As the end of June, 2013 approached, the school year too, neared its end. Though since Columbia Falls
Elementary operated a Summer Fun programme - and would do so again this year - Joseph Patten would still be
entering the school grounds over the Summer months. Today’s afternoon lesson was English, and he was pleased
to note that the entire class was doing rather well today. He’d returned to his desk to finish marking the
morning’s work as his mind thought about other things.
Molly Wayne was now in her projected final week of pregnancy, and would likely occur in the next very few
days. The weight of evidence against Glen and Larceny seemed to have convinced them that they had no hope of
proving their innocence based on what had been recovered so far, and other associated evidence - or so he
heard - meaning there may be no need for a trial. George’s parents had arrived late in the day before
according to Molly when she mentioned it during the lunch break. And to top it all of, Molly’s aide was
racing to the main building like a woman possessed.
Wait? WHAT!?! This could only mean one thing as far as Patten was concerned. He rose from his desk and
briskly made for the door, before turning to his own aide.
“Stephen, I need you to watch the class for now.” With that, he exited the room and made for the reception
area. He made it there as Molly’s aide tried to speak while gasping for breath.
“Call…hospital…Molly…in…” She forced out as she struggled to regain her breath.
“Sorry, what?” The secretary asked.
“She’s saying to call the hospital right now because Molly Wayne is now in Labour.” Joseph clarified for
them. “So do exactly that Natalie. And then her parents-in-law, they should be at her house right now”
Turning to Molly’s aide, he spoke again. “Winifred, get to Ms Fitzpatrick, let her know what’s happening.
I‘m gonna call her husband.” As soon as he finished speaking, he hurried his way over to Molly’s class as he
pulled out his phone and dialled the local police station. Answered after two rings, female voice spoke up.
“Hello, Officer Jenkins speaking, how can I help?”
“This is Joseph Patten. I need you to call Officer Wayne right now. Molly is in Labour. The hospital is
being notified right now.”
“Are you certain?” Officer Jenkins enquired, just as he entered Molly’s class, as saw her collapsed onto the
floor, using the desk for support, crying in pain. Joseph held the phone out for about two seconds before
returning it to his ear.
“That answer your question?” He hung up right after, then addressed the class that was still in the room, a
fearful look to them. “Alright everyone, the class is dismissed! Head on outside while help arrives!”
Thankfully, the class obeyed and made their way out the door and into the playgrounds. Right after that, he
went to Molly and knelt down, making sure she could see him.
“It’s okay. The hospital and your parents-in-law have been called, and George should know by now.” He
reassured her as he took one paw-like hand into his own and held onto it, while she looked on with tear-filled
eyes. As she attempted to steady her breathing.
“They’d. Better. Hurry.” She growled in pain, the contractions returning and becoming more painful.
For a very few minutes, they were there. Him holding onto her for comfort and support. Her, trying to
withstand the pain and remember her lessons from her Lamaze Classes. Soon, the sound of a police siren could
be heard approaching.
“I think that’s George here now.” Joseph told Molly softly, to which she only nodded her head as she
whimpered in pain again.