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Nathan & Elizabeth: An Epic Love

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Chapter Fifty-one

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Saturday Surprises:

Sleeping Buddy, Breakfast, Ballgame, Two Dossiers,

& Trip to Union City

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Part I

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The next morning which happened to be a Saturday, Elizabeth and Jack arrived at the Grant Rowhouse, just as they had previously planned with Allie before Nathan had returned home, about the same time Allie had planned to come downstairs to cook.

Both Allie and Elizabeth had gotten up bright and early, trying to let Nathan sleep in from his long trip, while they busied themselves preparing a special breakfast to surprise him with for his return.

But as usual, things don't always go as planned, and in this particular instance, it was all thanks to one little blonde boy named Jack!

Little did Elizabeth know that her son, who was still dressed in his pajamas when they arrived and was sent upstairs to continue his sleep in his new bed, no less, had found his way from his soon-to-be bedroom into Nathan's much bigger bed, which had thoroughly intrigued him. The little guy climbed up and snuggled in close, waking up his Papa, who, being a Mountie, was both an early riser and a very light sleeper. Nathan just smiled and cuddled him till Jack fell back asleep, and then he got up to get dressed and begin his day. But not before he first placed pillows strategically around Jack, letting the boy continue sleeping in his big bed while keeping him safe from rolling out.

As Nathan brushed his teeth, washed his face, and combed his hair in the upstairs washroom, he decided to forgo shaving until after breakfast. Especially since the aromas from the kitchen were quite tantalizing, and he couldn't wait to see his fiancée and daughter.

"Good morning, Beautiful! I didn't know you were here until my son appeared," he noted, giving her a boisterous good morning embrace and kiss, which she happily returned.

"Oh, no! Did he wake you?"

"He's fine, Lizbeth, and sleeping quite soundly now!" he grinned.

"But don't tell me: in what will be our bed instead of his, I'm sure!"

Nathan just chuckled.

"Good morning, Princess!

He then kissed Allie.

"Good morning, Papa! It's so good to have you home!"

"It is really great to be home, Allie! Whatever this is, it sure does smell good. What are we having?"

"Sit, Papa, and we'll show you! Most are your favorites, but the fancy part is Mama's recipe, and it looks really good!"

"Well, the Apple Cider French Toast is actually Cook's recipe, but I'll happily take credit because it is that good!"

"She gave you the recipe?" grinned Nathan. "And here, you thought she didn't love you!"

"Oh, no, she absolutely did not give it to me! Julie and I sort of borrowed her box when she was away visiting a sick sister. And she was mad as a hornet when she returned, saying someone had been in her recipe box and she couldn't find a single thing! I think Mother had to give her a raise and promise it would never happen again to get her to stay. After that little discussion, Julie and I had to sit and listen to a fifteen-minute lecture from Mother without being allowed to say a single word! I guess because, well, the truth is, and please don't share this at school, the truth is, Julie and I were always getting into trouble. After that little ordeal, we were no longer allowed in the kitchen without Mother being present, and since our mother never once entered the kitchen as far as I can remember, that pretty much did away with our kitchen drop-ins! Viola, on the other hand, was always the proper one, just like now. Out of the three of us, even as adults, she's the complacent adult too: a 'proper English Lady,' which pleases our mother to no end! 'At least one of my daughters is a proper lady!' she is fond of saying over and over again!"

"Sounds brutal," grinned Nathan, half-way teasing her.

"Believe me, it is when you hear it for the thousandth time!"

Nathan chuckled once more, so happy to be home.

"What can I do?"

"Not a thing, except sit and chat with us. I'll pour you a cup of coffee!"

"Thanks, Love! Can't believe how much cheerier this place is with you two decorating, painting, and papering. It looks like a totally different place!"

"In a good way," asked Elizabeth, wanting to make certain he loved it after getting his initial thoughts last night.

"In the best of ways, Love! You both did a phenomenal job! And our home couldn't possibly look better," answered Nathan, clearly meaning it, so pleased with the results…

"Breakfast is finally served!" announced Elizabeth.

"Shall I wake Jack?" asked Nathan.

"Oh, that's a rough one, Love! He's usually so grumpy in the morning. Not really sure!"

"Why don't I go see what I can do? I hate the idea of the little Big Guy missing breakfast!"

But before Nathan could reach the staircase, there was Jack all dressed and ready for breakfast, carrying his new Mountie and Horse, but with all of his buttons done up wrong.

"Good morning, Jack!"

"Good morning, Papa! Can you help me with my buttons?"

"I sure can. Let's see, stay right there on that step so I can reach you easily, okay?"

"Yes, Sir! Hi, Mama! Hi Allie! Papa's fixing my buttons. They got all mixed up!"

"I'd say they did, Son!" as Nathan ended up having to unbutton them all to start over.

Elizabeth and Allie were trying to hide their giggles by both covering their mouths, then they got themselves together enough to speak.

"Good morning, Jack!" grinned Allie. "Did you rest in your new bed?"

"No, I rested in Papa's big bed! I swept with Papa, too!"

"Jack Thornton," warned his Mama. "You woke your Papa up, and he was supposed to be sleeping! Remember, he just got back from his trip!"

"But I missed him!"

"There you go, Jack, all buttons are now in their right holes! It's alright, Lizbeth," winked Nathan, lifting Jack down, then wrapping his arm around Elizabeth's waist. "I missed my boy and my girls, too…"

After a fun and special Saturday breakfast of all of Nathan's favorites, plus a surprise from Elizabeth, the Grant Family began finishing up with Nathan completing his meal first.

Elizabeth noticed and stopped eating long enough to pour Nathan a fresh cup of coffee.

"Well, that was a really delicious breakfast, but that Apple Cider French Toast is a meal in and of itself!" complimented Nathan. "Though it's tough to decide because the eggs and ham are another favorite. And Elizabeth, your biscuits beat mine by a long stretch!"

"And mine are still hard as rocks, Papa, so they don't even count," lamented Allie.

"You'll get there, Allie Girl! Maybe your Mama can teach you better than me since mine happen to be pure luck, whether or not they turn out. I, for one, though, am going to need to lose weight if we keep eating like this, as wonderful as it is!"

"Papa, you aren't heavy. I kind of like trying new things!"

"Me too, Allie. Everything has been positively delicious!"

And that was when there was a knock on the door.

"I'll get it," offered Allie, jumping up to see who was visiting, not at all expecting it to be who was on the other side of the door.

"Alex!" she exclaimed before she realized she shouldn't have so enthusiastically.

"I'm sorry to interrupt so early on a Saturday morning, Allie, but I have a courier-delivered, classified package for the Chief Inspector."

"Come on in, Alex. I'll get Papa! Would you like some breakfast?"

"Oh, thanks, Allie! That would be nice, but I'll just pick up something quick at the Café. We guys are all meeting there to greet whoever has decided to take us apartment hunting! Sir," and Alex immediately stood at attention and formally saluted.

"At ease, Special Sergeant!"

"Sir, I trust your trip went well!"

"Very much so, Alex! Thank you!"

"Do you have a few moments to spare so I can brief you, Sir?"

"Of course. I just finished eating, so let's have a seat here in our living area while everyone finishes breakfast."

Alex spoke in a low voice so that only his Chief could hear.

"Sir, after the scouting team cleared the two designated travel paths to muddle any onlookers, we moved the prisoner during the exact time you requested, and along the third path, you specified: the one never before used for transport, with the two extra transport teams accompanying the regular transport team. So that's all been taken care of with arrival verified though we weren't told the final location, and that was confirmed by the Deputy Commissioner himself. I was told later that specific information would be given to you directly. But later, Deputy Commissioner Blevins called apparently about another matter, while you were traveling back to Hope Valley. He said he hated to ask you to do this, but he has someone he would like you to interview at the Union City Mountie Office today. He also said he would see that you had the information you need waiting for you there, but that I was to deliver this to you to open in private first."

"Very well. I appreciate your thorough report, especially on a Saturday morning!"

"My pleasure, Sir! The Judge has set up a baseball game for this afternoon, and the men are all looking forward to seeing you pitch. But given the Deputy Commissioner's new assignment, sounds like maybe we should postpone the game?"

"No, don't do that! Though I'll admit I'm disappointed I can't be here. Tell the Judge I bet he did this on purpose because he just knows I'm the better pitcher! You all have fun and make me proud. That is those of you on my Ty Cobb team," winked Nathan. "And whatever you do, do not let the Judge's Babe Ruth team even think about getting close to winning!"

"Yes, Sir," chuckled Alex. "Well, it was brilliant of you to choose Zane for our team, because that guy was the best all through training. No one can touch him in baseball, and he can play just about any position, too!"

"Now, that's a good bit of information to know!"

"If there's nothing else, I'll apologize to the ladies and be on my way, Sir!"

"Thank you, Special Sergent! Well done!"

Alex walked over to the table where Allie, Elizabeth, and Jack were still eating.

"I'm so sorry to have interrupted your meal Mrs. Thornton, and Allie! Hi there, Mountie Jack!"

"Hi, Mountie Alex!" beamed Jack with his own salute, which Alex crisply returned.

Elizabeth and Allie smiled, both noting that Alex had observed Jack saluting with his Papa.

"Not a problem at all, but we wish you'd eat with us!" urged Elizabeth.

"I appreciate the offer, I really do. But I best be on my way, Ma'am. Enjoy your day! And again, I'm sorry for the intrusion!"

As Alex left. Elizabeth watched his exit and commented.

"He really does seem like such a nice young man. So mannerly, too!"

Allie cleared her throat and began clearing her Papa's dishes, as well as some of her own.

Nathan walked to the table to tell Elizabeth that he needed to scan over the packet he had just been given, suspecting it contained more information about his Union City trip, and to give her a kiss of apology.

"That he is! He's always thinking one step ahead, too. Babe, I need to excuse myself to scan over this courier delivery. Though it does look like I'll be going to Union City today. Hey, would you all like to go and maybe do some shopping while I work?"

"I'd love to go, Nathan! Rosemary and I desperately needed to go at some point today to get some things for our Wedding. Allie, want to go with us?"

"Wish I could, but Uncle Bill has Dad's team playing Baseball today, and I promised Angela, I would take her because she wants to listen to Peyton play. So, I'm going to have to explain the plays. But, hey, I could keep Jack and take him with us to the game if you'd like!"

"You sure?"

"Please, Mama! I want to go to the baseball game with Allie and Angela!"

"Only if you're sure, Allie!"

"I am, Mama!"

"And only if you mind, Allie, Young Man! Do you understand me?"

"I promise, Mama! I'll be good!"

"Then, looks like that's settled," grinned Nathan. "If you'd like, Elizabeth, you could ask Lee to come, too, and we could have a special meal with the four of us after I finish my work. How does that sound?"

"Are you kidding? That sounds wonderful! Lee's been dying to drive your new car. So, I have no doubt that will be a resounding yes!"

He bent and kissed her cheek.

"You arrange all that, and I'll go read this now, so I'll know what I need to do…"

With his Security team in cars ahead and behind them per protocol, Nathan and Elizabeth sat in the back seat of Nathan's new car, while Lee was thrilled to be driving and sitting with his Rosie up front beside him.

"Nathan, this baby drives like an absolute dream. Not to mention it's the best-looking car in all of Hope Valley!"

"The Deputy Commissioner did a great job, Lee! Afraid I can't take any credit, but sure do love it! Thanks for all those lessons as I had no idea I would be driving as much as it looks like this new job is going to require."

"Hey, you were the quickest study, I've ever taught! Besides my sweet Rosie," he added with a chuckle, not wanting to be in the doghouse forever.

"Lee, I know it took me a bit longer than most to get parking just right. But I haven't had a single accident yet, and in the end, that's what counts!"

"Yes, Dear!" he grinned, reaching to quickly grab her hand, then releasing it to put his hand back on the wheel.

Nathan, in uniform, contentedly had his arm around his fiancée, who had snuggled closer, having felt so alone at the other end of the backseat.

"Now, this is a ton better!" she winked, flirtatiously.

"I'll say," and he bent to kiss her forehead.

"Do you have any idea how long your work will take, Nathan?" asked Lee.

"At least an hour, possibly two, I think! Maybe we could set up a meeting place and if I'm not there within five minutes either way, Lee, just leave and go about your day, then we'll meet on the next hour? I don't want your entire day ruined by waiting on me. Also, that way, the Ladies won't have to have their shopping interrupted till we're both ready?"

Then Nathan remembered about Security.

"Security will split to cover the three of you, while my team goes with me, so you don't have to worry about transporting me. They'll be happy to do that. I'm hoping I'll be out early enough, that our dining reservations shouldn't be an issue."

"Sounds like the perfect plan…"

As Nathan entered the Union City Mountie Headquarters, Staff Sergeant Maxx Harris, along with Sergeants Robert Johnston and Stephen Manning, met him, standing just outside the door to give him an honorary welcome with formal salutes.

"At ease, Gentlemen! And thanks for meeting me. How are things?"

"We've had our first classified prisoner in our secure lock-up wing, which we purposefully kept empty except for him. He's eating well and complaining about the quality of food, like nothing is wrong, and he'll soon be out, which we all know isn't happening!" answered Maxx.

"No, that's a certainty. Has he talked about anything else?"

"Just complains constantly that his shoulder is causing him pain. Much more wimpish than I imagined coming from him! And he's under constant watch, as you requested, as well!"

"What about our 2nd?"

"In order to keep them separate, he's in our regular lock-up but in the cell for seclusion, also under constant watch."

"That's great. I've got to say, wish there was one of those in all of our jails; at least glad you all have that luxury."

"Us too. It's come in handy, Sir, more times than we can say."

"What's his status?"

"Much more panicked and much, much more vocal. You can tell this is his first time behind bars, and he is not a happy camper. Threatening that his father will get him out and have us all fired, which we also know is not happening. Your transport directive was sheer genius, Sir, as they fell for it hook, line, and sinker, which we'll detail more fully in the secure room."

"Perfect."

But his Officer's Welcome at the Entry was just the beginning. The Chief Inspector was required to respond to a flurry of men rising to attention, offering a crisp, continuous chain of salutes throughout the building as the four men walked down the station's many halls. Though all salutes were courteously acknowledged and responded to by said Chief, the four Officers still remained linearly focused on prepping for the job at hand.

"We have you all set up in our secure room. Just let us know if you need anything on your arrival there, and also, we'll bring in the prisoners whenever you let us know you are ready for them. Though it's pretty clear which one you'll want to spend the majority of your time with"

"Thanks, Maxx! Will do! But at this point, not sure it's smart to see both. The less the last one knows the better, as I honestly don't think he has much to offer. We'll see how the other one goes first."

What Nathan didn't say was that they already had so much on the second prisoner, he would never see the light of day, nor was he ever really inside the inner circle of seven.

"Here we are, Sir! The secure room is at your disposal for as long as you need. There's fresh coffee on the credenza, and we've pulled all related files, though we really don't have that much."

"Has Christian couriered anything?"

"Not unless we just got something since you entered the building. Stephen, do you mind checking? It will be sealed if here and must remain so even at our level, as it will be highly classified and necessary for the Chief to open himself for review."

"Got it, Sir! I'll check now," Stephen responded, leaving to do one final check.

"Here's a quick summary of the slim files we do have, Chief, that Stephen and I put together this morning for you," explained Robert.

"Thanks, Robert. Appreciate that," and Nathan picked the summary up to see if there might be anything he didn't already have that should make its way up to the classified level. He also wished to commit the summary to memory just in case something related might come up during his interrogation of Shaw.

"This woman based out of British Columbia, why is she in your database, Maxx?"

"We know she is under constant surveillance, but we don't know why. Whenever she enters Alberta, since we know the topography much better, Robert or Stephen join their Surveillance team, simply to assist them when needed."

"Got it. Have the elite teams on the ground shared any info with you when that happens, Robert?"

"None, Sir, which is beyond frustrating. I can tell you that they are very diligent about not letting her out of their sight, and I noticed they document literally everything via notes in code: everyone she comes in contact with, as well as locations and times. I wish I could help more, but Stephen and I've discussed it, and he's seen the exact same thing but with no added information. We assume it's all classified?"

"Got it, Robert. Actually, that's a big help. Maxx, can you show me how to get Christian on the secure line? That is if he's working on a Saturday?"

"It's been our experience he usually does, Sir, at least if there is something big going on, and we are assuming this is about as big as it gets."

There was a quick triple knock, which caused Maxx to open the door for Stephen, who stood in the doorway with a smile on his face.

"Success, Sir! This is for you and you only," noted Stephen as he unknowingly handed the Chief the second courier-delivered classified dossier of his morning.

"Men, let's give the Chief some privacy while I get headquarters on the phone. Then I'll join you, but please stay close by just outside the door until we need our prisoners, or at least one."

"Will do, Maxx!" assured Robert, as well as Stephen with a nod.

Nathan opened the communication in a way that only he could read its contents while Maxx attempted to secure Christian on the line.

"Yes, Sir, he's right here, and was hoping to speak with you. But he just had a courier delivery and is going over that now."

"Maxx, let's give him a few moments, and I'll keep the line open when he's ready."

"Thank you, Sir! Will relay that and give you two your privacy."

"Nathan, Christian will wait while you read, and I'll step outside the door with the boys till you need us further. Oh, and Headquarters has sent a stenographer with classified clearance to record your interrogation. I'll bring him back and introduce him just before we bring your prisoner to you."

"Thanks, Maxx. Really appreciate the assistance."

Nathan read quickly, surprised somewhat by the information inside. Of the three people from British Columbia listed, only one name matched the files Robert and Stephen had given him, which caused Nathan to let out a low whistle.

"Good morning, Christian, Nathan here!"

"The Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner were beyond impressed with the information you got in Capital City, and you probably aren't going to believe the arrests we've already made based on combining the gold you got with what we already had. Want a breakdown per province?"

"Thanks, and yes, I most certainly do, please!"

Nathan jotted notes with each province in code, followed by coded numbers.

"Christian, that is excellent work, astounding, really!"

"The exact same two words both the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner used regarding your work in Capital City, though there was a 'phenomenal,' thrown in here and there! Any questions, Sir?"

"The woman on this dossier, can you tell me where she resides in BC and just how far up intel thinks she goes? Because from what you gave me this morning, added in with the report log I see here in Union City, I believe she might be our missing link."

"She sure has been lying low since Friday's raid," admitted Christian.

"I figured they had some way to communicate daily to determine if all was well or not. Which means their entire organization chiefs now know at least about the main arrests and probably all the other admins we got who responded to the two known transport paths."

"Using that 3rd path was pure genius, Nathan. Look how many of his admins responded, and every single one of them we were able to arrest! And don't forget the son! Plus having our prisoners arrive safely. You can't ask for better than that! Let's see, the only admins we still need to get is the man responsible for BC, and the man who is probably taking care of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Islands all lumped together."

"What if both are women? Think about it: a female would have a much easier time maneuvering in and out of the various ports and their officials, also charming them if need be. Especially, if let's say, they owned an art gallery or an antiques emporium!"

"Honestly, we just never have thought about the possibility. But it does make sense, and as hard as we've tried, we've never been able to zero in on a male subject that fits for either area," admitted Christian.

"I was just thinking back to my most recent interrogation, where our subject mentioned that she always thought she stood a better chance with Senior vs Junior as she felt she could appeal to his logic, which indicates mutual respect from him to females and vice versa. I know it's a stretch, Christian, but one I think that's worth us looking into…"