Chapter 2

An Unwelcomed Guest

A rider camped behind a row of trees which lined the town only twenty feet away. He had noticed that the saloon was bright and alive with activity. He neither knew nor cared what all the townspeople were gathered there for, but it proved to be most beneficial to his cause. He had been riding hard for several hours and he needed a bath and whiskey. He didn't know if the woman he sought would be here, his source wasn't always reliable. He looked over at his horse and thought he should let him rest a few more minutes. He took his satchel and pulled out the one picture that kept him going all this time. The woman was beautiful. Her red hair, her fair complexion and those eyes. He especially loved the eyes. She knew that she would not remember him with kindness, but they were family, well, a family of sorts. He didn't care if she didn't want him here. He never cared what others wanted. He only concerned himself with what he wanted. He traveled all this way from Calgary. He would see her. He would renew his attentions towards her and she would love him. He was so sure of himself, that he chuckled lustily. This woman would be his.

Constable Jack Thornton sat at his desk. He was disappointed to say the least that he was interrupted in his plans with Elizabeth the other night, but the telegram was too important. He looked up from his reverie as he heard a knock on the door. The three men who volunteered for the night patrol during the dance walked in. He asked each of them to repeat his oath to protect and to serve. He deputized the three men and placed a badge on each of their lapels. Dewitt Graves was the most dutiful man of the lot, but Jack had faith in Joel Thomas and Pastor Frank Hogan. He saluted them and they returned his salute and then left for the saloon.

The dance would start in the next hour and Jack had promised Elizabeth that he would escort her to the dance. As he approached the steps to the café, however, he noticed Wyatt coming out of the café. Wyatt inclined his head at Jack with a shy smile and took off towards the row houses. Jack chuckled to himself as he closed the café door behind him. Abigail was putting on her shawl and greeted Jack.

"Good evening, Jack. Wonderful night for a dance, is it not?" Abigail smiled.

"Hello, Abigail. Yes, it is." Jack smiled. He couldn't help but ask about Wyatt. "What was Wyatt doing here, Abigail?"

"Oh he was practicing a few dances with Elizabeth and me. He had finally got the courage to ask Gem to the dance. She accepted and he has been practicing his dance steps for the past two days.

"That explains his expression. He seemed proud of himself." Jack smiled.

"Well, I'm heading over to meet Frank. Elizabeth said she'd be down soon." Abigail smiled and proceeded out the door.

Jack nodded and leaned against the wall as he waited for Elizabeth to come down. It was only a matter of minutes when she descended the stairs. Jack caught his breath as he watch her make her way down. She was a vision in red. She had a form fitting red blouse with a scalloped neckline. Her skirt was a shimmery off white, which complimented her complexion. She had small flowers scattered throughout her hair and a stunning pearl necklace draping her neck.

"Elizabeth!" He exclaimed as he walked forward to take her hand in his. "You look stunning!" He leaned down and kissed her hand.

"Jack!" She returned, equally thrilled at how incredibly handsome he was in his red serge jacket which looked like he had it pressed. She smiled shyly and glanced down at her feet.

"Elizabeth, are you ready to go?" Jack asked her, lifting her chin to meet his gaze.

"Yes, Jack." She paused. "I'm ready." Elizabeth blushed.

Jack placed her hand in the crook of his elbow and lead her to the door. They made their way across the street to the saloon, albeit slow enough to enjoy their brief moment together. Elizabeth paused to wrap her shawl around her more securely. Jack noticed that she was cold. He made an attempt to pick up the pace to get her inside the warm saloon. Elizabeth gently held him back.

"Elizabeth, we should get inside. You're cold. The saloon is nice and warm." Jack protested.

"Jack, I don't know how long I'll have you to myself tonight. I just want to savor every moment we have." She pleaded, smiling hopefully.

"Very well, Elizabeth, but I do need to get there before not too long. I am on off-" He began.

"Official capacity. I know." Elizabeth finished his sentence. She sighed.

Jack couldn't help but chuckle at her expression. He knew this night wouldn't be ideal. He did, however take comfort in knowing that she would be safe among the townspeople as he made his rounds. He lead Elizabeth to the saloon. She graciously followed and was quite glad to be inside once the warm air breezed her face. She sighed as she knew that Jack would now be on duty and would have to keep a watchful eye over everyone in attendance. Which to her delight appeared to be the whole town.

Jack turned to face her and smiled. He had to leave her side and she was not pleased. She straightened her shoulders and looked into his eyes. She smiled at him, determining to let him know she would be alright and he could go to work.

Jack kissed her on the hand and headed towards the other side of the room where Dewitt was standing.

Dewitt had been by the refreshment table for the passed twenty minutes, and said that there was nothing to report. Jack relaxed his shoulders as he picked up a glass of punch. He glanced around the saloon admiring all couples on the dance floor, wishing he and Elizabeth could join them. He looked over at Elizabeth who graciously accepted the hand of one of her older students. She smiled as Gabe twirled her around and confidently guided her on the dance floor for the next two dances. Jack had to laugh at himself for feeling the slight bit jealous. Gabe was a great kid and had been one of Elizabeth's best students. He had nothing to worry about from any of her students, but perhaps he was just wishing he could dance with her, regardless of her partner.

Elizabeth walked over to the refreshment table to stand by Jack for a few moments. He smiled as she approached. She rested her hand in the crook of his elbow. She looked up at Jack who seemed to be lost in thought. He was surveying the crowd of people and the few who were lined against the wall. He saw Wyatt dancing with Gem. He took notice of a couple of the children heading out the door.

"Elizabeth, please excuse me. No one should be going outside alone." Jack motioned to the children about the leave.

"Of course, Jack. I'll be here." Elizabeth replied, but Jack was already half way across the saloon.

"James! Miles!" Jack called to them. "Where do you think you two are going? He stopped in front of them, blocking the door.

"Hello, Mountie Jack. Miles and I were just going to go around back to check for bugs." James explained.

"What is that in your pocket, Miles?" Jack asked as Miles squirmed.

"It's nothing, honest." Miles stated.

"James? Care to tell me what you two are up to?" Jack turned to James.

"Well, we were going to.." James began, but Miles nudged him.

"Either you both tell me or you can sit on the wall for the rest of the night." Jack said sternly.

James paused and looked from Miles back to Jack. He pulled out poppers from his pockets. Jack took them from his hand and motioned for them to follow him. Jack lead them to their parents and showed each mother what there son was planning.

Miles and James were effectively against the wall for the remainder of the evening.

Jack walked back to Elizabeth who seemed content to just stand by the refreshment table. He smiled and laced his fingers with hers. She smiled and continued to sway to the music.

"Are you enjoying the dance, Elizabeth?" He asked giving her arm a squeeze.

"Yes. I'm having a wonderful time." She gushed.

"Are you sure? I know you wanted to dance tonight. I just don't want you to miss out on having fun." Jack caressed her hand.

"Jack, I'm with you. I'm content to just stand with you until business calls you away. I don't need dancing to enjoy the evening." Elizabeth said.

Jack gave a resigned smile and continued to survey the couples on and off the dance floor. He hoped that this night would truly be trouble free. But something told him that he was gravely mistaken to hope for such an outcome.

Ten miles out of town, the man who camped in the woods was making his way to the town he had been watching for the last several hours. He knew this was to be the night. This was to be the chance he had been waiting for. His brother was out of the picture. His brother's widow would be fair game. He snickered to himself as he pressed forward. The man spoke as if he was talking to his horse.

"Alright, Shadow, it's our turn." He stroked the horse and he whinnied in response.

With the attachment the man seemed to have with his horse, one would think he was touched in the head. He made his way to town, with a determined expression. He was confident that tonight would be the best night of his miserable life.

Frank Hogan and Abigail were sitting out on the porch to get some fresh air. Frank scanned the area for anything out of the ordinary. Abigail was content to just sit beside him in silence. The two had settled into a routine pattern in recent weeks. Abigail could go to Frank for anything. Frank was always on hand to help her keep her café up to code. Mayor Gowen was still trying to buy her out. Abigail was firm and she stood her ground.

Henry Gowen was getting increasingly annoyed. He noticed that Abigail and the pastor were out on the porch. He couldn't help but let his thoughts fester. This woman was not backing down. This woman who he once thought would make a fine wife, was now the thorn in his side. He loathed her and wanted her out of the café. He had four offers this week alone to buy them out. He was furious with the money that was slipping through his fingers. He had lost his coal mine, his capital, his dignity.

Gowen clenched his fists. He left his table and went up to his room above the saloon.

In the saloon, Kat Montgomery and her children were getting ready to leave. The dance was coming to a close. Several of the townspeople had headed for their row houses. Frank escorted Abigail home. Jack had Dewitt and Joel walk around the perimeter for the remainder of the night. He walked out to them to send them home. They gathered their jackets and left.

Jack and Elizabeth were the last to leave the saloon. Mr. Trevoy locked up after them as they headed out the door. Jack held Elizabeth close to his side. He still had that foreboding feeling that something bad was going to happen tonight. He needed to keep her safe. He would escort her home and then maybe convince her and Abigail to let him sleep on the sofa. He would keep her safe from whoever tried to place her in danger.

"Elizabeth?" Jack asked gently holding her shoulders to turn her around to face him. They were at the steps of the café.

"Yes, Jack?" She asked. Her smile faded as she saw the expression in his face.

"I want you to know that you mean more to me than anyone or anything in the world." He held her chin in his hand. Lifting her face to his, he kissed her lips fervently. Elizabeth responded passionately and pressed closer into his frame. They stood there on the steps of the café, holding each other and filling their hearts with a love and acceptance that neither of them had ever felt before.

After several moments, Jack stepped back slightly to look into Elizabeth's face. Elizabeth kept his gaze and he knelt down on one knee, "Elizabeth Thatch…" He began, but he was cut off. The owner of the Merchantile, Ned Yost came running towards them waving a telegram in his hand.

Jack sighed in exasperation. He took the telegram that Ned handed him.

"Thank you, Ned." Jack said.

"Certainly, Constable." Ned responded breathlessly. "It came a few minutes ago. I was about to head for bed." Ned replied finally catching his breath.

Jack opened the telegram.

'Constable Jack Thornton,

I saw Beau Montgomery during my rounds this evening camping at the old mine.

Constable Shaw'

"Ned. Go home and lock your doors." Jack advised. He looked at Elizabeth and quickly walked her into the café. He looked at her for a moment as he said, "I need you to lock the doors and do not leave for any reason. Do you understand?" He caressed her face and quickly tore away from her.

Jack headed for the livery, quickly saddling his horse and charging towards the mine. All his anxieties were building. He was ready to capture this criminal and bring him to justice. Knowing he was close to his town, his Elizabeth, Jack had to apprehend him and keep everyone in the town safe.

Elizabeth was looking out the window, watching Jack fade into the darkness. She hated to see him go, but she understood he had a duty to the town, to keep the townspeople safe, to keep her safe. She loved him so much. As she thought of him running towards danger, she lifted him up in prayer. She sat down on her bed and hoped that he would find this man who had been so elusive.

Jack dismounted at the entrance to the mine. He walked inside, looking for any sign that someone had been hiding out here. He looked to where he and Elizabeth had spent those hours in the mine while the storm passed. Those hours that ended up being most precious to them. When they thought it was over, it was actually just beginning. After a thorough search of the mine, Jack returned to his horse to head back to town. As he was about to get on the horse, he suddenly felt a sharp pain in the back of his head. Everything went black.

Back in town, Elizabeth was pacing the floor. She would walk to the window to see if Jack was coming back then pace towards the door to see if she could hear anyone come up the stairs. She worried so, when he went away. But this was different, since he was in pursuit of someone who was believed to be in the area.

The man who had planned to make his grand entrance at the dance, had been late. Everyone was gone. He didn't know where to look for his prize, but he saw there was a light in the café. He walked over in a drunken stupor. He banged on the door, yelling for the inhabitants to let him in. There was no answer. He was fit to be tied. He kept screaming.

Elizabeth who heard each and every demand he made, sat on the edge of her bed, frozen like stone. She dare not turn off her light, because then he would know there really was someone there. Abigail came to Elizabeth's door and whispered through it. Elizabeth went to the door to let her know she heard her.

"Come on! I know you're in there! Come out!" The man continued, bellowing demands.

Abigail quietly opened the door. Whatever they had to face, they were going to be together. Abigail motioned for Elizabeth to watch out the window. Abigail stayed behind the door. A loud crash sounded below. The man broke a window.

Elizabeth looked in her dresser drawer and found a letter opener. It wasn't much, but at least she had something to defend herself. Abigail held up the candle and its holder as if, she was saying, this will have to do.

The man was inside. Abigail surmised that he was in the kitchen. They didn't move. They dared not make a sound.

The man stumbled over a chair and crashed onto the floor. He swore bitterly and got up. He saw the sofa and sat down. He was tired. He didn't know where to look for the woman that he meant to make his, whether she wanted to be his or not. His head fell back on the sofa and he drifted off to sleep.

Jack started to come to. He shook off the haze and slowly got to his knees. He looked around, but saw nothing. He noticed a shovel by where he had been laying. His head confirmed that he was hit when he felt the throbbing on the back of his skull. He rubbed it gingerly. He got up slowly and climbed into the saddle. He told Sergeant to take it easy as he lead him back towards town. Jack made it back to town and looked up at the room above the café, hoping Elizabeth was asleep.

Elizabeth and Abigail were in her room.

"Elizabeth, we must see if we can tie that man up before he comes to." Abigail insisted.

"I agree. I'll go down. You stay here and watch for Jack." Elizabeth sighed heavily. "I don't know where he is. If he's safe." She shook her worried thoughts and focused on quietly opening the door so she could sneak downstairs. She knew that there was some extra rope by the door that she had used for the kids jump rope games.

Abigail was looking out the window, watching for Jack. He wasn't coming. She prayed that he would be there soon so he could take this man to the jail. She prayed he would stay out cold while Elizabeth looked for something to tie him up. Abigail listened at the door for any sign of consciousness. It was quiet. She walked over to the window. She saw a figure in the distance. She knew it had to be Jack.

Elizabeth was stretching out the rope to judge how to get the man tied without disturbing him. She exhaled quietly, nervously. She muttered to herself to stay calm.

"Come on, Elizabeth! You're a Thatcher! Thatcher's never give up!" She bolstered her resolve.

The man on the sofa stirred slightly. He spoke in his sleep.

"Honey, come here!" He reached out to where Elizabeth was standing. "I love you, honey. We can make this work. Give us a kiss." The man continued to talk.

Elizabeth was about done tying his legs to the sofa. When the man spoke up again, talking about his 'honey'.

"Kat! Sweet Kat! You're the only gal I've ever loved. Please say you'll be mine again?"

"Kat? Kat Montgomery? What would he want with Kat?" Elizabeth gasped.

She jumped at the sound of movement outside. She froze. The man started to wake. As he opened his eyes, he stared at Elizabeth. Elizabeth suddenly felt a chill as she looked back towards the sofa.

"Who are you?" The man asked. "Letting his lips curl up into lascivious smile. "You know what? I don't care. You're pretty!" He tried to stand up. Not realizing his feet were tied up, he tried to take a step and fell face first at Elizabeth's feet.

Elizabeth took a few steps back, just as she heard the same movement outside. Suddenly, the door began to open. Elizabeth turned to face the man who was trying to sit up. He swore bitterly. He took out a knife and began to cut the rope. Elizabeth was frozen. She didn't know what to do. She didn't want to call out to Abigail. She wanted her to stay safe and watch for Jack so he wouldn't be taken by surprise. Elizabeth backed away to the door as the man began telling her what he was going to do to her once he was free.

"I'm gonna show you a good time, honey. You're not the honey that I came here for, but you'll have to do for now." He sneered.

Elizabeth froze by the door. She couldn't move. She knew if she ran for something, the man would just get angrier and lunge at her.

The man untied the final rope strand, but was still a bit hung over. He got up clumsily, but managed to walk towards Elizabeth.

"Come here, Honey!" He reached his hands for her.

Jack, who was on the other side of the door, pushed it open with his foot. The door flung open, startling the man as he was about to get closer to Elizabeth. She pressed herself firmly against the wall. Jack saw the man and raised his rifle. The man stopped dead in his tracks. Jack motioned him to sit on the sofa. With the gun pointing at him, the man did not argue, but sat down and huffed his annoyance.

"Are you alright?" He asked Elizabeth, not taking his eyes away from the man on the sofa.

"Jack, I don't know." Elizabeth said, her voice shaking.

With one hand stretched towards her, Jack motioned for her to come to him. She came to his side and held on tight to his waist. The man stared at them in disgust.

"When you're done, can I have her?" The man snickered menacingly.

Jack glared at the man.

"Where's Abigail?" Jack asked.

"Oh, Abigail. She's upstairs. I'll go get her." Elizabeth exclaimed.

"I'll watch this one." Jack motioned to the man.

Abigail and Elizabeth came down. Jack had Abigail tie his hands, all the while Jack had his gun trained on him. The man muttered under his breath.

"Shut up!" Jack ordered.

The man sneered.

Jack looked at Elizabeth and stretched his arm out towards her. He hugged her tightly.

"You sure, you're alright, Elizabeth?" Jack asked still concerned.

"I'll be ok once you get this man out of here." She replied. "He gives me the creeps."

Jack nodded and took the man over to the jail and locked him in the empty jail cell.

"I'll deal with you in the morning!" Jack told the man.

Jack needed to sleep. He took himself to bed.