Helen Bouchard prided herself on being a no-nonsense sort of person – the kind of woman whom one could trust to look at any matter and give an impartial assessment without having her mind clouded with emotional distractions -at least, that was the outward image that she liked to portray. The real Helen was entirely different. Insecure and almost always anxious, she felt things very deeply but rarely showed these feelings except when it came to two people - her husband and her son.

The call came in to the Bouchard's estate in Louisiana around eight o'clock at night. From there, one of the family's servants rang Lucas's parents at their friend's home in San Francisco where they were visiting - telling them that Bill Avery from Hope Valley was trying to reach them. Before they even returned his call, Helen knew that something dreadful had happened to Lucas.

Too nervous to speak with Avery, Helen deferred to her husband to make the call and in his typically strong manner he listened patiently and quietly as Bill gave details about the attack and the impact that it had had on Lucas. When he hung up, Peter's face was as somber as she had ever seen it.

Peter sat Helen down and told her that their son had been shot but was expected to live. It wasn't until they were on the way to Hope Valley that he told her the rest of the story. She cried all the way from Northern Oregon until they crossed the border and caught the coach into town.

Seeing her son for the first time since they heard the news, Helen couldn't help but be reminded of the little boy, not much older than a toddler, whose fevered brow she pressed cold compresses to when he came down influenza on a trip to Kiev in 1889. That moment created a fear in Helen that would never subside and caused her to become overprotective and, paradoxically, emotionally distant. The fact that he had a mischievous streak within him as a boy and was often getting into minor mishaps did little to help.

Lucas's father was the polar opposite. Open and friendly, he made a point to spend time with his son whenever he was in town – which wasn't as often as he'd like while Lucas was growing up. But when Lucas was ten that began to change as Peter's work opened more opportunities for the family to travel together. From that point forward, Peter sought to instill in his son a joy in living that his mother so often quashed through her overly-strict parenting. Lucas looked up to his father and it was from him that he learned the art of doing business and how to deal with people; how to treat a woman and the virtues of patience when it came to love; and it was Peter who ultimately encouraged him to set off on his own, to 'spread his wings' and chart his own destiny – away from his restrictive home and much to the chagrin of Helen Bouchard. In the end, the couple had produced a son they could be proud of – one who was well-mannered and well-spoken, an excellent read of people with a keen eye for opportunity. A man who was naturally kind, thoughtful and generous. A man whom they could hardly believe now lay helplessly before them.

The couple held to one another and Helen wept again as they took seats at Lucas's bedside. Elizabeth tried to comfort them as best as she could but with her own heart being broken as well, she feared she was of little help. She tried to fill them in, to the best of her knowledge, on what had transpired with the case and who the people were who had injured their son. Meanwhile, stood nearby as the family kept watch. She was joined by Dr. Luison who asked questions to get a better understanding of Lucas's condition and her treatment of it.

"For such a rural area, you have a very nice set up. It's rare that one sees a female physician with a clinic of her own." He said.

Faith bristled at the comment given her struggle for professional acceptance but let it slide.

"I'm very fortunate." She replied.

"I do suppose you're wondering why I'm here." Luison said.

The thought did occur to me. Faith thought, though she did not say this out loud.

"Dr. Carter, my relationship with the Bouchards goes back to when Lucas was born. The doctor who was attending then, Dr. Vance, had miscalculated certain aspects of Helen's pregnancy nearly resulting in Mrs. Bouchard losing her life."

"Miscalculated?"

"Yes. Lucas was a very large baby and as you can see, Mrs. Bouchard is quite small. When she went into labor she had a terrible time."

"It was very painful." Helen added.

"Lucas became stuck in the birth canal." Luison said. "But Dr. Vance continued to have her push despite that fact. He refused to consider performing a caesarean because in his view it was an automatic death sentence and he didn't want the responsibility. One ruptured pelvis and the use of forceps later, Lucas was born."

"And a lifetime of worry began." Helen added, leaning into her husband for comfort. Peter kissed the top of her head.

"In the aftermath, the Bouchards came to my practice upon recommendation of a relative and they've been my patients ever since."

"He saved my life." Helen said. "And he's the only doctor I have been able to fully entrust the care of my child to. No offense to Dr. Carter. I will just feel better if Bernard sees that Lucas is receiving proper care."

Having heard Lucas's mother's attachment to the family doctor, Faith held her tongue. But internally, she prepared for a battle. Lucas was her patient. Giving him the 'proper care' was her highest priority.

Elsewhere, Robert Wolf led Big John Gantz, Gyp Lombardi and Morgan Hiatt through the wooded mountainside. Promising the villains riches, he had convinced them to ask for a ransom and even gave them a place where they could hide out until it arrived – a particular abandoned cave within walking distance of the town – the old Pacific-Northwest Mining Company. Robert and some of the boys had visited the place many times and he and Allie had even teased Opal by taking her up to the locale and telling her it was haunted – something he felt bad about later, given it was such a sacred place. By leading them to such a significant and yet unobvious location, he hoped to somehow get a hidden message to his parents and others as to where he had been taken.

"This is it." He said as they came to a stop. "Nobody ever comes out here anymore so you'll be safe from discovery."

Morgan surveyed the area and the abandoned office building, noting its general state of disrepair including cobwebs that obscured the office opening.

"It'll do." She said. "Johnnie, unload our things. Gyp, will you help him? We can't have that back of his go out again 'cause I have a feeling we're going to need to hightail it out of town."

"Sure thing, baby doll." Gyp replied.

"Robert, you able to read and write?" she asked.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Good. I'm gonna have you write the note. That way your parents know you're safe and still alive and will be more amenable to cooperating."

Perfect. Robert thought.

Dr. Faith Carter stood by her patient's bedside taking his blood pressure and for just a moment he opened his eyes. Stopping what she was doing, Faith gently touched Lucas on the arm. "Lucas. You have visitors."

Lucas turned his head and focused on his mother and father then slowly nodded off again.

"Is that normal?" Helen asked.

"With what he is taking right now, yes. I expect he'll be in and out." Faith said. "His blood pressure is 130/85. A little high but not unexpected." She stepped away from his bedside and walked back toward her desk.

Luison followed her and stood over her as she sat. "By what he's taking, I presume that you've administered morphine?"

"Yes. For pain immediately after surgery, though my plan is to gradually lower his dosage to where he is completely weaned off within two weeks."

"That's a little soon, isn't it?" Dr. Luison replied.

"No. In medical school they encourage withdrawal of the drug within that amount of time in order to reduce dependency. Of course, I will gauge Lucas's situation when it comes to that point and am not adverse to keeping him on slightly longer if need be."

"In my experience, patients make the most progress when they are the most comfortable." He replied.

"Well, in my experience, going through withdrawal from opiates does not make a patient terribly comfortable. Plus, there are the cognitive effects that these drugs can have. Lucas doesn't yet understand what has happened to him and I want for him to be completely coherent when I explain it to him and why it was necessary."

"This is a story I would like to hear myself." Luison replied.

"You sound as if you are second guessing my decision." Faith responded.

"No. Not second guessing you. But you've been a doctor for how long? The certificate on the wall says a year."

Faith nodded. "That is correct."

"And you're running your own clinic. Admirable and…unfortunate.

Dr. Carter, when doctors first enter practice, mistakes are all too common. That's why they undergo residencies in hospitals or learn under more experienced doctors."

"I studied under Dr. Carson Shepherd who now works for Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. He was one of the finest doctors in the region and…"

"Mr. Luison…" Elizabeth said, interrupting.

"That's doctor, miss…"

"That's Mrs., doctor." She countered. "Or just, Elizabeth. Elizabeth Thornton." She said, softening her tone. "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation and I can assure you that Faith Carter is the most conscientious of physicians who takes great pains to make sure mistakes are not made. There is no doubt in my mind, this surgery was fully warranted."

"And you received your medical degree from which institution, Mrs. Thornton?"

Elizabeth took a step back. "That's not the point. It's true, I'm not a doctor. I'm a school teacher. But I know Dr. Carter."

"I'm sorry. If you're not working in the infirmary, exactly why are you here?" he asked. Elizabeth's cheeks began to grow flush with anger.

"I told you, Bernard, Elizabeth is Lucas's girlfriend." Helen explained.

"I see." Dr. Luison replied. "Perhaps she should stick with teaching and Dr. Carter and I can handle any medical concerns. Now, if you'll excuse me."

Elizabeth walked out of the infirmary to get control of her temper. As badly as she wanted to stand against this man whom she saw as bullying the town doctor, she knew that this was not the time. A few seconds later the door opened behind her and Peter Bouchard took a step outside.

"There's a chill in the air tonight." He said.

Elizabeth looked over her shoulder and nodded. "There is."

"My apologies for Dr. Luison. Bringing him along was not my idea."

"Then why did he come?" she asked.

"It's Helen. My wife is quite persuaded of his talents."

"And you aren't?"

"I tolerate him." He replied. "Of course, I have never been much of one for doctors. Nor is Lucas. You'll find that out. He speaks adoringly of you."

Elizabeth smiled softly. "I adore him. But, of course, I'm worried. How will he deal with this news?"

Peter stood next to her and looked out at the town. "Elizabeth, Lucas is stronger than you think. But, I'm going to warn you ahead of time so you know what to expect."

"Alright."

"He has never taken to pain very well and you might find him a bit of a – brooder, until he comes back to himself. Do not take anything he says personally. He's like his father and tends to lash out first and apologize later. And, it's usually directed towards those whom we love the most. It's the pain talking and not the man. He loves you very much."

Elizabeth was quiet for a moment. "You know, Lucas was very, very patient with me as I worked through the pain of my husband Jack's death. I said and did hurtful things at time to him, and to others, that weren't really nice and that, ultimately, I didn't mean. I never meant to hurt anyone. Truly. But I think we've all moved on from that and I can look back now and say that Lucas stayed by me, in spite of myself. And, I will do the same for him."

Peter turned to Elizabeth and nodded. "As I would expect any soulmate to do."

Before Elizabeth could react, the infirmary door opened and Dr. Luison and Helen Bouchard exited.

"Helen?" Peter asked.

"I'm afraid that Dr. Carter is kicking us out, at least for now."

"Oh?" he asked.

"Yes, she said she needed to change Lucas's dressing and asked that we come back in a couple of hours." She replied.

"I think she was growing fatigued from my questioning." Luison replied walking past Peter and looking out at the street.

"Imagine that." Peter quipped, with a wink toward Elizabeth. Elizabeth smiled.

"Where does one get something to eat in this village?" Luison asked.

Elizabeth walked beside him. "There used to be two places. The saloon and Abigail's Café. Now there's only the Café."

"Which is a charming place." Helen said. "If you men are hungry, I will accompany you there. I'm not very hungry myself, all things considered."

"Helen, you need to eat." Peter said.

"I will, dear. Later." She replied. "Which reminds me, do you know where Lucas's personal affects are, Elizabeth? With the saloon gone, it appears we're going to need to find accommodations in my son's house. We'll need his keys."

"I'm sure Faith has them set aside." She replied as Helen nodded then went to knock on the door.

"I'll see you later?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes. Later." Helen responded.

Richard Wolf knocked on the door to the North West Mounted Police Regional Office and was greeted by Constable Grant.

"Do you have the note with you?" Nathan asked being forewarned about it by telephone a half hour before.

"Yes. Please, Constable. Please help us find my son."

"We'll do everything we can, Richard. You have my word."

Nathan took the letter and read through it experiencing the same level of confusion that Robert's father had an hour earlier.

Dear Father,

As you are aware by now, I am being held captive by some people who recently stopped by Hope Valley. My abductors have indicated that they do not wish to bring me harm and so far, have kept me safe, warm and fed. They are asking for five-thousand dollars in gold to be handed over at the fork in back of the school house on the way to the settlements. If their wishes are not granted then I will be killed. Please make haste in your preparations as they would like to have money in hand no later than forty-eight hours from now. Tell Mother I love her and uncle Henry too. And tell Allie that I still look forward to spending Christmas with her and receiving the gift that she promised to give to me.

Your son,

Robert

Folding up the note, Nathan considered its contents.

"What does it mean?" Richard asked.

"I'm not sure, but I'd like to show it to Bill. I take it that Robert doesn't have an 'uncle Henry?'"

"No. Only Henry we know is Henry Gowen." He replied.

"That's what I thought. He's trying to send us a message. If you don't mind, I'm going to show this to Bill and then to Allie and get their read on it. Hopefully, my daughter can shed some light."

At around six o-clock that evening Elizabeth dropped little Jack off with the Coulters and made her way back into town. When she arrived, she was surprised to see a dismayed Faith Carter standing outside the infirmary, looking down the street."

"Dr. Carter. What's wrong? Has something happened with Lucas?"

"He's gone!" she replied and when Elizabeth nearly collapsed quickly clarified that she meant physically from the infirmary, not dead.

"How can he be gone? He's not able to get around." Elizabeth replied.

"They took him."

"Who?"

"The Bouchards and that doctor. Dr. Luison offered to sit in for me for a couple of hours while I went home to get refreshed and change clothes. When I returned Lucas, had been moved and I was left a note." She said, holding up a piece of paper that Elizabeth hadn't seen before.

"May I see it?" Elizabeth asked.

Faith handed it to her.

Dear Doctor Carter,

While you were gone Lucas Bouchard woke up and tried to get out of bed. This was unfortunate for not only did the fall cause him great pain but it highlighted the unfortunate condition that he now finds himself in after your surgery. Physically, I examined him and do not see where he did any damage to the leg or his shoulder. Emotionally, he was very distressed. We have taken him home where he can be in a more comfortable setting and will be tended to under my care. Thank you for your services. I will handle it from here.

Dr. Bernard Luison, M.D.

Elizabeth was stunned. "They can't do that. He wasn't ready."

"They just did." Faith replied. "There has to be something we can do."

"I agree. You can't just go steal someone from a hospital. That's kidnapping. Let's go see Nathan."