Nathan checked on Allie to make sure she was sound asleep. He would not be gone long, but he wouldn't want her to wake in an unfamiliar place alone. He crept downstairs and slipped out the door. He was unsure if this was a good thing to do, but he knew it was necessary.
Even though it was early fall, the cool air made him catch his breath. He rubbed his arms a bit and then jogged over to the cemetery. He hoped it was dark enough that he could be discreet but light enough he could find what he was looking for. He slowed to a walk as he approached what he hoped was the cemetery. There were few headstones there. Nathan smiled in relief. This must be a peaceful place to live. Hopefully, Allie would like it for however long they ended up staying there.
He squinted in the dark, but the moon helped light most of the headstones on the graves. And there it was. The grass had begun to reclaim the disturbed piece of land. But there was no mistaking a newer grave. He stood there for a few minutes with his hands clasped in front in a respectful stance in front of the fellow Mountie's resting place.
He replayed the words of his commanding officer when Nathan requested this assignment, "Well, we do need a Mountie there. But it is a quiet town. It is not a critical assignment. Thornton was only there originally to watch after some spoiled girl, but it was nice having someone assigned. I will consider your request. I did not think you were looking for that kind of assignment. Did you want to become an inspector?" But Nathan was firm in his resolve. He could barely live with himself after what happened in the accident. He was sure Allie sensed it as well. And maybe a small quiet town will be good for her, hopefully with other children and a school.
He saw a small bouquet of white flowers sitting on the ground. He knelt down to take a closer look. Then he saw the small wooden block next to the flowers. The tears came unwillingly as he looked to the sky with his eyes closed. That day when he got the news about the accident, for a moment he was relieved, at least Allie would not have to bury another parent. Then the reality of the situation hit him full force. And now looking at the symbols of what was left behind, he could barely hold it together. He felt the only way he could begin to make it right in his mind was to do everything he could to make sure Thornton's wife and child, whoever they were, were safe and cared for.
He quickly wiped his eyes with his sleeve, stood and walked quickly back to his row house with long determined strides.