AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Sorry for the Cliffhanger in the previous chapter. I didn't leave you hanging too long (only 8 hours or so?)

I took all of your comments to heart. I'm sorry for those who were disappointed. Please don't worry, it will all work out in the end. (= Because, Nathan and Julia will always fight for each another.

But, it was time for a little more Mountie action. And, I wanted to redeem the storyline that got lost in S8, "Love is always worth fighting for."

In the coming chapters, Julia and Nathan will fight for love. I hope you will see it through, and journey with them. It might get heavy at times, but please stick around. There will be lots and lots of beautiful moments too.

They will come out stronger on the other side. And, I promise, love will win in the end.

Chapter 72. A Strong Support

Ten minutes later, Nathan was sitting at Jake's desk downstairs. Bill was pacing, and Jake was on the phone.

"Yes, Superintendent Hargreaves. I understand." Jake paused, listening, "Yes, sir." Jake said, as he hung up the receiver.

Jake took a deep breath and looked at Nathan.

Jake gave it to him straight. "Nathan, you are accused of assaulting a prisoner in custody. Danny Frisk figured out that you and Julia are courting. He's trying to use that, and the fact that he's all beat up, to get off scot-free."

"But, I never laid a hand on him, and you know it." Nathan protested.

"And, I told Hargreaves that. But, he doesn't seem to want to hear it." Jake told them both.

Bill piped in, "Hargreaves is trying to use this to settle the score with you, Nathan. I would even be willing to bet that he put the idea in Danny Frisk's head. Perhaps even coerced the whole thing." Bill paused, "Hargreaves was pretty determined to see you tarnished, the last time he was here."

Nathan ran his fingers through his hair, unable to believe this.

There was something else. Jake told him. "Hargreaves has ordered that you be transported to Union City, tomorrow."

"I'll take him." Bill said, without missing a beat.

Nathan just shook his head in disbelief. He would be transported to Union City, and most likely, be placed in jail.

Bill looked at Nathan, sensing exactly where his mind was going. "Nathan, I'm going to make some calls." And, he headed directly back to his office.

"I'm going to call Commander Collins." Nathan said, moving to the phone.

Jake blocked him, but only for Nathan's own good. "Nathan, you are supposed to be in a jail cell. I will call Commander Collins." Jake told him, and Nathan nodded, knowing Jake was right. Jake took the phone from Nathan, and asked for Mountie Headquarters.

Bill came back an hour later. Nathan was sitting in the jail cell, and stood when Bill entered. Jake was sitting at his desk making notes.

"What did you find out?" Bill asked Jake, sitting down across from him.

"Hargreaves is definitely behind this. Commander Collins said all we need to do is clear Nathan's name, and he'd take care of Hargreaves. I explained that the prisoner was already beaten up when we found him. But, since I'm the victim's brother, Collins said my testimony would be considered biased. We need an impartial witness to support Nathan's claim that the perpetrator was already bruised up when we arrested him." Jake told him.

"I can collaborate that." Bill told him.

"I told Collins that, too. But, he asked me when you saw the perpetrator. And, the fact of the matter is, you saw him once we brought him to the jail. We need someone to collaborate the claim that he was beaten up before we arrested him." Jake explained.

Bill asked, "Well, who can testify to that?"

Jake had an idea, "If we could find Romeo, the guy that beat Danny up the night of the attack, that would be ideal."

Bill gave a doubtful grin, "But, that guy's on the wrong side of the law. Why would he be willingly testify that he beat up Danny Frisk, and risk going to jail himself, to help a Mountie?"

Jake said, "There's always William Burnett. William witnessed Romeo and his goons beat up Danny Frisk that night. Maybe his testimony would be enough?"

Bill said, "It's worth a try."

Jake told them both, "The good news is, Collins is on our side. He will help us anyway we need. He was already suspicious of Hargreaves, and would like nothing better than to see his misconduct come to light. So, we have that going for us."

Jake looked at the clock, it was nearly 3:30 p.m. He got a solemn look and said quietly, "I probably should go tell my sister." Jake looked over at Nathan, who obviously shared his apprehension.

Bill told him. "Good luck with that." And, Jake gave him a sad grin.

Nathan spoke up, "Bill, someone needs to tell Allie. She gets off work from the Mercantile at 4 p.m., and will be headed to the livery, with her bag packed for Brookfield. Can you please tell her, and tell her gently?"

Bill nodded, and with a heavy heart, headed straight to the Mercantile, to wait for Allie. And, Jake, with a sad grin, headed across the street.

Jake entered the infirmary, and found Julia alone at her desk. She looked happily over at Jake, but stood as soon as she saw his face.

"What happened?" She asked him, as the worry washed across her features.

Jake walked over and looked at her sadly. He spoke very gently. "Julia, something's happened." He paused, "When Danny Frisk got to Union City, he told some lies about Nathan."

Julia stood stark upright, "What kind of lies?"

Jake looked down at his hands and back up at her. "I had to lock Nathan up, Jules. I had a telegram, and direct orders."

Julia's eyes went wild, "What? You locked him up?" It was unbelievable. "You locked up my Nathan?" She went straight out the door and rushed across the street. She walked inside the office, and froze when saw Nathan in the jail cell. He stood and came close to the bars. She started to shake as she turned to face Jake.

Julia's voice trembled as she spoke, "Open the door, Jake. Open it." The shaking was amplified, as she pointed with her hand.

Jake didn't move. He just came closer to her, trying to explain. He spoke calmly, "Jules, I can't. I have orders. And, we have to do this right. We have to fight it the right way. I can't let him out."

"Yes, you can, Jake." Julia told him, emotion overwhelming her voice. "And, you will." Jake didn't move. Her voice broke as she said once more, pleading now, "Jake, please." Still no movement. So Julia went to his desk, opened his top drawer, and retrieved the key to the jail cell, herself. She raced to the door and opened it.

Julia entered and told Nathan, her voice shaking and raspy. "You can come out, Nathan. This is crazy. You didn't do anything. You are free." She pointed, her shaking hand just left hanging in the air.

Nathan didn't move. "I can't, Jules." Finally, he moved to her, but stayed inside the cell.

Julia insisted, and was only growing more agitated. Her voice rose in volume and in emotion, tears in her eyes now. "Yes, you can. Nathan, come on. This is crazy. You didn't do anything. Come out, please." She implored him.

Nathan just looked at her, tenderly. "I can't, Jules. We have to do this right. Jake and Bill are going to clear my name. But, I can't just walk out of here. Jake has orders."

Tears started to flow now, big huge sad tears. Julia said between sobs, "I don't care about Jake's orders. You can't be arrested, Nathan. You didn't do anything wrong. You got the bad guy. The guy that hurt me." She paused, and implored him again, "Please, Nathan, please. Come out."

Nathan's own eyes filled with tears. Jake's too. Nathan moved to hold her, but she stepped back. Nathan tried to reach her, but she was just out of reach. He told her softly, "Jake is only following orders."

Julia stepped back again, feeling hemmed in by the shadows. How could this happen? Who would do this to Nathan? Honorable, selfless, noble Nathan? How could this be happening?

She tried one more time, tears falling, and voice pleading. "Please. Nathan, come out."

When Nathan still didn't move, Julia turned on Jake. "It isn't right, Jake. It isn't right. I can't believe you would do this."

And, she turned and fled, leaving them both staring after her. Nathan sat back down on the bed, and silently cried, wishing he had grabbed her before she moved out of reach. Jake wiped tears from his own eyes, feeling horrible for ever having received the telegram. It was heart-wrenching to see Julia in such a state, and to feel a measure of the emotion she felt, as she digested all that was going on.

After a long moment, Jake sniffled and stood. "I'm going after her."

Nathan wiped his eyes once more. And he spoke up softly, as he ran his fingers through his hair. "She's at the little dock by the pond, behind the church." Jake knew the one.

And, he headed directly there.

When Jake found her, she was silently sobbing, and looking out over the water. Julia looked as though the weight of the world was on her shoulders. It was a heavy burden, but wasn't hers to carry.

"Jules." Jake said softly.

Julia turned and looked at him, shaking her head. "How could this happen?"

Jake told her, "The guy is a criminal Julia. But, we will clear Nathan's name. You have to trust me. And Bill. And Gabe. We will clear Nathan's name, I promise. But, we have to do it right."

Tears were still streaming, though she was calm now. "Jake, how could this happen?" She asked again, more fervent this time.

Jake explained further, "Danny Frisk is claiming that Nathan beat him when he was arrested. He's trying to get off for his own crime, on a technicality."

"Who would let this criminal do that?" Julia couldn't get her head around it. "Nathan's impeccable record should stand for itself."

Jake explained further, "I agree with you about Nathan's record. But, Danny Frisk figured out that you and Nathan are courting. So, he's claiming that Nathan assaulted him, in retaliation. And, one of the Superintendents, who has it out for Nathan, is involved. He may even be coercing Frisk."

Julia just shook her head, not able to accept any of it. It was not okay. "He can't go to prison, Jake. I can't let him take the fall for this. It's not right."

Jake came closer, and told her. "I know, Jules. I know." He looked her square in the eye. "We are going to clear his name. I promise."

Julia nodded and looked out over the pond. She wiped more tears, and took a deep breath. She knew she needed to go back into the jail. She had to see Nathan, she had to make it right.

"Are you coming back?" Jake asked her. "He needs you, Jules. He needs you very much."

Julia nodded, and started walking back towards the jail, beside her brother. Jake put his arm around her as they walked, and she sank into his side, seeming to hide under the shadow of his strong shoulder. She found comfort there, and strength. She wanted to be strong for Nathan, from here on out. And, certainly after she had failed so horribly the first time. Julia needed to make it up to him, and she would. Oh, yes, she would.

When they got back to the jail, Jake sat down in one of the wicker chairs outside.

Julia silently walked in. She went straight to the cell door and opened it. When Nathan saw her, he stood. Julia had never seen him look so sad, his face was all contorted and he had obviously been crying. She just stood there for a few seconds, trying to formulate what to say and how to apologize. But, words wouldn't come. There was only ache, a deep painful ache.

Julia moved slowly and silently to him, and went into his arms. She held him so tight, tighter than she ever had, and she cried. She could feel his sobs, too. And, she held him tighter still.

They stayed like that for a long time. Finally, when all was calm, she pulled back just enough to look up at him.

"I'm so sorry, Nathan. For earlier. I…I…didn't know how to handle this. And, I failed miserably. Please forgive me." She said, and she buried her face in his neck. She took in everything about him. The softness of his skin on her cheek, his wonderful smell that was inherently him, the feel of his strong arms around her. She committed it all, every inch of him, to memory.

"It's okay, darling. I don't know how to handle this either." He told her, resting his cheek on her hair. Feeling her soft silky hair next to his cheek, and breathing in her scent. Memorizing it all.

Julia pulled back again and looked up at him. "I love you, Nathan Grant." She needed him to hear it, to have those words to hold onto. "The sun rises and sets with you."

Nathan gazed lovingly down at her. He took in her words, they were as light in a dark place. "I love you too, Julia Matthews." He told her confidently and absolutely. His eyes were radiant as he said the words, and Julia tucked them safely into her heart.

As they stood there, holding each other and gazing at each other, they heard the office door open.

Allie and Archie arrived with Bill. Allie came flying through the open cell door. Julia moved to the side to give her place with Nathan. Archie stood back next to Bill, looking on and praying.

"Dad, what happened? What's going on?" Allie asked as she went into Nathan's arms.

"It's okay, Allie. It's just a big misunderstanding. One that Bill and Jake are going to clear up, okay?" Nathan reassured her.

Now it was Allie's turn to cry, unable to believe this. "How could they do this? Don't they know you are the best Mountie in all of Alberta? You are the legend, remember?" She told him.

The tears started again, for everyone looking on. This was heart-wrenching, too. And, Julia stood beside them, and rubbed Allie's back.

Nathan stood firm reassuring Allie. He was like an oak, solid and true. "Jake and Bill are working as we speak to clear my name, Allie. We have to believe that the truth will come out. I didn't do anything wrong. Truth is on our side, okay?"

Allie pulled back and looked up at him. He gently wiped away her tears. "Promise me?"

Nathan nodded, "I promise, Allie." He looked over Allie's head at Archie, who was watching it all.

Bill spoke up, "Allie, I'm going right now to send a telegram to Gabe. Gabe will come and help, too. We will clear your Dad's name. I promise, we all promise."

Allie looked at them, all of them, and nodded. Though, she didn't leave Nathan's side. Bill stepped out and went straight to the Mercantile.

Finally, Archie couldn't wait any longer. He came into the jail cell, and hugged his son. He whispered, "The truth will prevail, son." When he pulled back from the hug, he looked into Nathan's eyes. "Just like it did when you cleared my name. Remember?" Archie reminded him.

Nathan nodded, though his chin quivered, as he looked at his father. This was a bond he had not expected, but held very dear. He and Archie had come a long way in the last week, and Nathan was very thankful for the support, support he had not expected would feel so fatherly.

Nathan and Allie sat down on the bed. Archie moved and brought a chair inside the cell, and sat next to Nathan. And, Julia did the same. They weren't going anywhere.

If Nathan couldn't come out of the jail cell, they would just join him inside.

The phone rang, and Jake went to pick it up.

"Yes, this is Constable Matthews." They heard Jake say.

"Hello, Constable Kinslow. That was awfully quick." Jake told him. Bill hadn't been gone fifteen minutes.

Jake answered, "Superintendent Hargreaves." Jake paused, listening. "Yes, that's right." Again listening. "Exactly."

Another long pause. Then, Jake told him. "Ok, great. We'll see you then. Thanks so much for calling."

"Ok. I'll tell him right away." Jake paused again. "That's exactly what we said."

"Good-bye Constable Kinslow." Jake told him. "Ok. Gabe, then. And, you can call me Jake."

"Good-bye, Gabe." And, Jake hung up the phone.

Jake turned towards the group all huddled in the jail cell. "Gabe will be here first thing in the morning. He said to tell you we're going to clear your name. He said he won't stop until this matter is settled once and for all."

Nathan nodded, grateful. "Thanks, Jake."

Bill came back in and told them, "I sent the telegram to Gabe." The group all broke out into laughter. It was sure good to hear them laugh, but Bill wondered what he'd said that was so funny? He looked at them, and asked, "What did I miss?"

Jake told him, "Gabe called already. I just hung up with him."

"Well, that was fast." Bill replied.

"That's exactly what I said. Gabe said he'll be here first thing in the morning." Jake told Bill.

"Great. We can all talk strategy together, before Nathan and I leave for Union City." Bill told them. "Nathan, do you need to pack a bag?"

"I have a bag packed already, for Brookfield. It's at home by the front door. That'll do just fine." He told them.

Archie stood and said, "I'll go get it." Then he turned toward Nathan, "Anything else you need, son?"

Nathan realized he might have a lot of time on his hands, once he got to Union City. "Maybe you could throw a book or two inside the bag?"

Archie nodded and headed to the house right away.

Bill looked at them and said, "I'm going back to my office, to do a little research, and make some notes. I'll be back later to check on you, Nathan."

Nathan stood, and came close to the cell bars. "Thanks, Bill." He said, as he stuck his hand through. Bill shook it, with a nod. Then he headed out the door, towards his office.

When Archie came back into the Mountie office, Julia and Allie were still in the cell, sitting with Nathan. The mood was much brighter, they were talking and even laughing with each other.

Archie carried in Nathan's bag, and set it down just inside the cell door. And, in his other hand, he carried the chess board. And, because it was closed up, that meant he had abandoned his game with Julia, but she didn't mind a bit. She could guess already what Archie had in mind.

About 6 p.m., Bill entered with Minnie, carrying six plates from the cafe. They set them all on Jake's desk.

Minnie came over to the cell and chuckled when she saw them all sitting in there together, with Nathan. And, the door of the cell just stood wide open. She smiled and told Nathan. "We are all praying for you, Nathan. Joseph's going to stop by in the morning."

"Thanks, Minnie." Nathan told her. "It means so much."

As soon as Minnie left, Bill passed out the plates to Archie, Nathan, Allie, and Julia. He and Jake sat at the desk, and ate together.

"Do you think anyone's ever had this much fun in a jail cell before?" Allie asked, with a giggle.

"Certainly not." Julia said, with a little laugh, taking a bite.

"I know I certainly haven't." Archie said, with his slow drawl. And that one got a chuckle out of just about everyone. Nathan's father had certainly seen his share of jail cells, but probably not like this. And, add the fact that he truly was a changed man. An irony that was not lost on anyone.

Nathan looked at Julia, remembering the time he had chased her inside this jail cell, and blocked her exit. It was just after she had attempted to tickle him. And, that encounter had ended in a pretty steamy kiss. So, that indeed counted as a pretty good time inside this very jail cell. Nathan got a mischievous look on his face, and caught her eye. And he told her playfully, "Well, I can think of one time…"

Julia new instantly what he was talking about. Her mouth fell open, and her cheeks turned bright red. She avoided eye contact with Nathan completely, and struggled to keep her composure.

Allie looked from Nathan to Julia, and began to giggle uncontrollably. She could see it on their faces, there was a story there.

"Nathaniel Sullivan Grant," Julia said under her breath. But, one look at him, sitting there with a broad smile, looking very proud of himself, and she was giggling too.

Archie took in all three of them, and before he knew it, he was chuckling too. He caught wind of what Nathan had implied.

"What's all the cackling about over there?" Bill asked, pretending to be stern.

Allie answered, "We're not really sure. But, I think there's a story involving my Dad and Julia, and this jail cell."

Bill just nodded and said, "mmmhmm."

Jake sat back and took in this sweet scene, unfolding before his eyes. The four in the jail cell looked like a little family, eating together. And, Bill was sitting back watching over everything, making sure everyone was taken care of.

When everyone was done eating, Bill collected all the plates and headed back to the cafe. Jake went out on evening rounds. And, Archie and Nathan pulled out the chessboard, and started to play together.

After a while, Allie started to look tired.

Julia noticed and offered, "Allie, could I walk you home?"

Allie nodded, and Julia took a lantern from the corner, and lit it. After Allie's good-byes, Julia set out with her and they walked along slowly, arm in arm.

"Do you think everything will be okay with my Dad, Julia?" Allie asked her.

"It has to work out, Allie. He didn't do anything wrong. We have to trust God, that He has your Dad in the palm of his hand, and will watch over him. And, we will pray that truth will prevail. I believe that it will, it always will." Julia told her, taking every word to heart, herself.

Allie looked up at Julia, and smiled. She took comfort in Julia's words. "I think so, too."

When they entered the house, Julia stayed with Allie until she was all settled. When she was sure Allie was asleep, she took the lantern, and headed back to the Mountie office.

When Julia got back to the jail, Archie and Nathan were engrossed in their chess game. Julia thought they were sweet, so focused, yet chatting with each other.

Jake came in from his evening rounds.

"Everything in order in Hope Valley, brother?" Julia asked him.

Jake grinned easy at her. "Right as rain, except for this." He said, referring to Nathan in a jail cell.

Julia entered the cell and told them, "Sorry to interrupt this fierce battle, but I think I'm going to call it a night, and leave you two to it."

Nathan stood and gave her a hug. "Will you come see me in the morning, Jules?"

"For morning coffee? Of course." Julia said with a playful grin. Though, she looked at the coffee pot on the other side of the jail cell, and said, "Only I guess I'll have to make it."

"Perhaps." He told her, with his own playful smile.

"I'll be here for you, Nathan." Julia told him, "And, I will always make your coffee." Nathan nodded at her, getting her deeper meaning.

Jake came in the cell too and said, "I'm also going to turn in. I'm crashing at Julia's again tonight, in case you need me." Jake paused, and then added, "I'm taking a key to the office door, Nathan. So, you can lock it up, or perhaps Archie can lock it on his way out?"

Nathan said, "Ok. Will do. Thanks for everything, Jake."

"Don't mention it, Nathan." Jake told him, and he and Julia walked out together. They headed across the street, and got ready for bed.

But, Nathan and Archie played chess, late into the night. Talking and catching up, and well, just being a son and a father. Archie stayed until he couldn't keep his eyes open anymore. He found it difficult to leave his son, knowing exactly what it was like to lay down and go to bed, looking at the ceiling of a jail cell. How Archie wished he could take Nathan's place, or spare him the abasement. But, Nathan was too honest and too noble to have it any other way. When Archie finally went home, and even throughout the night, Nathan never stepped foot outside of the jail cell.