Sorry everyone this is a short chapter about 2000 words. It doesn't go with the next chapter but set it up. Hope you enjoy and review!

The phone rings. Mrs. Delaney answered, hello Delaney residence. Oh hello, Patrick. How is Sarah? Good to hear. Yes, I'll get him, just a moment. She lays down the phone and calls her husband, Wynn Dear, you have a phone call. He gets up and answers it, Deputy Commissioner here. Hello Patrick. How is Sarah? Good to hear. What can I do for you? Is that right? Did he bring his horse? Really. When will he be here? Ok, thanks for calling. Tell Sarah hello for us. He hangs up.

Dear, can you come in here for a moment? Wynn, you don't have to shout. I was just in the kitchen fixing us a cup of tea. Now what is it that has you shouting. I'm not one of your cadets you know. He laughs and says, I'm sorry Dear. I thought you were on the back porch. Forgive me? And by the way I'm well aware that you aren't a cadet. He kisses her forehead. Ok, now tell me what's going on. Well Thornton is on his way here. He will be here in 4 days. Oh, Wynn what are we going to do? We can't tell him where she's at. No, Dear, we'll just be a good host and see what he wants.

After getting Sargent settled, Jack went to his compartment for his 4-day trip to Vancouver. He spent his time in prayer. The porter knocked, sir you miss dinner. Would you like for me to bring you something? Jack looked at his pocket watch and realized he had in fact missed it. Yes, please, some sandwiches, coffee and something sweet would be wonderful, thanks. The porter said, yes sir. Be right back. The porter returned a few minutes later. Jack thanked him. He sat down and said the blessing and ate his meal of roast beef sandwiches. They reminded him of Abigail's but without the crust. The blueberry scones were actually better than Abigail's but he would keep that to himself. After his meal he gets ready for bed. As he's laying there trying to get some sleep, thoughts of Elizabeth enter his mind. He thinks back to their first conversation about chalk dust. Then their meeting at Abigail's. Then there was their first luncheon in the row boat, he smiles at the thought of her jumping into his arms over a spider. He remembers all their first's. He falls asleep and dreams of finding her and she wants nothing to do with him. She sends him away never to return. He wakes up with a start. He sets up and realizes it is just a nightmare. He gets up and gets a drink of water. He settled back into bed and managed to fall asleep.

Jack's train rolled in on the 4th day at 4:30 in the afternoon. He gathered his bags and headed to get Sargent. He saddles him and tied his bags to the saddle. He walked him down the ramp. Sargent was a little skittish after being on the train for 4 days. Jack rubbed his forehead and told him it was ok. Sargent settled. At the bottom of the ramp, the Deputy Commissioner was waiting on him. Jack saluted and Wynn returned the salute. Then Jack introduced himself. He already knew who the Deputy Commissioner was from the picture of him in all the headquarters. Wynn still introduces himself anyway. He told Jack to tie his horse to the back of the buggy. He did and climbed into the buggy next to Wynn. Wynn asked, so why did you bring your horse if you're traveling by train? Sir I received Sargent at the academy and they said take care of him and he would take care of me. I take him everywhere unless I'm ordered to leave him behind but I always make sure he'll be well taken care of while I'm gone. He is my partner. We have been through a lot together. Good to know Constable, good to know.

On the ride home, they talked about a few things but not Elizabeth. Wynn stayed clear of that subject. Jack felt he needed to find out what the Deputy Commissioner knew but would wait. They pulled up to the barn behind a moderate size house. The hand came out to take care of the horse and buggy. Wynn told Jack that the hand take care of him. Jack says, no disrespect sir but I take care of him if I can. Wynn nodded and stepped back and watched. Jack took Sargent into the barn and just dropped the reins on the ground. Sargent just stood there. Jack took his saddle and blanket off and hung it up. He took the bridle off and hung it with the saddle. He took the brush and brushed him until Sargent shined while talking to him. Nothing in particular but just talking to him. Jack turned towards the pasture. Sir can I turn him out? Wynn says, son it's not fenced in, best put him in the stall. Jack said, he won't get to far from me. He'll be right there when I come out in the morning. Wynn shakes his head and says, if you don't think he'll run off. He won't sir. Jack started towards the pasture. Sargent stood still until Jack whistled. Sargent lunged around and took off to Jack. Sargent stopped and Jack patted his muzzle and said, here you go and gave him an apple. Sargent took it. Jack caught what he couldn't eat. Once Sargent was finished he nudged Jack. Jack says, it's ok boy. I'll be fine. Go stretch your legs boy. Stay close. He pats his rump and Sargent took off running, kicking, rearing, having a great time. As Jack had predicted Sargent stayed close to the barn. Wynn shook his head and asked, son? How did you train him to do that? Sir, I didn't train him at all. Sure we had a few problems in the beginning but once he learned I wasn't going to mistreat him he's been like this ever since. I've never raised a hand to him or yelled at him. When I talk to him I always talk calmly. He trusts me as much as I trust him. He always knows where home is. He's taken me home many times when I couldn't do it myself. Wynn knew at that very moment that Jack was a very good man.

In the house, Wynn showed Jack to his room upstairs. Mrs. Delaney calls them to dinner. Jack says, I'll be right down as soon as I wash up. Wynn points to the bathroom down the hall. Jack nods. Wynn was helping Elizabeth to carry the food to the table when Jack came downstairs. He walked past the fireplace and stopped dead in his tracks. There on the mantle was a picture of his Elizabeth and the 2 in the kitchen. His brain is working overtime. He runs his finger over Elizabeth's face. Mrs. Delaney walks up and gently takes the picture looks at it and says, my niece is beautiful, no? Jack fights back the tear that is about to fall and asks, you're her Aunt and Uncle? Her Uncle is my Deputy Commissioner? Yes son, on both accounts. She set the picture back in its spot and turned back to go to the dining room. Jack follows. She sat on one side with Jack on his other. Wynn and Elizabeth carried on a nonstop conversation while Jack sat quietly eating and thinking. He only answered their questions. After dinner Jack offered to do the dishes but Mrs. Delaney wouldn't have it.

Wynn and Jack retired to the living room. Jack walks around the room looking at all the pictures. He came across another picture of his Elizabeth. He picks it up and asks, she was here wasn't she? What I don't know is why you signed all correspondence with me. I've been in the NWMP for almost 8 years and never once have I received anything from you. Hell I didn't even know you were my Elizabeth's uncle. Wynn clears his throat and says, before I answer your questions I have a few of my own. Jack put the picture down and took a seat on the sofa just as Mrs. Delaney brought tea and cookies and sat them on the table. Jack says I'll answer any questions you have. I'm an open book. Ok son, what are your intentions if…Jack cut him off, no sir, not if but when I find her. You see I will search for her until my dying day. She is my world sir. I know I messed up but I have come to realize I can't do without her. She has my heart. So you see sir, I will never give up until I find her and beg her to forgive me. I will spend the rest of my life proving to her that I'm sorry for being an idiot and for getting so far into my own head. Elizabeth Dear, do you have any questions? Jack snapped his head up and asked, you're the Aunt that she's named after? You're the Aunt that she followed in your footsteps? Yes Dear. Why did you break her heart? She was so broken when she arrived. Mrs. Delaney, that day I had dressed in my best suit changing twice to make sure I looked perfect. I decided to wear her favorite blue one. I checked my pocket to ensure I had it. When I got to the school I saw Charles there down on one knee proposing. That was supposed to be me. If I hadn't worried about my appearance I'd have been there first. It hurt at first so I left. Changed back into my uniform and went on my rounds. I think better on my horse. The more I thought the more I got in my head. I knew her father would never stop trying to come between us. I knew her father had sent Charles to propose because I knew what he said to me when I was there. So I made the decision to bow out and let her go. To have what she deserves. I knew I could never give her the life she deserves. So I told her that I was sent on an assignment and when I got back that we would not be courting each other anymore and when I got back I found out she was gone. So my question to you both is will you please tell me where she is so I can begin to try and repair what I broke? Wynn, cleared his throat and said, we can't do that right now but we will pray for an answer and let you know. Just know that Beth has to approve it. Yes sir. I will be leaving before dawn. I'll get a room at a hotel. I think it's best. I'll be praying also. I will wait for your answer. I'll let you know where I'll be. I'll turn in now. Thanks for your hospitality. Good night. That night the Delaney's went to bed. Elizabeth asked, what are we going to do Dear? He says, just what I said we were going to do, pray for the answer from God. They both went to pray for God's will.

The next morning Jack left before anyone else was up. He whistled for Sargent. He came trotting over. Jack saddled him and attached his bags and mounted him. He rode Sargent through town taking everything in. Vancouver was one place he had never been so he kinda went sightseeing while he waited for a decent hour. He rode down to the ocean stopped on the beach and just stared out over the water. The moon was just about down but was still shining on the water. Jack had never seen anything so beautiful. He thanked God for such a beautiful creation. He took Sargent to the livery got him settled and gave him an apple. Patted him goodbye. He went to the hotel close to Sargent and got a room. He put his bags on the bed and started put his things away. He had no idea how long he would be there. He took his Bible and sketch pad with him as he left. He went back to the beach and waited for the sun to come up. He spent time praying while he waited. He prayed that God would give him the answer he was waiting for. He watched as the sun come from the East. He started sketching what he was looking at. It was breathtaking. Before he was finished a ship was passing so he decided to add it to his sketch. He went to a small cafe and got some coffee and scones. He took his bag and coffee back to the beach. It was so peaceful. That evening he pulled his sketch pad back out and started sketching the sunset on the water. He was so amazed. He stayed long enough to watch the moon high in the sky. The light bouncing off the water. He went back to his room and got a bath before settling in. He decided to sketch from memory the moon shining on the water. Several hours later he turned in.

Elizabeth had been teaching for two and a half months. She had 23 perfect students. They never argued, fought, bullied or teased inappropriately, yes there was fun teasing but nothing hurtful. She didn't know how they all acted at home because she had never been to their homes yet but in her classroom they were. They were going on a science field trip on Friday to gather fall items for a class project the following Monday. The children were excited about their field trip because they had never been on one. Elizabeth was bound and determined to make learning fun for them. Alright children let's get our science workbook out and go over a few things. Libby can you read the first two paragraphs and explain them, please? Libby read and explained, the sap falls in the trees in the fall. As the sap falls the leaves start turning yellow, then red and when the sap drops all the way the leaves turn brown. Very good Libby. That is exactly right. James, will you read the next 3 paragraphs and explain please? James read them then had to think about it for a few minutes. The class waited patiently because they knew that James was a slow thinker. Elizabeth gave him time. Finally he said, the squirrel knows when it is time to gather when the acorns start falling. That's right James. All the animals know when fall comes it's time to get ready for winter. Ok children I want you to take your workbooks home and read pages 10-15. Don't answer any questions. I just want you to take them and see what you'll be looking for on Friday. Ok. Class dismissed. Don't forget your lunch pails. She cleaned the chalkboard, gathered her basket, and went home. Just as she got home Phillip drove up with a telegram. Miss Elizabeth, you have a telegram. Constable McMurphy said that you might want to come make a call. Elizabeth took the telegram and read it,

To: Elizabeth Thatcher, Pine Springs

Need to talk..stop.. Jack here..stop..he wants to know where you are..stop..call me..stop.

From: Elizabeth Delaney, Vancouver

She folded the paper and put it in her basket. She opened her door and set her things inside on the table. She stepped back out and asked, Phillip can you run me into town? Phillip said, yes. I figured you would want to go. She climbed in and they left.

She walked into the NWMP headquarters and asked, Constable McMurphy hello. Hello Miss Thatcher, you here to make that call? Yes sir she said. He made the call and handed the phone to her. She turned to have a little bit of privacy. Hello? Yes Aunt Elizabeth I'm here. How long has he been there? Oh wow. He's determined. I know I need to deal with this. Yes I'm ready. Aunt Elizabeth? How is he? Does he look ok? That's good. Yes, you can tell him where I am. You're still coming in 3 weeks, right? Wonderful! I'll see you both then. Tell him to come next week. I'll give the children a week off for Thanksgiving so we can talk. Love you both too! Bye. She tells Constable McMurphy thank you and leaves. Phillip takes her home.