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Nathan & Elizabeth: An Epic Love
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Chapter Twenty-Five
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Home
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Part I
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As Nathan brought Marius in for booking at the Buxton RCMP Office, Constable Garrett McKenzie ran out to assist him in dismounting the prisoner, as well as unhooking the chains between them.
The men exchanged a knowing glance but chose not to divulge any particulars till they could do so in private.
"Anybody here with you today, Garrett?"
"Eddie's coming by later to meet with you, but Benjamin and Lawrence are just down the street taking care of a habitual shoplifter we deal with routinely. She always puts the items back before we get there, but this song and dance is getting quite old, if you know what I mean!"
Nathan chuckled softly, as he knew exactly which shoplifter Garrett was talking about.
"Yeah! I've been called in once or twice. Poor Miss Lacie! She's the sweetest grandmotherly type you'd ever want to meet."
"Yes, that she is. Poor thing's well into her eighties. But still goes to church every single time the doors are open."
The truth was, none of the regular four Constables in Buxton, including Nathan when he was there, had the heart to arrest her.
"I wonder what triggers this need in her. Do you think it could just be for the attention," asked Nathan. "I mean, think about it, if she's sitting home alone most of the day and all night, there's not much of a chance for interaction with anyone. I have to wonder if we split it up and took her out to lunch once or twice a week if that would give her something to look forward to?"
"Not a bad idea! But I can see Lawrence taking his turn right now!" added Garrett sarcastically.
The two men chuckled.
"I'll take care of our prisoner, if you get the paperwork done, since I have no idea what this is all about," offered Garrett.
"Happy to, but do you think you could get Benji and Lawrence to go get the guy's Vargo?" (*61)
"Hmm?"
"His Romani gypsy wagon. I can tell them exactly how to reach it. Though it's so jam-packed with stolen goods, it might be hard to handle. It's probably going to take a month of Sundays getting it all cataloged!" (*62)
"That bad, huh?"
"Afraid so!"
Garrett put the prisoner in the jail cell furthest away, so he and Nathan could have some privacy.
"What's up with him?"
"We've got to get him talking eventually; but I'd prefer to let him stew for a few days, without any prodding. Believe it or not, our number one goal is to keep him quiet until he's ready to talk on his own. And whatever you do, I need to be here when that happens since it all ties into one or two of my other cases. He knows valuable information, but there's a reason he's staying mum. The problem is he's got to give us what we need in order for it to reduce his sentence significantly."
Then Nathan proceeded to tell Garrett about his run-in last Saturday with the Romani Gypsy Caravan.
"We got the overview, but thanks for the detail. It really is an odd thing, isn't it?" asked Garrett.
"How do you mean?" asked Nathan.
"Their whole livelihood is based on stealing from others. That's all they do. How do we rehabilitate that? Is it even possible?"
"Doubtful, since it's their way of life. Garrett, there's a notebook I need to sign in as evidence. But if you don't mind, I have a feeling it needs to stay with me for the time being since it appears to be related to those other cases I mentioned."
"Here, let me sign it over now," and Garrett did just that, as Nathan placed the notebook in a large envelope, sealing it securely, then taping over it, both of them placing their signatures across the sealed portion, along with the date and time.
As Nathan completed the list of charges against Marius, then read them to the prisoner, the gypsy still refused to speak.
Nathan wasn't positive but felt strongly that the prisoner's initial silence most likely would be for the best, giving the Mounties time to perhaps gather more information that might validate or invalidate what would eventually be confessed. Too much was at stake here to make a mistake on either side, of that, he was certain.
Constable Grant had followed protocol to the tee in bringing the prisoner to the nearest Mountie Office, which was Buxton, but also his instincts, though torn, felt that was the best decision given everything that would be going on tomorrow. He would need privacy while discussing this case with the Deputy Commissioner, as it obviously involved such a high-level Officer, who happened to be his boss. And given his previous interaction with the Gypsies, it was the right thing to do to leave Marius housed here rather than risk transporting him back to Hope Valley and encountering a repeat altercation with the entire Romani Gypsy band.
"Nathan, given where you found him, you did the right thing bringing him here. This isn't your fault. If it turns out that you need him in conjunction with your other casework, later, we'll transport him to you. Looking at him, I don't think it's wise to do that with less than all four of us, though."
"You're thinking his band of gypsies will come after him," stated Nathan.
"You and I both know it's happened before."
"I'm going to call for reinforcements, Garrett. Something feels off. And I don't want you and your men getting stuck."
"Do you think it was a setup?"
"No, I don't. I think he was waiting for his contact to market their goods. Just not sure how they were going to get them out of that valley, with all the thickets around, unless they were planning to hand carry them to waiting trucks in the pasture."
Nathan called Union City, and immediately, Staff Sergeant Maxx Harris agreed to sending four of their best to Buxton.
"Nathan, if you or Garrett feel like you need more, just say the word, and we'll be there!"
"Appreciate it, Maxx. I think this might be bigger than what it looks like on the surface, but I don't want to leave you short, either."
"That's good enough for me. I have the Deputy Commissioner here with me now. I'll get him to release four more Constables from the surrounding area and send them with my men, as well."
"Thank you, Maxx. That makes me feel a lot better about leaving Buxton this afternoon."
"The men will be there before you leave! You have my word…"
"Garrett, we've got eight men coming. Have Benji and Lawrence already secured the wagon?"
"Yes, that's all completed and locked up tighter than ever due to the volume of stash inside! You weren't kidding!"
"No, regrettably not! The men who are coming will help you catalog everything so you four don't get stuck with doing it all."
Having been sidetracked by having to arrest and book Marius, Nathan also had to get back on track and complete every task that he had originally been assigned to do on today's managerial visit to the Buxton Office before he could even think about returning home.
One of those tasks was to complete thorough HR reviews on each of the four Staff Constables: Garrett McKenzie, Benjamin Davis (or Benji), Lawrence Thompson, and Edison Malone (or Eddie).
These reports, though difficult and time-consuming, he efficiently completed throughout the day in blocks of two, back-to-back.
Additionally, he was to review the top three most important cases they were currently working on, a task he devoted a block of time for in the afternoon, having learned to consider each case individually as well as a possible collection, making scribbled notes, prior to formulating his final report.
But he had also been instructed to select and secure one Constable to become a Staff Sergeant by making an offer while initiating a promise of promotion based on his best judgment.
In Nathan Grant's mind, there was only one clear contender.
"I've finished all the HR reports now. Though I'll admit beyond the four routine reports, I have one more to complete which leads me to a last question for you to ponder. And it's a big one. What are you thinking related to your own career advancement, Garrett?"
"Nathan, I love what I do. I truly do. I've just never seen myself as a leader. Not like you!"
"Well, I beg to differ."
"What makes you say that?"
"Whether you realize it or not, you already are the leader of the Buxton RCMP Office, Garrett. Everyone looks to you, including your colleagues and your town, as well as your colleagues across the province. I don't want to push you. I would never do that. But I can say without any reservation, I would be proud to serve with you as the Staff Sargent here."
"But you don't even have that title. Why in the world should I have it, if you don't?"
"Hey, the difference is, I don't have staff under me as of yet. Though the town is more than ready for it, and I would hope when that happens that I would get the title too. But until that does occur, I'm perfectly fine as the Constable."
"And you really think I can do it?"
"You already are doing it, Garrett! Why not get paid the incremental increase for doing the same job?"
"Well, my wife sure wouldn't give you an argument on that one!"
The two men chuckled together!
Then Nathan got up and shook Garrett's hand.
"Is that a yes?"
Garrett hesitated only slightly, then burst out into a broad grin.
"With your vote of confidence, that's a yes!"
"Congratulations, Staff Sergeant McKenzie! Next time through, I buy you lunch to celebrate! The formal paperwork and official promotion should come through by month's end, if not before!"
"Thank you, Nathan. I can't believe it, but this feels right!"
"Told you so! It's well-deserved and I'm so proud it will now be official! Hey, Garrett, what's your best art supply store and sports store in town…"
Nathan made his purchases and was very pleased with his finds, but both sets of gifts for the children were too cumbersome to bring back since he was riding Newton. So, he left them at the two stores, with the exception of one of the items he took with him, wanting to carve an inscription on it himself. He asked that the remaining items all be wrapped, explaining he would pick everything up this Saturday.
His plan was to maybe borrow a car from Lee or Henry, and bring Elizabeth, Allie, and Jack back to Buxton with him on Saturday for lunch and pick up the packages then. It would be fun to have a relaxing Saturday outing that included a pleasant drive and a special lunch in Buxton, away from the prying eyes of Hope Valley.
Anxious to get home and to stay safe, Nathan led Newton to the main road that normally had lots of traffic as the route for their ride back to Hope Valley together.
It wasn't that he thought it would necessarily be dangerous to come back via the same route where the Vargo had been found; it was just that it wasn't smart to do so. (*63)
Eventually, the Gypsies would retaliate in some way; it was just a matter of time, hence the reason for the Mountie reinforcements that had been brought to Buxton.
But for the entire period he and Newton traveled home, Nathan thought about the case with the gypsies, and of course the latest development clearly involving his own boss.
He had no choice but to discuss this matter with his Commanding Officer, Deputy Commissioner Hal Blevins, though it wasn't the sort of thing you would wish to spring on top brass when they were coming to see you for some reason.
The reason he had brought the sketchbook with him was not only because he knew the Deputy Commissioner had to see it, he also didn't want the fact to get out that Hargraeves image was connected to the gypsies, which he was sure would trigger an active investigation when known.
And Nathan knew it was always better for something like that to be handled confidentially at the top level of the RCMP as opposed to what could end up being initiated anywhere in the field.
He hoped the Deputy Commissioner's visit really did mean that more help was being sent to Hope Valley. Bill was right. It was past time.
The town had grown by leaps and bounds, yet, along with Bill, Nathan was still managing it all, including the presence of the territory's governor most of the time.
It was a lot, especially since, Lucas preferred to do without security, making Nathan's job, as well as Bill's a lot more difficult at times than it should have been.
But whatever tomorrow brought, Nathan was more than ready for his new beginning with his Lizbeth and his family…
Back in Hope Valley, Judge Bill Avery was as excited as a lightning bug in June, flitting from office to office.
Even he had to admit, the cleaning and painting crews' combined results were nothing short of amazing.
The cleaning crews had completed their initial deep cleaning in both offices, and were now spending their time sorting and organizing files, while waiting to do a final walk through and clean-up after all the furniture and equipment were moved to each individual place. But that couldn't happen till after the paint and stain the Judge had insisted on, finished drying. Additionally, the furniture had to be moved under cover of night to ensure no prying eyes caught onto what was happening, as everything was meant to be a surprise, to be revealed on Wednesday morning and afternoon.
Though Bill had fussed about the painting crew insisting on re-painting the upstairs offices above him, they had been right to do so. The Judge had to admit using the different brand and type of paint had made a world of difference in brightening the place and had literally made the entire space look so much richer. The creamy contrast they used for the baseboards and crown molding, though subtle, also added a depth and richness that made the Suite look as impressive as the Judge's Office downstairs.
The overall look, however, was quite different between the two: the upstairs was light and bright, simple and elegant, yet with a more modern look that was calm and welcoming while the downstairs was more formal and traditional with a lot of stained wood.
But somehow the two styles worked remarkably together, as though you were entering two different worlds that cohesively representing both the past and the future.
Even without the furniture and equipment, a proud Bill couldn't wait to show his buddy Hal what had been accomplished at both sites.
Hal had called earlier to say he should arrive just before 4 PM, and Bill was beyond anxious to see his dear friend.
The Judge had instructed the Deputy Commissioner to park in front of The Queen of Hearts. Since Hal was driving and staying there, it made sense to meet there. Bill had lots of plans for how the two of them would spend their private time overlapped with a bit of work. Especially since both men were such go-getters, always on the move, and always accomplishing two birds with one stone!
Bill had already reserved the most private of the booths at the Hotel for a late dinner at 8 PM in order for the long-term colleagues and friends to catch up in relative privacy.
Pacing and looking out the window every few minutes, while watching for Hal, Rosemary was fit to be tied.
"Bill Avery, you are wearing a hole in our brand-new hotel carpet! What in the world is going on?"
"Not a thing, Rosemary. Not a thing! Just waitin' on an old friend to arrive for a visit! Haven't seen him in a while and excited to catch up!"
"Well, that's nice. Anyone I know?"
"Nope!"
"Well, I will meet him, right?"
"Like I could keep that from happenin'? Yeah, Rosemary, I'll introduce you."
"What does he do?"
"What is it with the questions? Isn't it enough he's my friend?"
"Well, don't get so touchy! I am, after all, a reporter, first and foremost, Bill Avery, and it's not like we get a visitor every day! Though now it seems like we do, come to think of it!"
"There you go, no news at all!"
"Yeah, sadly, it has been a slow news week," admitted Rosemary forlornly.
"Yeah, that's about to change…" muttered Bill under his breath.
"What? What did you say?"
"Nothing, Rosemary. Nothing at all!"
Like Allie, she rolled her eyes, muttering, "Sassafrass!" before she went back to choosing tomorrow's menus.
Wanting air, and specifically to get away from Rosemary, the 'Inquisitor,' Bill walked out onto the Boardwalk, not believing what he saw in the distance. (*64)
It was a vehicle like he had never seen before, and was that his buddy, Hal, driving it?
Bill's face lit up as the black car with a white top and tires drew closer.
"Wow, that car's a beauty, and that's my buddy, Hal, driving!" (*65)
He waved, directing Hal where to park while rushing out onto the road to warmly greet him.
Once parked, Hal jumped out of the car and the two men warmly embraced, with Rosemary curiously watching them from inside The Queen of Hearts.
"Let's go in and get you settled. We've got lots to catch up on, Hal! I thought we'd mix a little business with pleasure. But what a vehicle! When you choose to drive, you sure do it in style!"
"She's a beauty, isn't she? I'd like to be taking this baby home with me! Drives like a dream. Can't tell you how much fun it was driving her in from Union City to here. The only problem was the trip was much too short!"
"You'll have to take me for a spin as soon as we get you settled. I've got some plots of land I want to show you. But just wow! Aren't you a sight for sore eyes! It's so great to have you here…" (*66)
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61. "Vargo," a four-wheeled horse-drawn wagon traditionally used by traveling Romanichal as their 'traveling home.' Romani gypsy wagon. The Romani term is thought to have originated from the Ossetic waerdon meaning cart or carriage. Public Domain Information.
62. "Romani Gypsy Wagon," or 'Vardo,' a four-wheeled horse-drawn wagon traditionally used by traveling Romanichal as their 'traveling home.' Romani gypsy wagon. The Romani term is thought to have originated from the Ossetic waerdon meaning cart or carriage. Public Domain Information.
63. "Vargo," a four-wheeled horse-drawn wagon traditionally used by traveling Romanichal as their 'traveling home.' Romani gypsy wagon. The Romani term is thought to have originated from the Ossetic waerdon meaning cart or carriage. Public Domain Information.
64. "Inquisitor," a person who asks questions in a harsh or aggressive way; a person who examines and inquires, often in a harsh or hostile manner. Merriam-Webster, 1913, Public Domain and Public Domain Information.
65-66. "Wow," a natural exclamation first recorded as Scottish in origin in the early 16th Century that means very impressed, surprised, or pleased; the word's use as a verb came along much later in the 1920s. Public Domain Information.