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Nathan & Elizabeth: An Epic Love
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Chapter Forty-six
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Capital City
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Part I
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Elizabeth's last words to Nathan at midnight kept going over and over through this mind.
First, "Be safe!" which they both knew had always meant you are important to me and now undoubtedly had also meant I love you.
Next, "I've already missed you desperately all day long!" which he totally understood as he was experiencing the same thing throughout his day.
And last but not least, "Thank you for loaning me your home, your brand-new car, and most of all, your comfy bed, which seems to be the only place I can relax and rest!"
Nathan knew exactly what she meant as soon as the words had been spoken. It seemed neither could truly relax without the calming presence of the other and if they couldn't be together as with this trip, at least now, each of them would have tangible pieces of the other along with their assured love.
In addition to all the things Elizabeth had mentioned, she now had her vintage Engagement Ring from Nathan's Great-grandmother, which signified the all-important vow they had just made to each other, along with their ultimate lifelong vows, which were surely coming in a matter of days!
For the first time in a long time, both were genuinely contented and happy.
Despite all the horrible tricks fate had played on them, via numerous universal attempts to throw them far off course over the last few years, topped off now by this most recent one of finding out they had been meant to meet when she first arrived in Hope Valley, which was perhaps the cruelest of all, they had survived and were surviving, remarkably well, too! Now, at long last, they both were ready to enter this ultimate relationship of marriage, the real new beginning that fate had ultimately meant for them, given what should have been their true beginning so many years ago.
Instead of grieving in anger and self-pity, they had made the conscious decision to move forward together, focusing on the strength of what they had now and their beautiful children, whom they both adored.
As the train rattled on down the tracks, Nathan smiled, remembering his response to her. He also lifted up the silver-framed photo of his family, which his fiancée had gifted him with just prior to leaving. It was a tangible manifestation of the love that filled his heart to overflowing.
"Our home, our brand-new car, and most of all our comfy bed, my Darling Lizbeth, which I can't wait to share with you each and every single beautiful night, after beautiful night, after beautiful night…"
Leaving her was the last thing he wanted to do.
But he also wanted them to be able to take two weeks off for their Honeymoon together, with no interruptions from the outside world, just the two of them together.
However, without this trip, he knew that would be completely impossible.
Though they had said goodnight at midnight, Elizabeth still insisted on seeing him off, offering one final goodbye, with him briefly stopping by her place at 3:30 AM. Stepping just inside her door, they spent their brief time together kissing with all the passion their beings had for each other, exchanging only three words during the entire time, their ultimate 'I love you,' as he turned to walk out the door.
"Nathan! Be safe!"
And so, he had rushed to board his 4 AM train along with his security team, ready to work in this new job that was still a wonderful dream to him, as the miles sped between them...
He was four workdays into his fantasy job that he hadn't really known existed before it was offered to him. The shock was that this job was fitting him just like Jack's new baseball glove, while Nathan was fitting this job in the exact same way.
If there had ever been doubt before, there wasn't a drop of it now unless it was missing morning rounds with Newton, which was proving a most difficult adjustment for both master and steed.
The last instruction he had given to Alex was all about making sure Bill remembered to ride Newton instead of Hero on daily rounds with the young constables while he was gone so that Newton felt he was still needed until Nathan returned from his trip.
The Chief had been going in early to work, riding Newton with a couple of his classified security agents in the crisp morning air. That had helped them both, yet he still had instructed Alex to fit in an additional block of time each day so Newton could still be the excellent Mountie horse he was.
"I always do my best thinking, riding Newton. He and I both need that time together and so does this new job," he had earnestly explained. "Perhaps just after lunch or toward the end of the day since I've got mornings covered."
"Yes, Sir! Consider it done!" Alex had responded with confidence.
Four short workdays ago, his career and his life had been turned upside down.
Even having almost been shot and killed by the #1 criminal in both Canada and the US, along with adjusting to the constant presence of a classified security team, couldn't dampen his enthusiasm.
Yes, it all fit somehow, and he was beyond excited to get up each morning to see what his workday would bring.
He was happy, genuinely happy professionally, feeling challenged like never before while also feeling confident that he could not only make a difference but that he would make a significant difference.
Little did he know that the impact he and his team, including Newton, would make would be so far beyond anyone's expectations that he himself wouldn't be able to fathom how much so till after each success had been accomplished and checked off his ever-growing list…
As the Train traveled on to Capital City, Nathan was hard at work, writing detailed notes in the margins of his highly classified records, mostly in code, that related to Casimir Shaw, finding links that had obviously not been put together before.
If he only had the information King Marius would soon be giving him! But, for that, he had to be patient.
In preparation for his interview with Jeanette Au Coin, the Chief had to absorb each and every detail they knew about the real Casimir.
Though the Chief Inspector and Governor had their individual working/sleeping compartments for traveling to Capital City, as luck would have it, they happened to be located across the hall from each other, with their security teams surrounding them on both sides.
Nathan could tell Lucas was nervous about this trip, or more so, about what was awaiting him at the other end of it since the Governor kept popping his head in every few minutes to see if Nathan had finished his work and could talk.
"Any closer to being done, Nathan?"
He asked for the third time in the last hour.
"Not at all finished, but at least at a good stopping point. So sure, come on in, and let's catch up!"
Lucas sat down without saying a word.
"What did you need, Lucas?" prompted Nathan, who had a large amount of work waiting.
"I'm torn and not at all sure what to do, Nathan!"
"Anything I can help you with?"
"Jeanette has every reason to refuse to see me."
"True! She does. But the fact remains you hold the Governor card, and at this point, sadly, she holds nothing except whatever inherent self-dignity she's managed to salvage. In other words, she has to at least meet with you. How that goes, only the two of you can control!"
"It's that shred of dignity I'm worried about in more ways than one! Because you and I both know I'm the reason she's lost everything and is now in prison. Can you tell me what you're planning to do? Maybe then my office staff could start preparing things, and then perhaps I can calm down some, too."
"I have to interview her, Lucas, for as long as it takes me to get the information I need and help her in the process."
"Will that take place at the prison?"
"No, I can't risk anyone overhearing. I plan to interview her in a secure room at our Mountie Headquarters in Capital City, which happens to be located back-to-back at your office. When I have what I need from Jeanette, I'll have my staff call you, saying I wish to speak with you. We'll arrive via your back entrance exactly ten minutes later, surrounded by my own classified security team, who are the best of the best."
"Why ten minutes?"
"Because as soon as you get the call announcing my wish to speak with you, you are going to very quickly clear out your entire office staff, except for Henry and your own security team, leaving no one else in the building. Then you are going to have Henry standing at the back door to unlock it and allow us immediate entry quickly, as I don't want her standing outside in the open for a single second! If you wish to clear out your office earlier, prior to my call, that's fine too, even preferable."
"Okay. I'll just clear out everyone early so I can prepare mentally for Jeanette."
"Are things that bad?"
"Yes, they are! And probably worse than I imagine. But even beyond that very real concern. Let's say on the off chance she does forgive me, what then?"
"What do you mean, what then?"
"How do I go about getting her out and rehabbing her image to the public?"
"First of all, you don't get her out; since I now have full authority for this case, Lucas, only I can do that."
"I'm sorry. I…I didn't…didn't mean to interfere. I just don't know how all this is going to work."
"No problem. It's just procedure, Lucas, and it's all based on legalities. I can tell you this much. Whether or not Jeanette goes back to prison after our two meetings depends on her answers in my interrogation of her. If I get the proof I need to drop the charges, I will not take her back to prison. But that doesn't mean she immediately gets her old life back just like that, either."
"What do you mean?"
"Lucas, I either have to take her back to prison when your visit is concluded or to an undisclosed secure location where she will be kept safe behind lock and key, under the protection of a special forces team we have put in place, and answer directly to me. In other words, if all goes well, she will be remanded to my custody, and that stays in effect until we can fully resolve this entire case surrounding the both of you. Those are our only two options, Lucas. And I cannot stress enough that both options are absolutely critical for her own protection as well as yours. You are now physically protected around the clock, but I have to protect your governorship. She is not protected physically going about as you are; given her current situation, she is a huge target. Because I guarantee you there is a hefty bounty on her head. That is why she cannot be exposed to the outside world yet, not even with the special forces team protecting her, because the moment she is exposed until I can resolve this case, she is as good as dead. And you need to understand that!"
Nathan could tell Lucas was getting more nervous by the minute.
"Look, Lucas! I know as governor, you have the power to grant clemency to anyone and everyone. But think about this. If you grant Jeanette clemency, she will still be a target. And if you are already concerned about the press and public reactions related to what's already happened regarding this situation, think of the heyday they would have if you granted the love of your life clemency! You giving her clemency would mean this whole mess would never ever be forgotten or forgiven, nor would the talk ever die down from it around the both of you, that is, even if she physically survived. Everything would just explode and get bigger and bigger. You think things are hopeless, now? They aren't, if we play this right, but one false step, and everyone loses, especially Jeanette. While you're thinking you could pay with your reputation and perhaps your job, I don't think it will get to that. But I assure you, she will pay with her life!"
Lucas sighed heavily.
"I understand. I will cancel the clemency authorization process as soon as I arrive at my office."
"Thank goodness you still can! Lucas, she needs zero publicity right now, and most especially not from you. You do understand that, right?"
"I'm beginning to, thanks to you. But, Nathan, on a personal level, I don't even know what to say to her!"
"Then think about that later. Instead, for now, plan what you can do to let her know she's the love of your life and that you feel you are to blame and regret that deeply. After you've set the stage in a way that she will immediately know you care for her, then you speak. Just be honest with her, Lucas, and declare your love to her no matter what if you are sure that she's the one you love."
"She's the only one, Nathan! It's always been her."
"Ok, then you need to understand she's been living in a cell that measures 28 inches wide by 8 feet long by 6 feet 7 inches high, which is a rather horrific box when you think about it. She has been wearing a prisoner's uniform with no style whatsoever, just like every other woman around her, while eating the worst food imaginable. Which means I'm sure she would love to be pampered and swept off her feet!" (*106)
"With what?"
"Lucas, you are asking me that? You are the master of sweeping women off their feet, not me!"
It was Nathan's turn to sigh heavily, then he continued.
"I don't know! Phone the best restaurant in Capitol City and have them pre-deliver a special meal for two, which you'll have to keep warm in your kitchen and serve yourself. But you can manage that. I'm sure Henry would help. Though my bet is that you'll get extra points if you do it yourself! Then, have some romantic music on that's special to just the two of you, and dance with her! I'm afraid you're going to have to take it from there, my Friend!"
"That's perfect! I can do all that, and as mad as she's going to be at me, that will soften her a bit! Thanks, Nathan! We've got this!"
"Hey, Bud, a huge bouquet of her favorite flowers wouldn't hurt either. And maybe a meaningful gift that makes her feel like a worthy human being again might be nice, too."
"You mean like an engagement ring?"
"Hey, I didn't say that! Though come to think of it, Elizabeth hasn't been able to take her eyes off hers since Sunday night!"
"And once again, I am remiss in congratulating the two of you. It was just that I wanted to give you both your space. I really am thrilled, and if Jeanette and I can have half as much happiness, we'll be a very happy couple indeed…"
Given the 2-hour time difference, the train reached its destination of Capital City at precisely 3 AM on Wednesday morning.
"Nathan, are you sure you don't want to stay at my residence? You'll want for nothing," assured Lucas, graciously making the offer one last time.
"I appreciate the offer, Lucas. Really, I do. But I have quite a bit of work to do, as do you, and I don't want to be a bother. Besides, the Mounties have already made my reservations for both me and my team."
"I forgot about housing your security, too! Feel free to call anytime if you need anything at all!"
"Appreciate that! Will do. Oh, and don't forget to cancel that clemency process first thing in the morning!"
"Henry won't let me forget. First thing!" smiled Lucas. "And Nathan, thanks for all your help with this!"
"Glad to be able to help, Lucas. Let's all pray for a good ending…"
Nathan rose early and worked, reviewing again everything he and Headquarters knew about Casimir Shaw.
Having finally put it all together in his mind, mostly by filling in the possible options for what wasn't included, he went to breakfast with his security team.
"Do any of you know who is considered to be the best jeweler in town?"
"Asscher Fine Jewelry, hands down! My wife visits every time we come, and my budget is wrecked for months after!" admitted Reid.
The men chuckled.
"Then Asscher's it is. Can you take me there?"
"Happy to! Especially since I won't be buying this time around."
The men chuckled again.
"What about a good bookstore and toy store? Since I'm not expected at Abbingdon's till 11 AM."
"The Toy Emporium for the toy store, definitely, and I think there's a book shoppe close by, but not sure how good it is. Let me go check with the Concierge while you all finish your meal!" offered Reid.
The men went back to their previous discussions until Reid returned with the information he had garnered.
"Hey, I was right. The bookstore is next door to the Toy Emporium! It's called Chimera's Book Shoppe and is said to have the very latest books that are published worldwide." (*107)
"Thanks, Reid! Interesting name, though!"
"What does it mean," asked Evan.
No one seemed to know, so the Chief answered, as this topic was right up his alley.
"It's a fire-breathing she-monster from Greek Mythology. She is said to have a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent for a tail! So, yes, I agree that is an odd name for a book shoppe. Though technically, I suppose it can also mean a fabrication of the mind – so, maybe that's what they were going after, since when you think about it, books are pretty much that for the most part. At least the non-biographical and non-historical ones known as the world of fiction!" (*108)
"Well, I, for one, can't wait to see what this she-monster looks like! With a name like that, they've got to have a picture somewhere. At least they better, because now my curiosity is piqued!" chuckled Evan
Reid chuckled.
"Sounds like we all need to do a little shopping there, along with the Chief, and maybe broaden our knowledge base a bit while we're at it! Besides, guys, don't forget we've all got that excruciatingly long train ride back to Hope Valley tonight!"
"You've got that right, Reid! I sure don't envy the Governor going back and forth all the time…"
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106. "Canadian Cell Dimensions," for the Victorian and Edwardian time periods, as alluded to in government reports, prisoner lore, and notation. Public Domain Information.
107-108. "Chimera," a fire-breathing female monster in Greek mythology that has the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a serpent; can also refer to an illusion or fabrication of the mind. Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 1913 Edition. Public Domain.