"I have to hold to positive thoughts or I'll just go crazy." Emeline smiled and shook her head, adding, "I just can't believe that God brought us together without intending us some happiness." Never mind that she was a widow who had lost two children.

"Anyway, I just look forward to the future, but yes, a hospital will give me some peace of mind. Of course, I realize that even once construction starts, it will be a long time before it's operational." She shrugged. "But once it is, it will certainly benefit a lot of people."

Maybe Andrew, or Chloe could have been saved by a proper doctor? But then, those had been steps toward a future that she was looking forward to.

"I've even heard that Miss Addy drove ambulances during the war...maybe there can be a special wagon set up to serve as an ambulance? For patients out on the ranches and farms who can't otherwise be safely moved?"

"I have to hold to positive thoughts or I'll just go crazy."  Emeline smiled and shook her head, adding, "I just can't believe that God brought us together without intending us some happiness."  Never mind that she was a widow who had lost two children.

"Positive thoughts can be hard to come by, well, not always, but sometimes out here. I mean Kalispell is really all we have with Whitefish gone, not that it was a place with any civility for the most part. This town is small, and there are times when I know it feels like it's closing in on me, but for you? You and Deputy Pike will most certainly find all the happiness there is." She assure her.

"Anyway, I just look forward to the future, but yes, a hospital will give me some peace of mind.  Of course, I realize that even once construction starts, it will be a long time before it's operational."  She shrugged.  "But once it is, it will certainly benefit a lot of people."

"I began this venture thinking everyone would certainly be in favor of the project. And in reality, why shouldn't they be? It is for the benefit of the community and the county, yet here we sit after six months of waiting on a Town Council meeting that appears like a meeting is not on the horizon." Leah responded somewhat dejectedly.

Maybe Andrew, or Chloe could have been saved by a proper doctor?  But then, those had been steps toward a future that she was looking forward to.

"I've even heard that Miss Addy drove ambulances during the war...maybe there can be a special wagon set up to serve as an ambulance?  For patients out on the ranches and farms who can't otherwise be safely moved?" 

"Oh yes." She seemed to brighten up at the mention of Addy Chapple, "I know of her exploits and yes, a part of the plan is for an ambulance. It just means finding the right wagon to convert is the only problem and that is minor. Why, with Addy's expertise it will actually not be a problem at all, even if some modification is required." She explained.

"Six months?" Frowning, Emeline looked up at Leah. "Aren't there some sort of regulations on how often they meet?" She was starting to get ideas! "Aren't they paid? How can they call themselves a council if they don't...counce?"

She laughed and shook her head. "Can anyone demand they meet? Especially after so long? I believe I'll ask for a meeting, or have Mr. McVey investigate why they aren't doing their job!"

Seemed like something she could do, not only was she a citizen, but a business owner as well, so she should have some sort of right to cause a fuss.

"Six months?"  Frowning, Emeline looked up at Leah.  "Aren't there some sort of regulations on how often they meet?"  She was starting to get ideas!  "Aren't they paid?  How can they call themselves a council if they don't...counce?"

"Six months, yes, that's how long they have sat on the right of ways. How long they have ignored the trade offer, because we certain;y have no agreement."  Leah was a bit more spirited about this.

She laughed and shook her head.  "Can anyone demand they meet?  Especially after so long?  I believe I'll ask for a meeting, or have Mr. McVey investigate why they aren't doing their job!"

"I have meant to go to Phinias, I have, and just have not followed through. But I must, it's long past time to bring them up short!"

Seemed like something she could do, not only was she a citizen, but a business owner as well, so she should have some sort of right to cause a fuss.

"I don't mean to involve you in this war I'm having. War, well, perhaps a conflict of words and not an actual war, but perhaps instead of looking where I might be more welcome, I take the fight to them however and wherever I can. I no longer use this bank because I no longer trust it, or it's management." She scowled, "Yes! I will see Mister McVay first thing in the morning and get this show on the road!"

"I can do it, if you'd like," Emeline offered, "I don't mind, and I don't have any stake in the project, so no one can say he's favoring your request." Not that she thought that either Leah nor the reporter would care one whit, but folks could use it against her, that she was in cahoots with the paper.

"Or I could at least go with you, give you some moral support." Emeline didn't want Leah to think she was alone in this, and Emeline knew how difficult it was for a woman to be heard, and more, to be taken seriously, not that she doubted Leah's passion. But that didn't mean the folks on the town council would give her any credence.

"I understand about not asking for help." Emeline shrugged. "I had to take care of myself after my husband died, and it's been so long now...well, it becomes a bit of habit, to try to do things on your own and not ask for help until you really need it." There would be an adjustment to having a husband again, although Barnabas had been helping her out long enough now that she would more readily ask for help.

"We should go now!" Emeline suddenly declared, "gather some sandwiches, scones and jam and bribe him!" It might be poor sportsmanship to ambush the man, but then, a peace offering should smooth things over, right?