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Nathan & Elizabeth: An Epic Love
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Chapter Sixty
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Monday of Wedding Week
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Part II
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As soon as Nathan and Bill got back to Nathan's office, Nathan made his call to Headquarters.
"Chief, the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner will want to hear this straight from you. Let me get them on our line before you start, but I cannot wait to hear this!"
"Of course, Christian! You might want to alert your elite teams to be on active standby, too."
"Will do that right now, Chief. They'll be ready to move in as soon as the order is given, at a moment's notice."
"If you don't mind, I'll place you two on hold while I get us all sorted on this end!"
"Thanks, Christian."
Since their line was put on hold, Nathan turned to Bill.
"I understand we can't divulge any of this to Elizabeth, but Bill, this literally breaks my heart and is going to break hers all over again."
"Elizabeth is tough, though I know you didn't see that in the middle of all her fear, but that just goes to show you how much she's always loved you!"
"But I can't marry her with this hanging over our heads. I have to warn her about what's coming, prepare her in some way."
"I agree. You prep her as best you can, but without betrayin' your oath."
"That I will definitely do, and I plan to do so tonight. I want nothing to ever come between us. Which brings me to that land of yours I wish to buy. Bill, you have to give me a price so I can get you paid before we leave on our honeymoon!"
"Naw. No way. I've thought about this a lot, Son. It's my Weddin' Gift to my favorite people in the world!"
"We were afraid you'd say that! So, Elizabeth and I have discussed this at length. These are the terms in order for us to accept it. Your choice. You are family, Bill. Either, you live with us in what will be our new huge home, which will have plenty of room, even a suite of rooms for your privacy, if you so choose. Or we build you a separate home on our property. Or a much bigger home on your land beside us or across the street from us – whichever you prefer. Those are our conditions."
"Well, the fact you'd even want an old curmudgeon like me warms my heart. But won't you two newlyweds need your privacy?"
"I think we'll have plenty of that, Bill, even if you choose to live with us! I mean, we do have two children. Speaking of which, we love you, and the children adore you! You know you're family, and that's just a fact!"
"Will you please just accept my Weddin' Gift and give me a little time to think about which of your terms feels right?"
"That's fair! And most generous of you, too, Bill. The land is just exquisite. We couldn't ever find better, and we want you to enjoy it too! But don't forget to make up your mind before you sell to Lee and Rosemary. If you think you want one of those parcels for yourself, choose what works for you best, as you are making all this possible for all of us."
"Chief, I have Commissioner Donaghy and Deputy Commissioner Blevins on the line," interrupted Christian. "They wish to offer their greetings to you and the Judge first, then turn everything over to you so you can begin your briefing."
"Conrad here! It's a pleasure to officially meet you, Chief, even if only by classified conferencing. But I can tell you Sarah and Emily are chomping at the bit, ready to travel to this big Wedding coming up!"
"The pleasure is all mine, Sir! The Wedding will be held in the most beautiful wild rose garden, but I'm afraid it won't be that large, Commissioner, since it's on the smaller side, more family style!"
"Pfft! If you count the whole town as his family!" added Bill.
Conrad and Hal chuckled.
"Hal tells me you've just gotten more curmudgeonly with age, Judge Avery!"
"Conrad, I prefer to call it…aw…more seasoned and endearin'! That's it!"
"No, believe me, Sirs, curmudgeonly would be right on the nose," interjected Nathan, drily.
Now, it was everyone's turn to chuckle.
"Son, what do you have for us?" asked Hal. "Sounds like you got us our miracle!"
"Yes, Sir, we have recovered all four letters that we previously discussed."
"That's the best news possible! But may I ask how and where you found them?"
"Well, the how goes back to my childhood – I was the cowboy, and my sister, Collie, was the beautiful Indian Princess who was actually an Indian Warrior. I used to hide my codes from her underneath the inner soles of my cowboy boots. She often checked inside my boots – she just never thought to peel up the inner sole and look underneath it, and she was very, very good, too, a formidable opponent! I first realized Jack had second thoughts and realized he couldn't leave the letters attached to his diary because he didn't even have his most current diary with him. Which meant they were most likely left in his dorm room with open access. I realized that instead he had decided to place the letters on his body and taken them with him in the most secure manner possible, which had to be his boots, Sir! As Mounties' boots are there to protect us, and they stay with us even when the worst happens when they are then returned back to the family along with our bodies."
"Unbelievable! So logical, too. Not sure I would have ever thought to have looked there, though," admitted Hal.
"Amazing, Son! We've needed someone like you at the helm for a very long time. The truth is we've needed YOU at the helm, and we are so thankful that you are here! You're clearly an astute and logical thinker who's also not afraid to think outside of the box." complimented Conrad. "It appears to be a winning combination like no other!"
"Thank you, Sir! The job is fitting very much like a glove, and I am just so grateful for the opportunity!"
"Oh, it's we who should be and are thanking you, Son," insisted Hal. "I want you to know, thanks to your classified telegram, we already have a team researching the dates that you found in your desk. And I'm happy to tell you they've just let me know the first two dates they've already cross-referenced are connected to further data that will definitely help us in court. I'll be surprised if the remaining dates don't do the same. But I will tell you that leading with what is now a murder charge of an officer and his men, all the other charges as horrendous blasphemy as they are to the Superintendent's office, much less a Mountie's station at any level, fall in as secondary."
"If you approve, Nathan, Hal and I are ready to arrest HG today. Personally, we don't want that disgrace of a man in our uniform a moment longer!"
"I agree, Sir! It's much too risky to wait at this point."
"Let me give the order. I'll be right back, as heartbreaking as this is," and so Conrad excused himself to order the arrest of their own Superintendent Andrew Hargreaves.
"Nathan, I know you are technically off work as of Wednesday afternoon, but if you are able, sometime on Thursday morning, I would like Conrad and me to spend some relaxed time with you so that we get to know each other better. And Bill, if Nathan has no problem with it, Conrad and I would like you to attend as well if you have no Court cases."
"I have no problem whatsoever. Bill is family and full of wisdom, but don't tell him I told you that!"
Hal chuckled as Bill slapped Nathan's shoulder.
"And yes, Sir, let's count on all of Thursday morning, and I'll reserve the private dining room for us and spouses if you'd like?"
"That would be perfect. I know Emily is dying to introduce Sarah to Elizabeth, and they're also excited to see Maureen. So, if you can, add Patrick and Maureen to that lunch group, too. And, of course, it goes without saying, Bill!"
"Thanks, Hal," smiled Bill as he spoke into the secure line. "Appreciate bein' included!"
"We wouldn't have it any other way, Bill!"
"Sir, do you think it might be possible to give Corporal Thornton a posthumous medal? I couldn't have solved any of this without him. And I think it would go a long way in helping Elizabeth and our boy!"
"That's a marvelous idea! Consider it done, though you might want to add both sets of parents and any other family in on that lunch, and we'll have the medal presentations there."
"Oh, Sir, there's no need for that…"
"Son, I beg to differ. There is every need. Just as you couldn't have solved this case without Jack, Jack's voice would never have lived again without you figuring it all out. Nathan, a coup as huge as this, which involves taking down a Superintendent no less, warrants a promotion, but short of taking my job or the Commissioner's job, and we're not giving those up anytime soon, there is none! So, you'd better get used to the medals. At this point, medals, certificates, and pay increases are about all we've got! So, humor us…"
As Bill and Nathan walked down Rosemary's Mountie Hall of Fame, the two men were playing catch up.
"Bill, I'd like Finn to visit the Benson Hills and Rock Creek offices when he gets a chance, as both are somewhat of an ongoing issue."
"I sent him out this morning. I thought that way he could brief you this afternoon?"
"That's perfect! Thanks for reading my mind. I couldn't have made this switch without you by my side."
"I'm just as proud as punch of you, Son, and I couldn't be prouder to be the one by your side! I'll reserve the private dining room for Thursday, so no worries, there. In fact, I'll go do it now, so there's no question. Then I'll head back to the Mountie Office to drill my boys!"
"Bill, just don't go so hard on them that you scare them off! And whatever you do, do not lock Andrew and Zane in jail like you did me, no matter how bad your training gets, you hear?"
"One mistake and I'll never hear the bloomin' end of it!"
Nathan just rolled his eyes, threw his hand up as a goodbye, and entered the conference room where his men were waiting…
"Good morning, Corporals!"
"Good morning, Sir!" and the obligatory formal, first morning salutes were completed.
"A second good morning to Special Sergeant O'Reilly!"
"Good morning again, Sir! I trust you were able to complete your task?"
"Yes, thank you! Very successfully, indeed! At ease, Gentlemen! Please be seated. I've asked our Special Sergeant to join us, as much of this involves the three of you and your assignments while I will be gone the coming next two weeks on my Honeymoon!"
"Congratulations, Sir! The whole town is clearly excited for you both!" offered Peyton.
"Thank you, Peyton, that's nice to know. And that does seem to be the Hope Valley way. First, I want to say go, Ty Cobb Team – what a splendid win! Although Jacques, just a heads up, you may have to make it up to the Judge as he's convinced their loss was due to your absence. Though we all know that team, unlike ours, isn't the best at communicating! How is the ankle, Jacques? Hate that you're on the crutches!"
"Thank you, Sir. At first, Dr. Carter thought it was just a minor sprain and I'd be fine by today, but when she looked at it earlier this morning, the swelling was worse, so she advised me to use the crutches and keep it propped up when I can."
"Which means right now!"
"But, Sir! Not in front of you. That just doesn't feel right!"
"Jacques, we're family, and we help each other out no matter what. I want you in top shape as quickly as possible, so prop that leg up in a chair now, and that's an order!"
"Thank you, Sir! But what can I do to get back into good graces with the Judge?"
"Do this at your own peril! But if you can stomach drinking a cup of HIS coffee with him, he'll be your friend for life!"
"I think I can manage that!"
"No, you don't understand. It's as thick as tar! And sort of tastes like that, too, I'd imagine!"
The boys all cracked up.
"I guess I could do one cup!"
"Just don't go overboard in your compliments, or you'll be drinking it for the rest of your life. And a good hint is to pour some out when he's not looking!"
"Got it, Sir! Thanks for the tips! Piece of cake. I can do this!"
"After we say a prayer for your life," winked Nathan to which Alex and Peyton just chuckled.
Nathan paused a moment, letting the men relax.
"First, I want to update you on your first case results and give you perhaps some additional unexpected findings and resolutions, but it's all a great lesson in how you can have more impact in resolving a case than you can imagine! In other words, never assume a case is cut and dried. Always go on the assumption there's more because usually there is. And we'll talk more about that in a bit because it's a basic tenet in our inspecting roles!"
Nathan now redirected to the specific follow-up he had requested of his Corporals regarding their first case.
"We started with three store robberies, all in Union City, no fingerprints, no safes disrupted but clearly broken into, as all money and special jewelry and guns within them were stolen. Then we had the interesting development of two similar last names – Smith vs Smythe – among the owners. What did you find as Mrs. Anna S. Langford's maiden name?"
"You were right, Sir! It was Smythe with a 'y,'" answered Jacques.
"What did that tell the two of you?"
"That the robber was most likely the 'brother' named Smith with an 'i,' as you suggested. Sir, Jacques and I then did the research you asked us to do, and again, you were right, though, at first glance, the three appeared to be full siblings with just a spelling variation of their shared name, the one named Smith with an 'i,' was actually an adopted cousin whose parents died when he was young. The Smythe family took him in, but he never felt the family treated him equally to the other two birth siblings, which established motive," explained Peyton.
"Very good! And when I asked you to check surrounding towns, what did you find out?"
"The family owned 6 additional businesses within a 162km radius, four out of the six were all broken into in the same manner," noted Jacques.
"Because you all did the extra digging, Staff Sergeant Maxx Harris told me this past Saturday, Mr. Smith would now be charged with seven counts of felony robbery third degree instead of the original three counts. Maxx was extremely complimentary of your work and said to make sure I tell you that he and his men now know to look for a broader picture, especially when there is an obvious pattern, as there was in these three cases."
Nathan paused to let that sink in.
"Now, in my wrap-up, you may feel disappointed at first, but I want us to think this through together. The family was so devastated to learn their brother had felt 'less than' them throughout his entire life that they have opted not to press charges. But in lieu of that, the court is demanding the entire family attend mandatory family counseling together, preceded by a complete psychiatric evaluation of the adopted brother, who has also been told, due to his family's preference of not pressing charges, that the statute of limitations will not expire on his crimes. Meaning, if he were to commit any crime in the future these crimes would automatically be added, carrying the same significant prison stay he would normally be paying now if the charges had been pressed. How do you two feel about that?"
"Frustrated!" admitted Peyton. "It doesn't feel right."
"Agreed, he should have to pay for what he did," noted Jacques.
"I understand both perspectives and even initially concur with them. Because, we are Lawmen, and it is our job to put criminals behind bars. But the fact is, would prison for Mr. Smith have solved the real issue here? Note his only crimes were against his own adopted family. Might it not be better that this family is showing him enough love to more than meet him halfway in order to change the situation that he perceived as being so abhorrent that he fell so low as to commit seven crimes, all because he felt they were more loved than himself?"
Jacques and Peyton looked at each other, both slowly beginning to see the Chief's rationale.
"The point I'm trying to make is that I know this might be perceived as a failure because we didn't get the end desired result we expected of putting the criminal behind bars. At least not immediately. But because of your excellent work, the Union City RCMP Department has changed the way they'll be looking at future cases. Also, the Judge upheld your fine work by attaching the crimes to any possible future crime so that any infraction will, in fact, result in the full payment of time served for the crimes you researched. I am extremely proud of both of you and the initial work you have done in this, your first case. This is only the start of many."
"Thank you, Sir! That means a lot, but we both know we couldn't have done it without your direction," spoke up Peyton for both of the Corporals.
"But I have more experience and it's my job to share that experience in order to mentor you. I have no doubt you two have what it takes to become superb inspectors, and that is our goal here! You will be sharing new insights with me before you know it! That I promise. Because right now, you are learning to think like an inspector while maintaining your own creative flair, which will differ from mine, and it will also differ between the two of you, all of which is a good thing. But I can guarantee you we will get to the place where what one of us misses, the other will pick up on. And that's another goal: perfect teamwork. This isn't a contest. It's the three of us learning to work together. So again, great job right out of the gate!"
"Now, I see you've already picked up the shipments from the train station for 9 and 10 AM—am I right? Were you able to obtain a country-wide schedule?"
"Yes, Sir, I have it right here, and it looks like we'll be receiving shipments through this entire week."
"Very good. Just make sure to meet them on their arrival when possible, as we don't want them to sit unsupervised. If you are tied up, please ask Staff Sergeant Valen if his men can meet and deliver them to us, as the security of these records is paramount."
"Yes, Sir!"
"As these records come in, I sincerely apologize for this. I assumed it would have already been done, but since it turns out that is not the case, this unexpected task will fall to our division. It will be your responsibility to develop not only a filing system according to individual Provinces and Territories and individual towns, but also a cross-referencing system related to the specific type of crime within each, for example kidnappings, murders, business robberies, home robberies, rum-running etc. Creating an organized system such as this will streamline our real job of inspecting. And though disappointed at first that we have to use our time to compile this, the more I've thought about it, I realize we are the ones who will be using the files, so we need to set them up in a manner that best serves us! And with this team's ingenuity, I have no doubt you'll come up with a way to streamline it so that we can work at maximum efficiency like never before!"
"Are there questions?"
"We need a set of standard files for each location within a Province or Territory, then we need a duplicate breakdown of each?" asked Peyton.
"Exactly! Do you both understand why?"
"Absolutely. I mean, this could be fun that we get to put it together!" admitted Jacques.
"It's also going to give us a great review of what cases are out there, which is pretty exciting," agreed Peyton.
"Exactly, Men! That's the spirit. Every record you pick up and familiarize yourself with will make you that much more knowledgeable! Also, as an extra bonus, get this set up right, and I'll adopt it as standard procedure for all our Investigative offices! So, there could be a nice bonus for all three of you as well, because you will also need to lean on Alex's guidance as to the standard filing processes as he learns from Christian that we must incorporate even though we'll also have a lot of autonomy."
Nathan smiled, pleased that his team was excited about what was also going to be a laborious job.
"Take your time and do it right the first time around! I'm not as concerned about speed here. When I return, even though you can't possibly finish all the filing and cross-filing before then, I will begin assigning actual cases to the each of you, that you will be responsible for and will keep me abreast of, as well as each other."
Nathan smiled.
"Now, as if that isn't enough, there is one more thing! I hope all three of you will be very excited about this because I most certainly am. Jacques, Peyton, and Alex: all three of you have expressed an interest in knowing everything there is to know about being an Inspector. I've arranged for you to begin the actual course taught to our Inspectors at Headquarters, with the same Instructor teaching, but over our secure line in the conference room, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8 AM- 12 Noon and 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM. Rather than homework assignments, as you are also working a full-time job, I have asked the Instructor that you be given time to complete them during your class time with him, and he was agreeable to that! Good luck, Men! Make me proud!"
"Alex, in addition to the Inspector Classes, I have arranged with Christian to meet with you for further instruction via secure conference calls on Tuesdays and Thursdays, though his schedule will vary according to the Deputy Commissioner's, so you will need to coordinate with him to determine exact times!"
"Thank you, Sir!" smiled Alex.
"This is the best! Thanks, Chief," grinned Peyton. "Can't believe we get to take the actual Inspector's Training Course!"
"I can't wait to get started on the filing and the classes!" exclaimed Jacques.
The three were high-fiving and literally could not wait for their classes to begin, which encouraged their Chief greatly…