"I think you're enjoying this far too much, Bill," Abigail said, frowning as she spoke. "I am not giving him two-day-old bread for his lunch; he is getting fresh bread rolls and the special."
"He is a prisoner, Abigail. Have you forgotten what he has done?"
"Of course not, Bill, but that shouldn't change how we behave. The breakfast you served him was enough punishment."
Bill rolled his eyes but stopped arguing, knowing deep down she was right. "Fair enough, Abigail. If you're serving the special, please dish up two plates. I will eat at the jail and watch him until Nathan gets back. I can heat it up on the stove later."
Abigail quickly prepared the food basket for Bill as she asked, "when do you expect the Mounties from Union City? I can't wait until Mr Armstrong is away from Coal Valley and Mariah is cleared."
"They will be here later today," Bill explained. Ned had brought the telegram with the Mountie's response to the jail, expecting to deliver it to Nathan. As he was the one in charge of the jail at the time, he had read it. The Mounties had taken Nathan's request seriously, responding immediately and dispatching two experienced Mounties to Coal Valley.
Bill was pleased and relieved the Mounties were on their way; he felt the same as Abigail; he wanted Armstrong gone as soon as possible. Abigail had told him what she had heard the doctor tell Nathan, and he was impatient for Nathan to return so he could hear the rest. He hoped it wouldn't take too long for the doctor to tell his story to Gabriel. After what Abigail had shared, it seemed the initial charges Nathan had suggested for Armstrong were only the beginning of many more serious ones he would face.
"What will you do with Dr Jameson when he returns?" Abigail asked.
"It's up to Nathan and Gabriel. He confessed his part in all of this to Nathan, but Gabriel is taking his statement." Bill saw the sadness in Abigail's eyes, and he knew she would want to find a way to grant the doctor forgiveness. "Between them, I am sure they will look for a way to provide some leniency for him, given he is willing to be a witness against Armstrong."
Bill stepped toward Abigail and touched her arm, drawing her attention away from the food and back to him. "I know you would let him go free, Abigail, but he has committed some very serious crimes."
"I know, Bill, but you didn't see him; I believe he is remorseful."
Bill smiled at her and gently lifted his hand to cup her cheek, "You're too kind-hearted, Abigail; you can't save everyone."
"Maybe not Bill, but it doesn't mean I am not going to try," Abigail said, leaning into his touch.
"Why don't you focus on Mariah and how we help her now she doesn't have to worry about Armstrong anymore."
"I am, Bill. It's all I have been thinking about. I don't need more staff, I have Rosemary and Clara, but until we can find something more permanent, I am going to offer her a job at the Cafe.
"Didn't I just mention your kind heart?" Bill asked with a smile as he leaned down, replaced his hand with his lips, and kissed her cheek. "It's one of the things I love about you."
Bill froze. He hadn't told Abigail he loved her before, and he hadn't meant to tell her now, even though it was true. He loved everything about Abigail Stanton but wasn't sure if she felt the same way about him. Bill knew Abigail was still deeply impacted by the loss of her husband and son but had been brave enough to risk her heart again for him. He didn't want to rush her, though; he had planned to take their relationship slowly and not scare her off. Telling her he loved her was not part of his 'softly, slowly' plan.
Bill slowly lifted his head to look into Abigail's eyes, scared of what he might see there. He cringed inside as he took in her wide-eyed stare.
"Abigail," Bill began hesitantly, trying to find the right words to fix whatever damage he might have done. He shook his head as nothing came to mind, no words of apology or explanation.
"Bill, it's okay," Abigail said, regaining her composure. "You don't need to say anything."
Bill nodded and took her advice, not trusting himself to say another word. He reached for the food basket, picked it up, and turned, walking away. She called his name as he reached for the door handle, and he turned back slowly, afraid of what she might say.
"I'll see you later, Bill, for dinner," Abigail said softly, smiling at him as she touched her cheek where he had kissed it. "And I hope you know how much I care for you. I care very much."
Bill smiled back at her and nodded, relieved they were okay. As he walked toward the jail, he felt a lightness inside his chest and realised he was happier than he could remember being in a very long time. Abigail might not have said she loved him, but that was okay. He would wait forever for her if he had to.
Julie was on the verandah outside the Saloon when she heard a car approaching. She saw Henry Gowan driving toward her with Nathan in the passenger seat. She couldn't distinguish their expressions from where she stood and wondered if everything was okay. She paused, shielding her eyes from the sun, as she looked more closely, but it didn't help. Julie was curious to speak to Nathan about what was going on. Elizabeth had briefly updated her on what had happened since she had seen her last night but couldn't interrupt class long enough to go into details. Although frustrated, Julie understood and left her sister to teach the children while she returned to the Cafe to collect Allie. Her timing was perfect, she thought because Henry had just parked his car outside the Cafe so she could get all the details from Nathan.
Julie hurried across the street and past the Mercantile, watching as Henry and Nathan slowly exited the car. As she got closer, she saw Nathan reach out, open the vehicle's other door, leaning in to assist the person in the back out of the car. Julie gasped when she recognised Mariah's golden curls. What was Nathan thinking, returning her to Coal Valley while that wretched man was still there? Surely, he wouldn't take her to jail or lock her up anywhere near Mr Armstrong. Forgetting all propriety, Julie ran towards the car, needing to stop him if that was his intention.
"Nathan!" Julie called as she ran toward the group huddled by the car. "Nathan. Wait." Breathless, Julie stopped beside the car and tried to regain her composure. When she had recovered, she stood with her hands on her hips and wheezed, "What are you doing?"
Nathan and Henry shared a quizzical look, wondering why Julie appeared to be upset at him. "Mr Armstrong is locked up. We have a witness willing to speak about his actions. I was going to find you. I want to ask if Mariah can stay with you until Rosemary gets back." Nathan was concerned when Julie continued to frown, "It's good news, Julie."
"Mariah." Julie stammered. "Stay with me? You aren't taking her to the jail?"
"No. Of course not." Nathan said, shocked. "Mr Armstrong is still there, and besides, I don't think Mariah will need to be back behind bars anytime soon."
Julie looked at Mariah and saw the tears in her eyes, the smile spreading across her face and let out a whoop of joy. Julie danced a little jig before throwing her arms around Mariah and hugging her tight.
"Of course, Mariah can stay with me. Rosemary won't mind; in fact, I am sure she would insist on it." Julie let go of Mariah and looked back at Nathan. "Is it okay for me to take Mariah to the Cafe? I need to check on Allie."
Nathan nodded, "It's fine. I'll see you there shortly; I just want to catch up with Bill."
Julie started to drag Mariah toward the Cafe but stopped when the young girl didn't move. "Mariah? Is everything all right?"
Nathan waited, watching as Mariah walked toward Henry, standing before him, hands clasped in front of her.
"Thank you, Mr Gowan, for letting me into your home and being willing to risk your safety to help me. I will never forget your kindness to me." Mariah leaned up and kissed Henry's cheek quickly before taking Julie's arm and walking into the Cafe.
Nathan glanced at Henry, noting the blush on his cheek as he looked at his feet. "She's right, Henry, you did a good thing. I owe you one."
"No one owes me anything. Considering everything I have done; it was the least I could do." Henry walked around the car and got into the driver's seat without making eye contact.
"Henry," Nathan said, leaning on the passenger side door, "it's about time you let yourself be forgiven."
"This town is not ready for that, Nathan, and I doubt they ever will be."
"You never know until you ask, Henry. Why don't you come to the Cafe and have something to eat with us? I am sure Abigail has something special on offer."
"Maybe another time, Nathan," Henry said gruffly. "Thank you, though."
Nathan nodded and stepped away from the car allowing Henry to drive away. He watched as Henry's car grew smaller and smaller until he couldn't see it anymore. Watching him drive away, he wondered how to get the Town to forgive Henry. Deep down, Nathan believed there was good in him; the way he opened his home to Robert Pearce and then stepped up for Mariah without a moment's hesitation showed him that.
Nathan turned, still lost in thought, and headed to the jail. He needed to update Bill and write up the information he had gathered on Armstrong to support what Gabe would submit. The more information they could present, the tighter the case against him. Nathan wanted him locked away so he couldn't hurt anyone anymore.
Armstrong stood when Nathan entered the jail, glaring at him as he took off his hat and sat opposite Bill, who sat behind his desk.
"When am I getting out of here?" Armstrong snarled.
"You'll be pleased to know you will be out of here later today," Nathan replied mildly.
"About time, I've spent long enough in this place."
"You will get your wish and a nice trip to Union City with a Mountie escort," Bill said, smiling.
"You're wasting your time. The charges against me are nothing; they won't lock me up for them, not in Union City or anywhere else. I'll be back to find Mariah before you have time to miss me," he sneered.
"Bill?" Nathan asked. "You haven't told him?"
"I was waiting for you. You're the Mountie, after all."
Nathan looked at Bill, sitting behind the Mountie desk, the telegram from the Mounties open on the desk before him and raised an eyebrow.
"Fine, I didn't want you to miss the fun," Bill shrugged.
Nathan swivelled in his chair, so he faced Armstrong directly. "I spoke to Dr Jameson this morning; he had a lot of interesting things to say."
Nathan watched Armstrong, wanting to see his reaction. He saw his hands tighten on the bars; his eyes narrow as he pressed his lips together.
"You're bluffing. The doctor won't talk."
"Maybe you misheard me. He already has. To me. To the Mountie from Brookfield. He will keep talking until everyone knows exactly what you have done." Nathan turned to Bill before continuing, "you won't be back in Coal Valley anytime soon, and I assure you, you won't be missed."
Neither Bill nor Nathan reacted when Armstrong kicked the bars of his cell before turning and kicking the leg of the cot before throwing himself on it.
"Alright, Colleen," Robert said as he finished checking her pulse for the second time during that visit. "I am pleased with your progress; what about you? How do you feel?"
"Fantastic," she said, rolling down her sleeve and jumping off the examination bed. "I can't remember the last time I felt this good; I have so much energy I don't know what to do with it all."
"Don't wear yourself out is my recommendation. Don't do too much and undo all your good work." Robert knew Colleen wanted to make up for lost time, but even though her illness wasn't life-threatening, she still needed to be careful.
Robert had evaluated many different theories as he treated Colleen, reaching out to colleagues he knew would be receptive to an updated opinion and confirming it by reaching out to those he knew wanted to find errors in his assessment. The results of his endeavours had been all but unanimous. Everyone agreed with his updated diagnosis except Dr Palmer, who refused to consider anything other than his original assessment of her condition. Robert was pleased to share his investigations and determinations with anyone who asked. The more they understood about Pernicious Anaemia, the better they could treat those suffering. The sooner they treated and identified the illness, the better the chance of people recovering.
"I don't want to overdo it, but I do want to do something," Colleen exclaimed. I have to find a way to support Allie. I can't keep relying on Nathan and Elizabeth to support us, and I want to find our own place to live. Elizabeth and Nathan deserve some privacy and to enjoy their start to married life without us underfoot."
"I am sure they don't think of it like that," Robert protested.
"Besides, we are only living out of Town for my benefit because they wanted a home where I could have a downstairs bedroom. It would be much easier for them to live in Town."
"They really don't mind, and I am sure they enjoy being around you and Allie."
"I know, but I need to raise Allie myself, and Nathan and Elizabeth should have the chance to start their own family without us underfoot."
Colleen realised what she had implied when Robert's eyebrows shot up at her words, and she laughed at his expression. "I am not suggesting Elizabeth is pregnant; I am just saying I expect it sometime in their future."
"Oh, okay," Robert smiled. "What about the rest of your future, Colleen. You're still a young woman. Do you really want to be alone for the rest of your life?"
"I think you are forgetting I am a married woman, Robert. Just because my husband had deserted me, and his daughter doesn't mean I can ignore his existence."
"I'm sorry, Colleen. I had forgotten about Dylan. I have gotten used to the women in Town being alone because they are widowed." Robert paused and bit his lip. The last thing he wanted to do was upset his friend, especially when she was doing so well.
"It's okay, ask me," Colleen said, guessing what he was going to say.
"Why don't you divorce him, Colleen. Ignore the scandal, the people around you know why, and it's no one else's business. You don't need him in your life. Allie doesn't need him in her life, and even if she did, he can be her father without being your husband."
"He's never been a father to Allie, I doubt he wants to start now. It always seemed like too much work; I thought it would take too much energy. Energy I didn't have to waste, and I never knew where to start to look for him."
"Start with Nathan. He will certainly get information from the Mounties if Dylan has ended up behind bars. If he hasn't, he could put the word out to look for him. Does he have family you could reach out to?"
"I think his mother is still alive, or she was when we married. I never met her, but she sent me a letter warning me against marrying her son. I should have listened to her," she said, shaking her head at her foolishness. "I doubt they have kept in touch; he betrayed her once too many times as well."
"Okay, I won't nag you about it, but I might mention it to Julie," he teased.
"Don't you dare, Robert!" she exclaimed. "I appreciate everything she has done for me, but I am happier ignoring Dylan and any part he played in my life."
Robert laughed with Colleen as the thought of Julie's tenacity. If she put her mind to it, Robert had no doubt the man would be found in a matter of days, no matter where in the world he was.
After Colleen left and he began tidying up in the Infirmary, he decided to take a break. He knew Colleen was meeting Julie at the Cafe where she was minding Allie. Seeing the love of his life and getting an update on Mariah was undoubtedly more enjoyable than sitting around waiting in case a patient needed him. Faith could find him at the Cafe if he were needed. After discussing his intentions with Faith, Robert quickly took off his white coat and hung it on the coat stand beside the door, promising to bring lunch back for Faith before hurrying out.
Robert opened the door to the Cafe and scanned the room, looking for Julie, expecting to see her beautiful red hair shining like a beacon guiding him to her. He frowned when he realised he couldn't see her; he couldn't see anyone else he expected to see either, including Colleen and Allie. He saw the curtain to the kitchen open, and Abigail hurried out carrying several plates of food, closely followed by Allie, who was carefully carrying a basket of bread rolls.
Allie looked up at him and smiled, "Miss Abigail said I could help her," she said excitedly. "I am carrying warm rolls for the people who order the beef stew."
"It looks like you are doing an excellent job," Robert assured her. "Is your mum in the kitchen?"
Allie nodded but didn't reply, as she had reached the first table and was concentrating on her 'job' for Abigail.
"Colleen is out the back with Julie," Abigail smiled. "There is quite a crowd there, and you are welcome to join them."
Robert thanked Abigail and hurried toward the back of the Cafe, his eyes twinkling at the thought of seeing Julie. He wondered how she reacted when Colleen told her the news about her health. He was hoping whatever happened with Mariah would end well, too; he would hate for that to take away from the joy of Colleen's recovery.
Julie's eyes lit up when she saw Robert standing in the entryway to the kitchen. Leaping out of her seat, she went to him, and taking hold of his hand, she pulled him to the kitchen table.
"Sit by me, Robert. You can catch up on all the news while you have something to eat."
Robert happily sat beside Julie as she filled him in on what Dr Jameson had confided to Nathan and that Nathan believed Mariah would likely not be charged with assault, given it was self-defence. Robert grinned at Nathan, who was eating his lunch, as he listened to Julie tell the story for him. When Robert caught his eye, Nathan shrugged, indicating he was happy for her to continue.
Robert was pleased for the young woman; he had never thought she deserved to be prosecuted for her crimes. The Brookfield people, whom she had stolen from, had already decided not to press charges, and he hoped that would be a good omen for her current troubles. Robert was also pleased Mariah would be staying with Julie while Rosemary was away; he hadn't been comfortable with her staying alone despite the apparent safety of Coal Valley. It sounded like the young girl had fallen on her feet when she found her way to their Town.
"Colleen told me her good news as well, Robert. I am so grateful you came to Coal Valley."
Robert started to speak, wanting to refute her statement, but he did not get a chance as Abigail stood beside him, asking what she could get him for lunch. Time flew as the excited group ate and made plans for what they would do now Mariah was free, and Colleen was feeling so well. Clara was pleased Mariah would come to work at the Cafe with her and Rosemary. Nathan was glad the Town would revert to its usual peaceful state when the Mounties removed Armstrong and Jameson from Coal Valley.
Robert remained silent when Colleen expressed her desire to find a job and a home for her and Allie, pleased when Abigail suggested she didn't need to rush into anything and to take some time to enjoy being well. Robert saw Nathan frown at his sister as she spoke, clearly unhappy with her plan. Robert was sure the siblings would have more conversation on that topic.
The happy luncheon party was interrupted by a sharp rap on the side door, and when Abigail went to open it, she was greeted by two men in red serge. The Mounties had arrived.
Nathan jumped up from where he sat, grabbed his hat from the hook, and walked out the door, greeting the men standing outside. He smiled tightly at Abigail as he turned and closed the door without a word. Nathan knew if he were to walk back inside, the mood in the kitchen would be vastly different than the moments before. After being a part of that excitement, Nathan was more determined than ever to resolve this matter quickly. Once this was resolved, he could focus on what Colleen had said over lunch. He wasn't pleased about the idea of her and Allie moving out. He had to talk to Elizabeth and his sister before any decisions were made.
