Visit number 3
The prisoner was locked up for the night. Nathan's adrenaline was at an all time high. It wasn't often he had to discharge his weapon. And it was not often that he had to try not to hit a beautiful woman during that time. The prisoner had been patched up and was sleeping deeply, thanks to Carson's expert care. Nathan decided that he needed to take a walk before he did his report on the evening's events.
He hadn't been up to the cemetery in a while. He felt awkward going up there. It is not like he had any reason to talk to Jack. But since this was such a terrifying evening and he couldn't sleep if he wanted to, he decided to check in.
Once again, he came to the familiar spot. It was pitch black that night. Nathan had brought a lantern this time. He didn't want to draw attention, but he also didn't want to trip and fall injuring himself. He could only imagine the awkward conversation he would have with Carson explaining where and how he had done it.
Nathan set down the lantern. It cast an ominous glow on the stone, reflecting the possible anger the occupant of the grave would have felt if he had been at the saloon that night. He then eased his lanky frame onto the grass, and crossed his legs, trying to keep a low profile in case of any wandering gossips seeing him there.
"Well Jack, here I am again." He suddenly felt a wave of embarrassment. He considered getting up then and there and never return, but suddenly he felt prompted to continue. Nathan leaned forward and absently picked at the grass. "I know that you probably don't even care that I come here. It's not like we have any kind of relationship, but I just wanted to keep you abreast of what happened tonight." Nathan took a deep breath. Once again, in his mind he saw her face with that terrified look. Nathan's breath caught in his chest. But he was a Mountie and he had to control his feelings. Even though they were becoming more and more difficult to control.
He wasn't sure Jack would care about the details, so he decided to keep it relatively brief. "Elizabeth was involved in an altercation between two men, one a crook and one…a…uh…well let's just say a local businessman," he grimaced a bit at the last part. "So long story short, I was able to get the bad guy and Elizabeth will be fine. However," he laughed, "I don't think she will be hanging around the saloon much for a while. I for one am glad about that. The owner there seems to have set his cap for her, and I personally don't trust him." Nathan glanced down and paused, reflecting for a moment on the strong attraction he himself felt for Elizabeth. Almost immediately he felt the heat in his face as he blushed in embarrassment or shame, he wasn't sure. "Anyway," he continued, "she is doing well as can be expected, safe in her home, and the crook (not the saloon owner) is in jail. However, if you think I should put the other guy in jail, just say the word." He quietly chuckled to himself imagining what that would look like. "I mean send me a sign, or uh something."
Nathan looked again at the headstone. He reflected on the experience at Ft. Clay, and how he had hoped it would be a more permanent post so Allie could set down roots. But with his application for Inspector being in process, he knew he would not be here long either. He picked at the grass some more and looked up at the stars. After the evening's events, maybe he had done his job for Jack and that would be enough. But the attraction he felt for Elizabeth was so strong. He suddenly stood up and subtly shook his head to try and control his thoughts. He roughly grabbed the lantern and started back towards the houses.
"Oh Elizabeth, are you sure you are going to be okay?" Nathan started at the sound of Rosemary's voice. He turned and saw her outside Elizabeth's door. He did not hear the response, but it must have been in the affirmative because Rosemary nodded and walked away. He hoped that he wouldn't be seen, but alas, "Constable!" Rosemary called as he strode by.
"Hello Rosemary, is there anything I can do for you?" Nathan, still reeling from dealing with his thoughts, forced a smile and a wave.
"Oh no, I was just wanting to say goodnight and thank you so much for looking out for Elizabeth and Lucas and our town." Rosemary walked to her porch as she said this and took a hold of the door handle.
"Yes, it was my pleasure!" Nathan smiled and waved goodnight as Rosemary went into her home. He made a quick glance at Elizabeth's door and wondered if he should check on her. But he knew that it would not be the best idea. She had a child, and he was sure she needed whatever rest she could get tonight.
He went up the steps to his home, took a hold of the door, did one last glance towards Elizabeth's, sighed, and went inside.