Chapter 30 – Nathan's Award
The Commissioner took a few seconds to let what he said sink in and then he stepped back to the podium.
"Now." Delaney said. "I have several awards to hand out to current and former members of the force for their work this past year."
After the applause died down. Delaney took a deep breath. He went on to describe several acts of heroism and had each Constable come up and get a certificate or medal for their action.
"I have just a few more Constables that I want to honor." Delaney said. "While their work might not be very widely known, they have worked hard this past year and if truthfully for many years on a case that was very important to us all. These men have sacrificed a lot because of this case that started more than a decade ago. Some of the sacrifices that these men made weren't even known at the time. Can Corporals Jack T Thornton and Nathan P Grant please come stand up here. Also former Sr Inspector William S Avery."
Delaney waited until the three men got to where he was and stood behind him.
"These three men worked on what ended up being the biggest two cases the entire force dealt with this past year." Delaney said. "This case started over ten years ago when then Inspector Avery felt that there was more to a counterfeit ring than what first appeared. With the permission of then Superintendent Collins he continued to pursue the case to what eventually led to the arrest and imprisonment of disgraced Inspector Houston. Constable Jack Thornton helped with the arrest of Houston, even though Houston had tried to set Avery up to be killed. Thornton followed his instincts as a young Constable and helped to take Houston down.
After the arrest of Houston, Avery felt there was more to what he had uncovered about Houston, but the man wasn't talking and there was no direct evidence. Convincing Superintendent Collins that there was more than what they first thought, Avery was allowed to continue to quietly investigate what Houston was into and who else he had working for him or who were working with him. It took time, but finally there was clear evidence of additional corruption and action needed to be taken. Before this person had a chance to ruin more young Constables' lives. He had tried to ruin both Thornton and Avery as well as Constable Grant, because they were all either on to him or close to figuring out that he was working with criminals.
Thornton ended up sacrificing years with his new bride to bring the corruption to an end. When Avery approached me with the idea of sending Thornton undercover, I never thought it would take five years for him to bring the case to a close. I am sorry for the members that grieved when they were told that Thornton was dead. When we sent him to investigate, there were threats made to harm him and those he loved, so when there was a mudslide where he was leading some training, we took it as an opportunity to pull him out. Before we could decide what the next steps were, the Superintendent that was being investigated had declared Thornton dead.
Thornton asked for the opportunity to see the case through as he knew the danger that everyone he loved faced if the corruption was not rooted out of the force. Again we never thought it was going to take five years for him to find what was needed to bring the case to a close. During that time Thornton worked tirelessly to not only root out the corruption, but also protect those he loved from afar. It was through lots of work and impeccable investigative skills Thornton was able to bring the corruption to an end.
Constable Grant requested to be posted in Hope Valley when he learned that Thornton had left a widow and small child behind. He made that request because he wanted to protect what he thought was a fallen brother's family, especially when the same man that had gone after Thornton had gone after him. While looking after Thornton's family and town this Superintendent continued to try and come after him, but Constable Grant never gave up and fought to keep his badge and remain positive. It wasn't always easy because while all that was going on, not only was Grant trying to raise his niece by himself, he was also worried about a man that lived in his town. With nothing more than a bad feeling and unanswered questions, Grant started to investigate this man, but couldn't find much. He kept a close eye on the man knowing that he would eventually cross the line that he seemed to be walking between legal and illegal activity.
One day this past June as Thornton had just wrapped the major portion of his case and put several men behind bars and was rejoining his family, the cases these three men were or had worked all came crashing together. They then worked together to sort everything out and bring the men to justice for the damage done. During this time Thornton was reunited with his wife and Grant found his wife. While working two of the biggest cases of their careers, they were both adjusting to major changes in their personal lives.
So it is with great pleasure I give these three men certificates of commendation for their actions that made the force a better place. Thornton had also been awarded a medal for service to the crown. Grant and Avery will now receive the medal for their work on these cases."
The Commissioner moved to hand each of the men a certificate and shake their hand. Chief Superintendent Collins and Superintendent O'Reilly also stood to shake the men's hands. The Commissioner then pinned the medal on Nathan and Bill, again shaking their hands. After Delaney had pinned the medals, he motioned for Jack and Bill to go take a seat again. Delaney also motioned for Nathan to stay, so he did. He was extremely uncomfortable standing there with a commendation and another medal. He wondered what else the Commissioner wanted of him. Nathan just hoped that he wouldn't have to speak, because he wasn't sure if he would be able to do it without stumbling through.
"Again a huge congratulations to the three men and also to those that helped them with the case." Delaney said. "I have asked Corporal Grant to stay up here for a moment because I have another award for him. I know that Corporal Grant is not one for public accolades, but I hope he forgives me because he truly deserves to be recognized not only for his work in protecting those around him, but for how he conducts himself with the public in general. He is truly a Mountie that all other Mounties can look to for how to conduct themselves. As you can see by the medals on his chest, he has served the force well. Many of those medals came as he sacrificed time with his now daughter.
Corporal Grant entered the academy just after his nineteenth birthday as a way to provide for his mother, sister and niece. He completed one year at the academy and was on the officers track when he was faced with an impossible choice. His sister passed away leaving his four year old niece in need of care. His mother's own health would not allow her to care for her granddaughter, so Corporal Grant made the hard choice and gave up his place on the officers track to take in his niece. He has since adopted her and continued to sacrifice his career while still providing for her. While caring for his now daughter as a single parent, Corporal Grant still took tracking assignments and helped to catch many, many criminals. He also worked tirelessly to help those he was charged with protecting. He would quietly make sure the widow had wood in her pile or a child had a small toy tucked into their stocking, often spending what little of his own money he had to provide for others.
This past June, Corporal Grant found a wonderful woman to walk beside him in life. Due to other circumstances, I was privileged enough to be at the wedding of Corporal Grant and his new wife Carol. They are now growing their family and the Mountie family could not be happier for them. So for his dedication to the force as well as his family, I am honored to announce that I have brought back an award that hasn't been given out since I took over as Commissioner six years ago. So please put your hands together and congratulate Corporal Grant on being named Constable of the Year."
Delaney handed Nathan an engraved plaque and shook his hand, then indicated for Nathan to step forward and say a few words. Nathan took a deep breath and stepped forward. He had nothing prepared and was overwhelmed with what the Commissioner had shared.
"First of all." Nathan said. "I want to thank the Commissioner for his support. I also want to thank Chief Superintendent Collins and Superintendent O'Reilly. Both have been supportive and understanding about my circumstances over the years. So I am grateful for understanding from them as it was not universal."
Nathan looked down and took another deep breath.
"For those that know me." Nathan said. "They know I am not a man of many words. I am overwhelmed standing here. There were a few moments today that I didn't think I would be standing here. See, this morning, I had to call on a friend here in town and he had to rush my daughter into emergency surgery. She is still in the hospital recovering. She is the one that encouraged me to come here tonight and try to enjoy myself. So even though she is not here, I need to thank my daughter. She has been my number one supporter for the last ten years.
I also want to thank my wife of six months. She has shown me what it means to truly be loved and to love another person. I wish we could all find a woman as wonderful as my Carol is. She makes coming home much more enjoyable. She might not have been in my life that long, but she has changed it in ways that I can't even begin to describe.
The Commissioner holds me up as an example for others to look up to. I don't feel qualified for that honor, but I thank him. I didn't have an easy time growing up and never knowing where our next meal would come from. So I just try to do what I can for those around me and pray that God shows me how to be the man that He has called me to be. See if I have anything in this life, it is because of my faith in God. Without my faith, I would have nothing. So that is the example I want to share with everyone. I know that our calling is not an easy one, but with a strong faith it is easier. That doesn't mean I haven't struggled and questioned things over the years, because I have. So I just want to be the best man I can be. Thank you everyone."
Nathan stepped back to a second round of thunderous applause. Delaney once again shook Nathan's hand. Then as Nathan walked back to his spot, each of the guests stood and shook his hand and congratulated him. As Nathan made his way to his spot next to Carol, he was completely overwhelmed. When he got to his spot, Carol stood and hugged her husband, giving him a quick kiss.
Once Nathan and Carol had been seated again, Superintendent O'Reilly stepped up to the podium.
"I would like to extend my congratulations to Corporal Grant and all the other Constables that were honored tonight." O'Reilly said. "As we go about the evening, please take a moment to congratulate those that were recognized tonight. But enough talking from us for now. I have been told we have a wonderful meal and the waiters are ready to serve us. So please take the time to enjoy this meal and visit with those around you."
With that, O'Reilly took his seat again and a team of waiters came out with trays of food. The head table and then honored guests were served first, followed by the rest of those gathered. Since no prayer had been offered, Nathan and Carol quietly joined hands and said a quick prayer after they had been served before eating. They didn't do it to show off, but because it was important to them.
Supper was roast beef served over a bed of mashed potatoes with carrots and onions that had been roasted with the meat. There was also a gravy. There were baskets of warm dinner rolls placed on the tables. Waiters also came by and offered coffee, tea or cider to each of the guests. There was also a bar in the corner that guests were welcomed to get a drink from. Nathan took some coffee, while Carol stuck with just some water. They had a nice meal while chatting with the Deputy Commissioner and his wife that were seated closest to them. Both wanted to hear more about Allie and life as a newlywed. Carol was more than willing to share about the house that Nathan had built for them and how excited they were to have their first family Christmas in the small row house they were still living in while the house was being finished.
It was a nice supper and once they were done, Carol encouraged Nathan to go circulate and talk with different people. She promised to not over do it and would be sitting until they opened the dance floor. Nathan wasn't sure about leaving Carol, but then Gabe and Bill came up and convinced Nathan to walk around with them. Carol moved off the platform and down to one of the couches that had been set off to the side of the room for visiting. Several of the wives she had met the day before came over to visit. They gushed about Carol's dress and how lovely it looked on her. They wanted to check on Allie and expressed they would be praying she makes a full recovery. Carol thanked the women and felt incredibly supported.
After about thirty minutes, Ann Collins stepped up to the podium and got everyone's attention.
"While it is customary for the hosting Superintendent and his wife to share the first dance alone." Ann said. "I have been informed that Superintendent O'Reilly and his wife Sarah would like to share the dance of honor. Could Corporal Grant and his wife please join the Superintendent and his wife on the dance floor."
While the two couples made their way to the dance floor, Jack looked over at Elizabeth and could tell that she wasn't happy that Nathan had been honored and Jack wasn't given the same honors. When the two couples were on the dance floor, the band started playing The Skater's Waltz. Nathan looked at Carol and smiled. She smiled back at her husband. She nodded and Nathan led his wife across the floor. Most everyone in the room watched as Nathan and Carol glided across the dance floor. Most of Nathan's brothers-in-arms didn't know that he could dance, much less so gracefully. Other than the ones that had been at his wedding, they had never seen him dance before.
While Nathan had attended the Ball in the past, he never came with someone and usually only stayed for the program and meal, then leaving as quickly as possible once the dancing started. Gabe smiled as he watched his best friend dance Carol across the floor. Gabe knew that Nathan loved to dance and was glad that Carol also loved to dance. They looked amazing gliding across the floor. Both of them were tall and graceful, so together it was amazing to watch.
As the song came to an end, there was applause for the two couples, but even Patrick and Sarah O'Reilly knew that it was for Nathan and Carol. They had seen the couple gliding across the floor and were amazed at how light on his feet that Nathan was. Carol was equally amazing even while pregnant with an obvious baby bump. Nathan led Carol off to the side of the dance floor, pulled her close, leaned down and kissed her.
"I love you." Nathan whispered as he pulled back.
"I love you more." Carol whispered back.
Nathan and Carol went to sit down for a bit as others continued to dance as the band played. Nathan got up and got Carol a ginger ale and himself a beer. They sat at one of the tables on the main floor. Bill and Gabe joined them. Both Gabe and Bill complimented Carol on her dress and congratulated Nathan on his awards. Nathan thanked them and tugged at his collar as he was uncomfortable with the praise.
"Did you know about the award?" Gabe asked.
"No." Nathan said. "I knew yesterday that Chief Superintendent Collins had mentioned that we would be honored for the work on the Bouchard/Hargraves cases, but that was it. I knew nothing about the medal or other award."
"Well you deserve it." Gabe said. "We all know that you are an excellent Mountie and the second best tracker in the region."
"Second best?" Nathan teased. "I am a much better tracker than you, brother."
"Maybe in your own head." Gabe teased back.
Bill and Carol laughed as they listened to Nathan and Gabe banter back and forth. She loved to hear Nathan and Gabe or Nathan and Bill banter. It wasn't something that she heard that often, but at the same time, it was a side of Nathan that she loved.
"Enough boys." Bill said. "You can fight over second place. I am a much better tracker than both of you."
Both Nathan and Gabe laughed.
"Alright, Bill." Nathan said. "Whatever you say."
Nathan, Gabe and Carol laughed as Bill scowled at them. They knew that Bill wasn't really mad, but liked to tease the boys.
"Carol." Bill said, standing. "Please allow me to share a dance."
Bill held out his hand and Carol took it, allowing Bill to help her to stand. Bill led her to the dance floor and led her in a dance. Nathan smiled as he watched Bill and Carol. Gabe was watching Nathan watch Bill and Carol.
"She doing okay?" Gabe asked.
"As far as I know." Nathan said, not taking his eyes off Carol. "We are worried about Allie."
"And Carson said she will be fine." Gabe said. "She looked pretty good when I saw her this afternoon. I went over for a bit."
"She didn't say anything when we called her before when we called." Nathan said.
"It is okay." Gabe said. "I just peeked in and took a quick look. She was sleeping and Carson was there checking on her. He said he was going to come back and spend the evening with her. Carson assured me that Allie would be fine. She just needs to take it easy and heal from the surgery. I told you I had my appendix out when I was younger than Allie. I also didn't have a world class surgeon taking care of me. So I know that you are worried about Allie, but she will be fine."
"Thank you." Nathan said. "I forgot about you having your appendix out. I can't help worrying. It is what you do as a parent."
"I am sure." Gabe said. "My mother says she still worries about me when she doesn't hear from me regularly or when she hears about a Mountie who was injured or killed."
"See." Nathan said. "I have learned that worry is just a constant as a parent. It is what you do with that worry. I have tried to let Allie live her life. I think seeing her in so much pain threw me for a loop. Then to go from that intense worry to trying to be happy to be here took a lot out of me."
"You did the right thing." Gabe said. "You deserve to be honored. Commissioner Delaney is right, you have sacrificed more than most to do your job. You could have walked away when you took Allie in ten years ago, but you didn't. You pushed forward and tried to make the best life you could for the both of you. Now you have a wonderful wife and are growing your family. You have continued to do your job and do it well. You should be proud of everything that you have been able to accomplish. I can say as your best friend, I am extremely proud of what you have been able to accomplish and remain humble at the same time. Some men get a few medals and commendations and let their ego take over. You have never done that."
"Thank you for that." Nathan said. "Bragging has never been something I did. I know that I have every right to brag, but why would I? I got most of these medals for just doing my job and doing it to the best of my ability. Why would I brag about just doing my job."
"And that is the difference between you and most other men who have a chest of medals." Gabe said.
Nathan didn't reply as Bill and Carol returned to the table.