at them and then spoke after a few seconds of watching them.
"This is your first and only warning. You three have been good students this year. You haven't caused any issues until today. This is your last warning. The next time I have to call on any of you three for disrupting class, there will be consequences."
"Yes ma'am." Elizabeth heard three voices at the same time. She looked into each child's eyes for a couple of seconds to emphasize her point. When she connected with JJ's eyes, she held the eye contact a little longer than normal. He fully understood her meaning.
"Now, go and enjoy your time outside."
Sam and Emily turned to leave. JJ remained standing in front of her. "I'm sorry mommy." He whispered when his friends were out of ear shot.
"I know. I'm sorry I had to come down on you, but you know the rules. It's rude to talk while others are trying to concentrate reading."
"Yes ma'am."
"What was the discussion about?"
"Emily said something, and Sam disagreed with her. He questioned it and I told him that Emily was never wrong. He shouldn't argue with her."
"That's great that you were sticking up for your friend, but you still can't do that during class."
"I know. I'm sorry."
"What did Emily say that Sam disagreed with?"
JJ reached for the back of his neck and gently rubbed it. She immediately recognized that he was acting just like his daddy. That was Jack's nervous tick.
"Was it dangerous?"
"No, mommy."
"Will someone get hurt because of it?"
"No, ma'am."
"Fine. I trust you, but if you think I need to know, please come to me. Even if you think I don't need to know, you need to tell me is someone could get hurt because of it."
JJ nodded his head. He understood what she was saying. He also knew that his mommy trusted him. He was grateful for that.
"I know mommy. If I think you should know, I'll tell you, but this isn't one of those times."
"Ok. Now, go and have fun."
JJ kneeled and kissed her tummy. "I love you, little sister."
Elizabeth smiled at his actions. He loved his little brother or sister. "You know…"
"Yes I do mommy…my little sister is in there." He stated as he looked at his mommy and kissed her on the cheek. "I love you."
"Love you little one."
…
"Wow, this food is great."
"Abagail makes the best food." Jack smiled as he watched Superintendent Williams eat his food as if someone was trying to take it away from him. The other mounties were too busy eating to carry on a conversation.
"After we eat, we will parade these four out to the wagon."
"I thought they would be on horses since a wagon didn't arrive with you."
"They were working on a wheel. With these four, we don't want to risk anything. Them being on horseback could be tempting fate too much."
"I agree, sir. However, I don't think this needs to be celebrated by parading them around like a sideshow. Everyone knows they were captured and being transported. No need for a show." Jack stated. He knew the expression on Williams' face wasn't too happy with his statements.
"Why not? The towns people deserve a good show."
"This isn't a show. These are criminals, plain and simple. They shouldn't be made out to be celebrities. I believe they should be transported to Medicine Hat and stand trial for all they did to society. These are bad men…plain and simple."
"Sure Jack. And they will be. Why not get some press out of it?"
"Bad behavior shouldn't be applauded." Jack stated. He knew he wasn't winning this argument."
"Nonsense Jack. I know your history. You were a mountie. You received numerous awards and a lot of press over them."
"I received several accommodations, but I never sought out the press. It makes the job harder."
"Maybe so, but it does make promotions easier."
Jack glanced at Sam, Roy, Littleton, and Collins. He saw the disdain in their eyes and faces that matched his. He also noticed several of the other mounties shaking their heads as they ate their food.
"The press should be here soon. We will have a short interview for their paper with a couple of pictures."
Sam made eye contact with Jack. Their plan was understood.
"Why don't we meet with the press as soon as they get here. When Constable Reed and I are done with them, you can answer any remaining questions they have while we ensure the wagon is good to go and prepare the prisoners for transport."
"That sounds great." Williams smiled.
Roy smiled at the interaction between Jack and Sam. He knew what they were planning.
…
"Did you tell?"
"Of course not. Sam, I wouldn't do that, and you know it!"
"True. I'm sorry."
"That's ok Sam. But you still know Emily is right." Sassed JJ.
"Time will tell." Sam playfully sassed back. "Anyways, you're just siding with your girlfriend."
"She isn't my girlfriend." JJ stated. He glanced at Emily and then back at Sam.
"If you say so." Teased Sam.
"Thank you." Emily whispered when Sam ran to pick up a ball that got away from some friends that were close by.
"He just doesn't want to be wrong."
"He doesn't want me to be right."
"Maybe."
"Did Mrs. Thornton say anything to you?"
"Not really. She asked what was so important for us to break the rules. I didn't tell her. She trusted me that it wasn't dangerous, or anyone could get hurt. She didn't push after that."
"Thanks."
"No problem."
"And what Sam teased you about?"
"Mommy and daddy always says, 'that is complicated' when they're not sure."
"And you're not sure?"
"Well, I'm almost six. You're six almost seven."
"Yeah."
"We haven't really talked about this…us recently."
"It is complicated."
"Yeah."
…
Jack and Sam just finished talking with the press. They pressed Jack for details about the arrest and everything that led up to it. He shared what he thought was important. Sam filled in some facts that Jack glossed over. Sam just quit looking at Jack's smirk. Jack was trying to downplay his part of the story. Sam wouldn't let him do it. Just like all the constables that were present, Jack deserved some of the credit as well.
As they walked out of the café leaving behind the reporter and Superintendent Williams, Sam couldn't keep from laughing.
"I thought that superintendent was different. He just wants his picture taken and his name in the papers."
"I think you're right, Sam." Jack shook his head. "Now, while he is occupied with that reporter, we can get everything finished and packed away. Then we can load up the prisoners without all the fanfare and pomp and circumstance."
"I completely agree with you. I also know he won't be very happy with us."
"You are probably correct, but I don't think he'll explode since the reporter is here. Plus, I'm not a mountie. I don't answer to him."
"Let's go and get things finished before he finishes and comes back."
Jack and Sam stepped into the jail. Much to their surprise, the remaining mounties had all the paperwork packed up and ready to go. The shackles were already hanging by the jail and each mountie was ready.
"I assume everything is prepared?"
"Yes sheriff. Everything is set. The wagon on outside in back under the big oak tree. We can load the men when you are ready. The shackles are ready and already checked twice. Paperwork is in traveling satchels by the back door."
Jack nodded his head along with Sam. "You don't want the fanfare?"
"No sheriff. Our duty is to bring these men to Medicine Hat. Not to have our picture in the papers." The senior constable stated. The other constables were standing in unity behind him. "All things are ready for your order. Mrs. Hogan told us to stop by the café before we left. She said she would have simple sandwiches for us to eat on our travel."
"That is just like Mrs. Hogan. Well, Superintendent Williams is still talking and have been for a few minutes."
"Then we should load these men up before he runs out of things to say."
"Let's follow protocol."
Sam took the first shackle and quickly examined it. He noticed it was in perfect working order. When he stepped to the first jail cell, he spoke. "Trevor Mackey, please walk to the door and turn around."
Trevor looked at the whole host of mounties. They were all in front of the jail cell door standing behind Sam. Trevor slowly stood and walked to the door. He glared at the mountie before turning and placing his hand behind his back. Sam placed the shackles on his wrists. When Sam opened the door, another mountie took the hand portion of the shackles and led Trevor through the door. Sam immediately closed the door. The mountie held onto the shackles while Sam placed the ankle portions around Trevor's ankles. Trevor was trying to intimidate the young mountie. However, the young mountie was standing his ground. He didn't give an inch.
Jack stepped behind the young man and caught Trevor's eyes. "Sir, this young mountie will lead you to the wagon and handcuff you to it. He will also cuff your ankles to the wagon."
"When did you begin to do that?"
"You will then be guarded until your brother and other gang members are loaded. If you so much as flinch or sneeze on this mountie, he had the legal right to subdue you any way possible." Jack never answered the man's question. He wasn't going to give him an inch.
The young mountie jerked on Trevor's wrists to force him to begin to walk. The prisoner realized he wasn't alone with the young mountie. Two other mounties fell in step less than two feet behind him. Each one placed a hand on his shoulder.
When they walked through the door, Sam grabbed the next pair of shackles and turned his attention to Cody. "Your turn. Please do the same as Trevor."
"And if I don't?" The man snirled.
"That gunshot will be the least of your problems. You have three seconds to obey the command, or we will enter your jail cell and forcibly take you down to the ground. Then we will shackle you with any force necessary."
Cody stared at Sam for only a second. Once Sam began to count to three, Cody stepped forward and turned his back to the door.
When he was finished being shackled, three mounties stepped forward and escorted him to the wagon. Sam took the next set of shackles and performed the same task with Gabe. While he stared with evil intent, he performed everything he was asked to do when he was asked to do it. He just didn't like it. When he was escorted out of the jail, Sam turned his attention to the last hanging pair of shackles. He noticed Jack was already holding the set of cuffs.
"Sam, this one is mine." Jack stated never taking his eyes off Silas.
Silas walked to the door and leaned forward. "Sheriff, I should have shot you when I had the chance."
"That's your problem Silas, you never had an opportunity."
"Sheriff, when the time comes, I will come back for you."
"You know my name and where I live. I'll be here."
It was very common for prisoners to try intimidating guards. Threats were commonplace in this line of work. Jack didn't take it personally or seriously. Silas will be in jail for many years.
"Now, turn around or I will turn you around." Jack demanded.
Silas stared at him for a moment. Then he obeyed the command and turned around. Jack placed the handcuffs on and opened the door. He pulled Silas' wrists and brought him through the door. Sam immediately bent down and shackled his ankles. Jack and Silas never broke eye contact. No one, including the other mounties or Jack and Silas broke eye contact when the door opened. Everyone was so focused on the person in front of them. Superintendent Williams walked through the door. His smile fell when he noticed the cells empty and the last prisoner standing cuffed in front of the sheriff.
"What's going on in here?"
"Sir, we were ready to transport these prisoners. Since everything was set, we went ahead and loaded the prisoners while we were waiting for you." Sam's tone was easily understood. He wasn't happy with the superintendent's desire for a photo op.
"At my request, we loaded the prisoners. They are all cuffed to the wagon out back except for this one. These young constables were about to take him out." Jack stepped forward.
"Why didn't you wait on me? We could have gotten some good photos."
"True, but you are losing time. You want to get to Medicine Hat before sunset. You don't want to be on the road after dark with these prisoners."
"Sheriff Thornton is correct sir, manual states that with dangerous criminals in transport that we shouldn't be on the road after sunset. It's way too easy for an ambush."
"Fine." Williams huffed.
The three mounties stepped forward and escorted Silas out of Jack's cell. Jack, Sam, and Roy followed the prisoner and the mounties out the back door. Williams finally caught up with them.
Once all the bags were loaded and the prisoners were secured, Williams mounted his horse. All the mounties, except for Sam, were on their horse.
"So, Constable Reed, what's next for you? You know your part of this arrest will bring you any post you desire."
"Superintendent Williams, my desire is Hope Valley. I will be turning in my formal request to be posted here in Hope Valley."
"Here?"
"Yes sir. There is just something about this place."
"Fine. I'll walk through your request as soon as I receive it."
"Thank you sir."
Jack and Sam watched Roy and the rest of the mounties turn the corner of the jail building. Once they were out of sight, Sam turned to Jack. "So, what's next for you?"
"Finish out the reports. Wrap up everything and put this in a file."
"Nice, Then what?"
"Field day tomorrow during school. Then the next day, I'm moving into my new home with my family."