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Nathan & Elizabeth: An Epic Love
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Chapter Sixty-one
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Monday of Wedding Week
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Part III
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"Nathan, I am so sorry for being late! We had an emergency, which made me late leaving the office!" explained Staff Sergeant Garrett McKenzie.
"Garrett, no explanation needed. My morning also got upended, so this actually works better for me, too! Can I get you some coffee?"
"Yeah! That would be nice!"
Nathan poured two cups of coffee and then sat down beside Garrett, from colleague to colleague, on the opposite side of his desk chair.
"I hesitate to say anything about this, but the bottom line is you need to know anything and everything that's iffy! And this struck me as so odd on my ride over. Why would Constable Howell be in uniform inspecting the area where you arrested Marius at his Caravan?"
"Everett?"
"Um, hmm! Have just never trusted the man, Nathan."
"Any specific reason?"
"Not really, except he's lazy and not at all a team player!"
"Isn't that the truth? How did he act when you saw him? Did you greet him?"
"I did, and I also asked him if he needed my help. He was thoroughly embarrassed and made up some yarn about wanting to scope out a camping site for his group of Boy Scouts, which I know for a fact he doesn't even have!"
Nathan chuckled.
"Now, I'm intrigued. How do you know that?"
"My sister-in-law lives in Benson Hills, and she's been trying to get Everett to start a chapter for her son's friends for at least two years! He always refuses, claiming he's much too busy! The lazy dog."
"Your timing is certainly impeccable, Garrett!"
"How so?"
"I was just planning to ask Finn to pay him a visit later today, but Bill beat me to it. Thanks for the info! I'll definitely follow up. You ready to talk Gypsy Aid?"
"So ready! The first thing I thought about was this: we can't change their migrant ways, but what if we did a better job of incorporating them into the community as they travel through?"
"In what ways?"
"I was thinking we build campsites that would be made available to them on an annual basis, from major town to major town, then use them for our own people during the rest of the months after they move on. I'm talking basically just a nice spot to park, maybe some slides and swings for the kids, and supplying running water as related to the site. Perhaps a couple of shower houses and a wash house. Maybe throw in a couple of huge grills. Goodness knows they need water for bathing, cleaning, cooking, and drinking! And, of course, add in whatever the individual communities would deem necessary to suit their own needs."
"How would we fund them?"
"Through our communities – another perfect spot for our Boy Scouts to use for camping, too. We just share with the Gypsy Caravans, giving us a place to corral them and also to bring them actively into our communities."
"In what ways?"
"Jobs for the parents, though I realize they would be temporary, and we would probably have to help teach them new skills; help them grow a community garden for their food according to the season; offer basic classes for their children to attend our schools if there's enough room, if not offer evening classes. Basically, just overall do a better job of treating them like humans and a part of us, instead of pariahs on our society! Really, just simple ideas, but Nathan, the more I've thought about them, I honestly believe they could work! I guess I'm just tired of spending our manpower fighting them as opposed to lending a helping hand!"
"Actually, simple is often brilliant, Garrett, and I think your entire concept is just that - brilliant! All of it has a lot of merit, and with their new King, I think his caravan, at least, would be receptive. I also think he could talk other caravans into being receptive. And you know what, I just thought of something else, we could maybe even get the Governor to fund some of this too!"
"You think so?"
"I really do! I mean, let's face it – these caravans are an ongoing problem throughout Canada. Why shouldn't we be part of the solution to help them that would also help our own communities as well…"
After a companionable lunch between colleagues who challenged, liked, and understood each other, including even more discussion as to additional possibilities regarding the Gypsies, Garrett took his leave!
"Looking forward to the Wedding, Nathan! You nervous, Buddy?"
Nathan chuckled.
"Not yet, Garrett! Hey, have really enjoyed this. We ought to plan to have lunch and a meeting at least once a month. It's all been a huge help. And much appreciated. Besides, it's good just to see you!"
"Pencil me in for whenever you get a moment after that Honeymoon of yours, Chief!"
"Will do! Any day better for you than others?"
"Believe it or not, Mondays! Never did understand why they are slower, but they do seem to be."
As Garrett tipped his Stetson and mounted his horse, Nathan saw him off, knowing this man had always been and would always be an honorable colleague and true friend to count on, someone he could always trust...
The Chief then walked across the street to the RCMP office to see if Finn had returned.
"Hey, this place is really looking great!" grinned Nathan as he walked into his old office, realizing all over again how much it had changed, and all for the better!"
Finn stood at attention and formally saluted according to protocol, as this was the first time he had seen the Chief today.
Nathan returned the salute.
"At ease, Staff Sergeant! Bill tells me you paid a visit to Constable Howell this morning, but I'm hearing he was oddly in Buxton territory!"
"Had I discussed it with you first, I would have fired him this morning! His Benson Hills office is a complete shambles and it looks like he doesn't even bother to enter the one at Rock Creek. It took me an hour to track him down, and when I did, his attitude left a lot to be desired. Not at all impressed, Chief!"
"I concur, although I'll admit I'm surprised you picked up on all that in your first visit with him. However, it's all true, by the way! So, I'm impressed, Finn! I saw it time and again and even made a formal complaint, but nothing was done at our Superintendent level. Come to think of it, I got a dressing down for having the gall to complain!" which triggered a completely new understanding in Nathan's mind that he hadn't put together before.
Hargreaves had been covering for Constable Howell all along, and Nathan now knew why.
Clearly, Constable Everett Howell was one of Hargreaves' men. But even Nathan wasn't prepared for what was coming.
"Something else was odd. I noticed he had a jagged scar on his right palm, so I asked, 'How'd you get that? Looks painful!' He suddenly got really nervous. The whole thing was just odd."
"You're sure it was his right palm?"
"Sure as can be, Chief!"
"Can you show me where?"
"Right here!"
Nathan felt sick – Everett Howell was not only in cahoots with Superintendent Hargreaves, which explained why he had never been called to task for his lazy streak; the man had also been a minion of Casimir Shaw all this time!
"Finn, if we remove him now, can you and your men cover Benson Hills and Rock Creek till we can get someone to replace him?"
"Sure, Chief – to be honest I'd rather know those people are being cared for by us than having to second guess the likes of Howell. We'll manage!"
"Good. Finn, I have to tread lightly on this next part because it's partially classified. So, I need you to trust me and bear with me. I'll share later as soon as I can. But the truth is you, Bill, and I need to go arrest him now. I know it's hard to imagine, but he could prove dangerous. Really dangerous, and I don't think he's going to take this lying down."
"Let's go get the Judge, Chief. He's in the Livery with our Constables…"
On their ride to Benson, Hills, The Chief, the Staff Sergeant, and the Judge grew angrier each kilometer they rode.
This whole ordeal was especially hard on Nathan as he couldn't even share what he knew with Bill or Finn.
Though both men understood Constable Everett Howell should have been fired long ago, neither man understood the significance of the scar nor why Nathan was going to arrest him on 'suspected and documented criminal activity,' which was the terminology sent down from headquarters. This was especially intriguing as it was not a specific charge typically used when arresting someone of a crime.
However, this was the directive given. Nathan just hadn't thought he'd be arresting one of his own men inherited from Hargreaves as a Hargreaves minion, much less a Shaw operative. This was hitting much closer to home, which made it all the more sickening on both fronts.
Nathan also knew that until the man was transported, it was going to prove very difficult for Finn and his staff to have to put up with Everett's demanding presence.
"I get why we're firin' this pathetic excuse for a Constable, but I don't get why we're arrestin' him!" complained the Judge for at least the third time on their ride.
"Bill, I told you it's classified, and as soon as it becomes unclassified, I will share it with the both of you. I'm truly sorry, but that's the best I can do for now. You're just going to have to trust me…"
When the trio reached Benson Hills, the RCMP Office was already shut up tight for the day, and it was only 1:30 PM!
"That just makes my blood boil!" declared Finn.
"Wish you could instill some of that Scandinavian work ethic in those two younguns' of ours, I'm tryin' to train!"
"Bill, Andrew and Zane are good kids. But they're still just kids. It's going to take getting some experience under their belt. At least they've got the basics down," reminded the Chief.
Bill moaned.
"They still can't maneuver a horse the way I was taught!"
"It'll come. Now concentrate. I'm not counting on this firing and arrest being a piece of cake by any means!"
Riding down Main Street, Finn recognized Everett's horse tied to a post in front of the Saloon.
"Figures! Look where he's at! And I bet money it's not to break up a brawl."
The three men tied up their horses and dismounted, but something told Nathan to wait.
"He's meeting two other Mounties!" whispered Nathan.
"How do you know that, Son!" asked Bill, more confused than ever.
"Their horses are down the street in front of the bank. Don't enter from the front. If they see us, they'll either shoot or run – I'm serious. Finn, can you see if any civilians are inside?"
"None – except for the bartender!"
"Then we go in the back way. I take Everett, and you take the blonde guy, Finn. Bill, you take the redhead."
"But what in the world are we arrestin' 'em for, Son?"
"Bill, please! Just show me their right hand. I'll do the arrests!"
"Got it! But I don't get why we…"
"Bill, please focus! This is important, and I'm telling you, this could be extremely dangerous. I don't want any of us shot..."
The trio went stealthily around to the side entrance, guns drawn, and were surprised to find the three Mounties inside drinking and apparently very heavily, at least Everett's two guests. One appeared fairly drunk from what they could see, the other one at least moderately so. But as soon as they were spotted, the two flanking Everett still had the presence of mind to reach for their guns.
A shot rang out over Nathan, Bill, and Finn! Another lodged in the staircase behind them, but thankfully, it was way too high to have been a real threat. A third shot went flying past the bar, causing the terrified bartender to lay flat on the ground, hidden behind the huge wooden edifice.
"Don't even think about another shot!" shouted Finn. "You, of all people, know the penalty for shooting two Officers, not to mention a Territory Judge! Drop the weapons to your side! Stand up right now, slow! Hands on the table in front of you! And I mean right now!"
Both of Edward's colleagues looked like anything but Mounties, though they had the horses and the uniforms. Still, Nathan wasn't convinced.
As the Chief watched Everett intently, it was as though the man was moving in slow motion, but instead of aiming his gun at the Chief, the Staff Sergeant, or the Judge, Everett lifted it slowly to his own skull and cocked the gun, attempting to kill himself.
"Everett!" shouted the Chief to distract him, then promptly shot the cowardly Mountie's gun from his hand before he could pull the trigger!
"You've got to seriously show me how to do that!" whispered Finn.
As Bill and Finn cuffed their assailants, and Finn also cuffed Everett's bleeding hand, though minimally so, to his now good hand, Nathan inspected the right hands of all three for himself.
And there it was on each of the three, that jagged mark of Casimir Shaw.
Somehow, each mark sickened Nathan all over again.
He stood back and watched as Finn asked the two new Mounties their stations.
Their answers were so garbled, that it was impossible to tell if they were truly Mounties or not.
"Sir, I don't even know if they are real Mounties or just impersonators! But according to their wallets, their names are Thomas Fledgett and Myron Newberry.
Then Finn moved toward Everett till they were face to face, staring him down with overt disdain.
"Though sadly, I know that's what this one is supposed to be. Constable Everett Howell, as your immediate superior officer, it is my distinct honor and pleasure, and in pure disgust, to formally and personally strip you of your commission. You are henceforth known as Everett Howell, a disgrace to the honorable RCMP Force."
That was when Nathan stepped forward.
"For the record, let it be noted that the first and third persons being arrested are too inebriated to fully comprehend their rights, which will need to be repeated to them, Finn, once they sober up," instructed the Chief.
Then he turned to all three of the disgusting men, with a heavy heart.
"Thomas Flegett, Everett Howell, and Myron Newberry, you are collectively and singularly under arrest for suspected and documented criminal activity as specified by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. 'You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you…'" (*132)
The Chief, Staff Sergeant, and Judge rode back into Hope Valley in relative silence except for their inebriated prisoners and Everett's demanding questions, just as William and Grace Thatcher stepped out of the Queen of Hearts on their way to visit their soon-to-be son-in-law.
Seeing the lawmen and their three prisoners, the Thatchers' mouths fell open, as it was just such a shock for them to see, as Nathan and Bill were people they loved, and they had obviously been put at risk yet again.
"Nathan, you go meet your family! Finn and I've got this. Besides, here comes Andrew and Zane, who will help us."
"Great job, Finn, Bill! Thanks, again to the both of you!
Nathan then attempted to put a smile on his face to greet William and Grace, which he somehow accomplished, though he wasn't feeling it inside, still trying to sort out this unexpected finding and its many implications in his mind.
But the real smile came when he saw Elizabeth and Julie walking to greet them and join them for the office tour.
He still marveled how just the sight of his Lizbeth could calm him so and restore him from any melancholy, and even despair, within seconds…
"This is quite an impressive office, Son!" complimented William. "And that's quite the impressive number of medals as well!"
"Believe me, they are only shown because I am now required to do so, William! I've never been a medal person, as getting an award for doing your job always seemed redundant to me."
"But still a necessary marker, Son! And an esteemed honor."
Nathan smiled but remained quiet.
"Darling, these are your 'original paintings,' you mentioned you'd love to have here for your office!" smiled Elizabeth, handing her fiancé two wrapped packages, one quite a bit larger than the other.
"Mama, I want to give Papa mine!"
"Here, you go, Jack, you give this one to your Papa, then! Especially since it's from you anyway!"
Smiling, she handed the larger package to Allie.
Nathan took the package from his son and opened it, smiling as he realized what it was.
"Jack, this is my Happy Birthday Card and your beautiful painting of our Grant Family with Newton, Sergeant, and Scout included! I couldn't love it more!"
Jack beamed, hugging his Papa tightly who had held out his arms to the boy.
"Lizbeth, this is beautifully framed. I also think it totally merits the silver frame! And we're going to put it right here on my credenza for everyone to see!"
"I think Florence may have thought I was a little crazy choosing silver, but it seems right, Love!"
"Your art is perfectly adorable, Jack," exclaimed Grace, clasping her hands. "But wait till you see the next one, Nathan!"
Nathan opened the second larger package handed to him by Allie, with a kiss and a hug.
As he opened it, he was thrilled to see that it was his favorite landscape painting on a canvas done by Allie.
"Allie Girl, you remembered this is my favorite! It's so beautiful! Since this one is larger, it goes right behind Jack's so that everyone can see it when they first walk into my office! Funny, now the place instantly feels more like mine! Almost like home!"
Elizabeth wrapped her arm around his waist, feeling, too, that Nathan was settling in quite nicely to his new role, as well as his new office, for which she was most grateful.
"Let me quickly call Bill to see if he's had a chance to talk with Lee and Rosemary about our little jaunt out to the land."
Nathan lifted the receiver for his direct line to the RCMP Office.
"Bill! Have you had a chance to talk with Lee and Rosemary?"
"Yes, Son, the carriages should be pullin' up in front of our offices now, and I'm leavin' here in a couple of minutes."
"I suppose more importantly, Bill, have you had a chance to think about what we discussed?"
"Yeah! Though, I'm torn as to which is best, Son. The truth is I think I prefer bein' next to you and Elizabeth and the kids in that first plat, but how do I convince Rosemary to choose the one across the street? That's my real dilemma."
Nathan thought for a minute.
"Bill, you have two separate plats across what will be the street between us, right?"
"Yep! We're gonna have to build a bridge over the river tributary to get to Jack's land comin' from this direction, too."
"True, but there's your answer so that everyone's happy! You sell the two plats across from us to Rosemary and Lee! And by selling, I mean to casually mention that the second lot next door would be perfect to reserve for Goldie!"
"Why didn't I think of that? That's it, Nathan! And here, I've been stewin' all day about this! Good grief! Crisis averted! And everybody's happy!"
"We'll be down in just a few moments, Bill!"
Elizabeth realized exactly what "problem" Nathan was solving. And she liked the sounds of what she had pieced together from hearing Nathan's side of his phone conversation with Bill. The truth was Rosemary being across the street at least seemed a little more distant than next door, which might cut down on the number of daily visits. And as much as she loved her best friend, she also wanted some privacy with this man she totally adored!
But on the other hand, Elizabeth had no way of knowing that Nathan, Bill, and Finn had just faced two guns aimed at them, albeit poorly which can actually be more dangerous than when someone knows what they are doing! As well as a third, self-aimed at the man they were arresting that Nathan had to thwart.
That talk would come later tonight, in private, along with something even more concerning, related to Jack, that Nathan needed to discuss with her…
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132. "Miranda Rights," the script that has to be read to relate the legal rights of a person when being arrested to have an attorney and remain silent so as to avoid self-incrimination. Public Domain.