Chapter 20 Watch Your Back

The morning broke and the sun came peeking through the windows of the French doors causing Lucas to stir. He turned to his lovely wife examining her beautiful body. It all seemed so surreal to be lying next to this amazing woman and waking up next to her every morning. He gently ran his finger down her side and nuzzled in her neck causing her to stir.

She turned over to face her husband. "You were wonderful last night! She said as she ran her fingers through his soft wild hair."

"We were wonderful! Everything is wonderful love because I am with you and there is no place in this world, I would rather be." He kissed her passionately, she responded with equal passion then lamented.

"Jack will be up soon, we should probably get up." She smiled.

"Elizabeth I need to talk to you about something."

"Okay this sounds serious." She said with a concerned look on her face.

He took a deep breath, "I am considering purchasing eighty five percent of the shares in the Canadian National Railway."

"I don't know what to say Lucas. Are you asking me or telling me? She said a bit stunned and confused.

"I am asking, I have not done anything yet! I was planning to make the arrangements today."

"How are you going to manage another business and our family Lucas? I don't want to spend my life sitting around the house while you are traveling around the world from business venture to business venture." Elizabeth said a little irritated.

"Elizabeth that's not fair. You know that you and Jack are all that matters, you're all that's important to me. By owning the railroad while already a profitable industry would only decrease my shipping cost with Gowen Petroleum and also make it easier to get supplies here for the saloon reducing the time I have to spend there. If I don't do this then Conklin is going too. Making it possible for Conklin and all his dirty goons to come into Hope Valley and destroy our peaceful little town by driving everyone out. I need to do this and find a way to stop Walden and Conklin. I was hoping to have your full support on this? Our fathers are very much in favor of this and I will have their full financial support."

"I will need some time to process this Lucas." She crawled out of bed and began getting dressed.

"Elizabeth, I don't want to argue about this! Can't you see, I am doing this for us? This is the only way we are going to get rid of Conklin and I just want you and Jack to be safe."

"Lucas there has to be another way!"

"I am more than happy to listen to your suggestions. If there is another way I don't know what it is." He said softly grabbing her arm and turning her to face him.

"I need time to think about this Lucas!"

"I don't have time to mess around with this Elizabeth! This is serious! I need to go to into town. Would you like to join me?" We can discuss this more.

"No, I think I just need to think about this and have some time to myself." Refusing to look at him.

"Stop this Elizabeth! Please." He said pleadingly as she turned and walked out of the bedroom. Lucas hung his head in defeat and let out a big sigh.

Lucas began getting ready for the day feeling very upset and not understanding the lack of support he was getting from his new bride. He understood her position, but thought he had made a solid case and she would understand his position.

Taking the time to perfect his appearance he headed down the stairs. He tried to kiss his wife, but she turned her head away, causing his kiss to land on her cheek. "I will be back in awhile. I need to check in on Gowen Petroleum, stop by Bill's office, and spend a few hours at the saloon catching up on ledgers and orders. I'll be home for lunch. Elizabeth, don't leave here unless one of our father's go with you."

Lucas drove into town. He stopped by Gowen Petroleum first. "Good morning Mike!"

"Good morning Lucas! How is married life?" He asked.

"You had to ask that on this day Mike?"

"Oh, not good?"

"It's been wonderful, but Walden being here is causing me a lot of added stress. Elizabeth and I had our first argument."

"Oh well good luck!"

"How is everything looking here?" Lucas asked.

"The pipeline will be finished soon. Everything seems to be going well. We are starting to turn a profit." Mike assured him.

"That is wonderful news Mike."

"I need to make a phone call!" Lucas picked up the phone and made the arrangements to purchase the railroad."

"The railroad Lucas?" Mike Questioned.

"It's a long story Mike! I will leave you to it and remember to call me if you have any issues."

"I will Lucas and thanks for trusting me with running the day to day operations!"

"You're welcome Mike and thank you! Because of you, I can focus my time elsewhere!"

Lucas turned and walked out the door, headed for Bill's office. He knocked on the door.

Bill's voice said, "Come in!"

"Good morning Bill!"

"Lucas! I have Jack's adoption papers all ready for you to sign."

Lucas signed them, happy that at least that plan was coming together without any difficulties.

"Are you okay? You look conflicted." Bill asked.

"Lee was right. I talked to Elizabeth and she wasn't at all happy about me purchasing the railroad. She doesn't understand that I'm doing it to keep her and Jack safe Bill! What do I do?"

"I think you are doing the right thing Lucas! She will come around, but I do believe you need to be careful. Walden and the Pinkerton's seem very dangerous, we are keeping an eye them. I have let Nathan know about the situation."

"Thank you Bill!"

Lucas left Bill's office and headed over to the Queen of Hearts to catch up on his work. He went through the kitchen checking in with Gustave and then headed to his office.

He walked in closing the door behind him and flipped on the light to feel the pointed edge of a pistol in the small of his back. "Good morning Lucas!"

"Walden!" Lucas said quietly.