Father turned. “See here—I don’t think you have that kind of authority.”
Constable Allen gave him a quelling look. “I have the authority granted me by an Act of Parliament.” He held Father’s eyes tightly until Father shifted away.
The Mountie began to speak, but his words were interrupted when the door opened and Eddie stepped inside.
“There you are, Clara. Linette was worried about you.”
Father snorted. “Good to know someone is.”
“Good of you to join us,” the Mountie said.
Clara smiled. She was grateful for the support she knew Eddie would give, but there was one person absent, the one person she wanted to be on her side more than any other.
Blue, where are you?
Eddie glanced around the room. “What’s going on?”
Constable Allen explained, then motioned for Eddie to join the others along the wall. “Clara, we’ll begin with you. Can you explain to us what your concern is?”
She’d run from her father all her life. This was her chance to stand up to him. But it took a lot of strength. She knew she had the courage needed so she sucked in air, cleared her throat and gathered her thoughts.
The door banged open, and Blue rushed in. “Constable Allen, I need your help.” He saw Clara and froze. “You’re here? You’re okay?” He glanced about, took in the scene and backed away. “What’s going on? Where are the girls?” The look he gave Clara’s father reassured Clara. If she failed, Blue would do his best to protect Eleanor and Libby.
“They’re safe,” she said.
His breath whooshed out.
“This is a waste of precious time,” Father protested, his neck reddening as he blustered. “I demand—”
The Mountie held up a hand to silence him, then turned to Clara. “Go ahead, ma’am.”
Clara began, finding it easier to be strong and courageous with Blue in the room. “I only want to keep my girls and be able to raise them. Father doesn’t think I’m capable. He said he’d take them from me.”
Bonnie’s gasp strengthened Clara. It was good to know she had people on her side.
The Mountie turned to Father. “Mr. Creighton, is this true?”
“Of course it is. My daughter doesn’t know how to care for herself or her children. She’s always had servants to care for her and a nanny for the children. She has no money, no means of support. She’ll starve, and the girls will starve with her. I’ve come to get all of them and take them back home where I can take care of them.”
Every word hammered at Clara’s confidence, destroying it brick by brick until she met Blue’s gaze. He silently reminded her that she was more than what her father thought. She smiled ever so slightly, strengthened by his presence.
“Thank you, Mr. Creighton.” The Mountie turned to Claude to ask how he saw Clara’s abilities.
Claude stepped forward. “I’ve seen Clara take care of her girls. They are always clean and happy. I’d say she was a very good mother.”
Bonnie spoke. “She’s an excellent mother. No one can fault her. She doesn’t accept charity but works for what she needs.”
Rufus came forward when called. “That little lady is pretty independent. Why, she rented a horse and wagon. I could see she hadn’t driven one before, but that didn’t stop her. And by gum, she managed just fine.” He turned to Clara. “You’re a spunky thing, all right.”
She smiled her thanks.
Eddie indicated he’d like to say something. “I haven’t seen much of Clara, but I’ve seen enough to say she reminds me of my wife, who you all know can do just about anything she sets her mind to.”
Those who knew Linette chuckled.
“Thank you,” Clara whispered. She couldn’t have asked for a better compliment.
Father banged his fist on the desk. “Why are you all protecting her? How can she manage on her own? She’s not trained for anything. Doesn’t even know how to cook a meal.”
“But she does,” Bonnie said. “I know because she’s helped me.”
Father scowled. “Are you prepared to give her a job?”
Bonnie nodded. “If she needs it.”