"For the last time, you want to tell us why you two were out here in the middle of nowhere?" Morgan Hiatt asked as Elizabeth and Allie huddled close to Robert inside the office.

"We were taking a ride." Elizabeth said.

"Yes. It was such a nice day." Allie added.

"Liars!" Hiatt said, slamming her hand on the desk. Both women jumped.

"There ain't no way the girl is out here near him and it's a coincidence." Big John concurred. "They have to be out looking for us."

Gyp stood up from his seat where he had been using the tip of a pocket knife to clean out his finger nails. He walked over to Elizabeth and placed the blade just under her chin. "Is that what's going on? Are you with a search party? Maybe with that Mountie that was in town?"

Allie's eyes suddenly registered fear so he moved over to her. "That it? You with that Mountie?"

"There wasn't any Mountie with them." Morgan replied.

"Nah. But he's out there. Girl's afraid. He a relative of yours?"

"Stop picking on her." Robert said. "She hasn't done anything to you."

"Au contraire." Morgan said. "You two ruined our operation. See, we had this big plan set up. If it weren't for you, we'd have hundreds of counterfeit bank notes passed between here and Montreal by now."

"Listen. Allie and Robert didn't mean to ruin anything." Elizabeth said. "Take me and let the children go. Having three of us will just slow down your escape."

Gyp shook his head. "Oh, no. The three of you is what we in Brooklyn call 'leverage'. Ain't none of you getting out of our sight. Now that we know there's a search group, we're all going together to pick up the gold. And they better not pull anything slick. If we fall, we all fall. Gyp Lombardi ain't goin' down without a fight."

At Union City, Peter Bouchard walked with Bernard through a medium-sized department store in search of a wheel chair. Even though he knew that Lucas would likely not need it for long he was determined to find something that was high quality that would be comfortable enough for his six-foot-two son to move around in through the day. He worried that having him stay inside so long would set him back and given the beauty surrounding his property could picture the benefits of having Lucas sit in the back yard, watching nature or reading and getting some fresh air.

A store attendant pointed them in the right direction and soon the two men were standing in front of a display of around eight different chairs. All of the chairs were made of caned wicker and wood, but the wheels on each was slightly different and Peter insisted on sitting in them himself in order to determine which one was the most stable.

"Any of them will work." Luison said. "There is no sense spending unnecessary money when he will be walking within a few weeks."

Peter raised an eyebrow. "How I spend my money on my son is my concern." he said. "That includes paying you, by the way."

Bernard was surprised. "I'm sorry. Have I done something to displease you?"

Peter said neither yes nor no. "I just want what is best for Lucas. You know that I objected to you and Helen removing him from the Infirmary, but she was so hysterical when he fell and insistent that he go I was afraid that the two of you trying to move him would only injure him further. You are keeping an eye on his injuries, correct? Not just tending to his pain?"

"Of course. I'm surprised you have to ask." He replied.

"I'm an inquisitive man. I always ask about things that concern me."

"And you're concerned with my care? After all of my years in practice?" he asked.

Peter lowered his head. "I have no doubt that you have been a wonderful physician. As far as I'm concerned, you saved my wife and for that I am forever grateful. It's just…"

"Yes?"

"Well, I read the papers and it has been some time since I've seen your name associated with any medical advancement. I used to see it all the time. And, since you retired from the Medical Association – I'm concerned that perhaps you may not be up to date on all of your treatment. For instance, dealing with prosthetic limbs – what experience have you had in that regard?"

"Mr. Bouchard…"

"Peter."

"Fine. Peter. I've been practicing medicine for almost forty years and most of the time I've been the physician for your family. I assure you I've been adequately trained in all of the areas of which we speak. And while I may not be on the board of the AMA any more, you don't get to the board without knowing somewhat what you're talking about so, if you're worried I'm going to do something to harm Lucas, please. You worry in vain."

Peter looked at him warily. Something still wasn't sitting well but he couldn't articulate what, even to himself. "You're probably right. It's just that Lucas is our only child and I want to be very sure that he gets the best care he possibly can – even down to the chair he uses in his recovery. I think this one is nice." He said, rolling the most expensive and luxurious chair in the lot out for Luison to examine.

"It will certainly fit his frame. But do you think he needs all this? Leather arm rests?" Luison asked.

"If it would help my son to feel comforted during this awful trial, I would give him the moon." Peter replied.

About half-way to the mine, Nathan, Bill and the other men were startled by a rushing beast of an animal as he thundered past them in a frenzied gallop. Nathan spun his own horse around to make sure he had seen what he thought he had seen.

"Is that…?" Lee asked.

"Yes. That's Sergeant. That means Elizabeth is around." Nathan replied. "Baker, see if you can corral her horse. The rest of you, keep an eye out for her. It's not typical for her horse to be loose. She may be injured."

"Or she may have stumbled into our marauders." Bill suggested.

"I don't want to even think about that." Nathan replied. "Regardless, let's split up and see if we can find her. But be careful. If she did run into Lombardi and his crew, her life and every life they come in contact with is in danger."

Helen Bouchard cleared Lucas's bedroom of lunch and was happy to see that he seemed much more comfortable and happier than he was before. He was also wide awake and somewhat talkative for the first time since the incident. Accordingly, she thought that she would spend a little quality time with her son. It was a rarity that she as a parent had been able to demonstrate the love she had in her heart for him but she so wanted that to change.

Pulling up a chair beside his bed she folded her hands in her lap and looked at him. "So, do you need anything else?"

Lucas reached down and picked up his tea cup which sat on a saucer on the bed and attempted to take a sip. He sighed when he found it empty and set it back down. "I am better now." he said. "Thank you for staying with me while father is away."

"I wouldn't be any other place." She replied. There was a moment of stilted silence between the two and she tried to think of something to talk about – something to keep his mind off of the present crisis. She was relieved, however when it was Lucas who began to speak.

"There is just one thing that I wonder if you could tell me." He said. "Something I'm curious about."

"Oh? What is it?" she asked.

"How exactly did I get home? I remember waking up in the infirmary and I remember falling. Then, I don't remember anything at all until I woke up here."

Helen lowered her eyes at the frightening memory. "Well…" she said. "It's very simple. We placed you in your car and drove you home. Your father and Dr. Luison carried you inside."

"Was Dr. Carter aware you were doing this?" he asked.

The corners of Helen's mouth curved up slightly, whether due to guilt or nervousness Lucas couldn't tell. "We left her a note. She was away for a couple of hours getting refreshed and…well, one woman obviously can't care for a whole town and attend to you twenty-four hours a day, so we decided it would be better off if we took you home where Bernard could care for you and you could be more comfortable."

"That makes sense, I suppose. Have you heard from her since?"

Helen nodded. "She stopped by. We told her you were sleeping."

"And she accepted that explanation?"

"What other choice does she have? You are no longer in her care but Dr. Luison's."

"I see."

Lucas was quiet for a moment and she could tell something else was weighing on him. Finally, he asked. "And, Elizabeth?" He paused, his eyes searching her response. "I was surprised when I woke up and she wasn't here."

Helen took a deep breath and nodded slowly. "She stopped by as well -with Dr. Carter. We told her that you were sleeping and that you shouldn't be disturbed. She respected my wishes and left without an argument."

He was silent for an uncomfortable space of time as he processed that information. He hated the thought of Elizabeth being turned away but was conflicted about her seeing him in this condition. He was also honestly surprised that she left without a fuss. Perhaps it was all just too much for her to deal with. He looked down at his hands and began to fidget as uncomfortable thoughts, augmented by the effects of the drugs he was on began to bombard his mind. "I guess I can't blame her for that." He said softly. "It has to be a very difficult thing for her, as well.

Helen watched him with concern, unsure of where his thoughts had gone. But she wasn't sure what to say, so she reached out and touched his arm. Looking up at her with a saddened expression he then asked, "I don't suppose you know where the clothes I had on the day of the fire are, do you?"

"Yes." Helen shook her head then stood up from her chair. "They are over here." Walking to his closet, she reached in and pulled out a canvas bag filled with clothing. "I couldn't bear to look at them considering all that happened, but everything that was yours is still here. We've thrown nothing away."

Handing the bag to Lucas, she watched as he fished through it, first pulling out his billfold and setting it aside. He then went into his pocket where he pulled out a handkerchief which contained his grandmother's rings. Helen recalled his letter just a month prior telling her of his intention to propose to Elizabeth and she thought back to the joy in his words. He seemed so very happy. Now, so much had changed.

He stopped for the longest time and stared at the rings and she watched as his nose twitched and tears began to form. Taking the back of his hand, he wiped his eyes and set the rings on his blanket, touching them with his fingertips, deep in thought.

Placing her hand on his bed, she asked "What's wrong?"

He didn't look up at her but continued to stare at what just a few days before he had expected to give to Elizabeth over dinner. Had events not gone as they had; he had anticipated being a happily engaged man at that particular moment in time. But in a flash, his world seemed to implode right before his eyes. He lost everything. The saloon. His health. Perhaps even his future with Elizabeth. He closed his eyes.

"Please, Lucas. Tell me, what is troubling you?" Helen tried again.

He opened his eyes and swallowed. "Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak knits up the o'er wrought heart and bids it break."

"Macbeth?" she asked in confusion but she received no response.

Lucas placed the rings back in the handkerchief and folded it over then silently put the handkerchief on his night stand and laid back down.

"Lucas?"

"I'm sorry, mother. I really don't feel like talking any more. Would you please leave me alone?"

Helen's heart ached and she worried that she had done something wrong. "I'm sorry if I said anything to distress you." She said. "Perhaps if we talk about something else, such as…"

"Please!" he said with intensity and an increase in volume that she wasn't expecting. He looked away and this time spoke softly. "Just leave."

Giving him no more protest, she stood up from the chair and quickly exited the room.

Nathan, Bill and Lee surveilled the area in front of the mine while the other men from town positioned themselves at its right and left flanks. Behind it, Mounties from neighboring stations snuck up along the rocky crag above the shaft entrance and made their way toward the office with an aim to attack from above. Once they were at their posts, Nathan raised a hand ready to give the command to strike the moment the thieves made their appearance and he knew Elizabeth and Robert were safe. When the door opened, however, what he saw immediately made his blood curdle.

"Allie!" He whispered.

Peter Bouchard locked the wheels of Lucas's brand-new chair in order to stabilize it for its ride home while Dr. Luison walked around the car and climbed in the passenger's seat. Looking up, Bouchard noticed the doctor as he pulled a small brown bottle out of his coat pocket and took a drink of its contents, replacing it quickly so as to not arouse suspicion. He frowned at the impropriety of the act as well as the possibility that the man who was caring for his son was apparently hiding a secret drinking habit and he resolved he would talk to him about it on the way home.

Back at the mine, Nathan lowered his hand from the air refusing to give the signal so long as his daughter was in view. The situation called for a level head and patience and wisdom to know when to strike. Joseph was yards away but Grant was not ashamed to pray for clarity of mind and success as he decided what to do.

Exiting the doorway, Morgan Hiatt held onto Allie's arm while Gyp pushed Elizabeth out the door and Big John escorted Robert. The anxiety that each of them was feeling was apparent by the look upon each face. Each of the miscreants held within their hands a revolver, though the giant pointed his toward the ground and they each stayed in close proximity to their hostages so they would not run away. Walking up to their horses, Nathan observed Allie as she began to cry. It took every ounce of strength within him to not immediately rush in and try to save her.

"What's your problem. Get on the horse." Morgan snapped, harshly.

"I'm afraid." Allie said. "My uncle Nathan was going to teach me to ride but he never did and I'm afraid, what if I fall off?"

Elizabeth looked at Allie with the best poker face she could muster and hoped against hope that one of their captors wouldn't question the fib she told given that the direction and terrain they had come from would almost have certainly involved riding a horse.

In frustration, Morgan shook her head and tucked her handgun into her belt. She then attempted to help Allie up onto the horse which is exactly the break that the group needed to engage.

Looking up, Elizabeth caught sight of Nathan's steed and seeing Morgan occupied, immediately wrenched her way loose from Lombardi, who, before he could even raise his gun was descended on from above by three Canadian Mounties.

Allie kicked Morgan in the stomach and she fell to the ground and Robert knocked the gun out of Big John's hand, kicking it under a coal cart that rested just a few feet away. The giant slung one of the Mounties out of the way and ran as fast as a nearly seven-foot-tall man could run to retrieve his gun. Bending over, he felt his back pop and fell to his knees in excruciating pain, still he wouldn't give up. John grabbed the gun by its handle and turned around to fire it but immediately dropped it when he found himself staring down the barrel of Nathan Grant's rifle. Lombardi and Hiatt were already being led away by Bill and Mountie quickly relieved Nathan of his suspect.

Turning his head, Nathan got a surprise when he saw his daughter with her arms wrapped around Robert giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"You're safe! I was so worried!" she said as she pulled away then hugged a wide-eyed Robert once again as he silently raised his hand to that cheek. Nathan began to move toward them but Elizabeth stepped forward and raised her hand to stop him.

"Leave them be." she said. "Allie has been very worried about him and has felt she is to blame for what happened. Seeing that he is okay will help put her fears at ease."

Nathan considered what she said and stopped. Then he turned to her. "And what about mine?"

Elizabeth's eyes turned toward him with interest. "Yours?"

He paused for a moment, emotion creeping into his voice. "I told you once that Allie and keeping Hope Valley safe were the most important things to me and once again you put both of those in danger."

"I put them in danger?" she asked defensively.

"Elizabeth, Allie is all that I have and despite what happened between us…and didn't happen between us…I still care for your well-being."

"We were trying to find you." Elizabeth said. "Allie remembered something about Robert that we thought could help you find him. I guess I wasn't thinking. It was never my intent to put Allie or myself in harm's way."

"It never is. Just like it was never Allie's intent to become a target of robbers or Lucas's intent to nearly get himself killed trying to save her or…or Jack's intent to never come home. But you, Elizabeth…you should know more than anyone how quickly bad things can happen and you're smart enough to avoid trouble. All I am asking is that you think before you act."

Elizabeth lowered her eyes. "I'm sorry, Nathan. You're right. It was foolish."

Nathan paused for a moment then nodded. "Just be careful. That's the only thing I ask."

Ten miles outside of Union City, Peter Bouchard glanced at Dr. Luison, his mind swirling around all that had happened and the doubts he was having about what they had done. Luison had served the family well during Helen's post-partum complications and had generally been a good doctor for the minor cuts and scrapes that Lucas had while growing up. And his reputation as a physician was stellar for most of the time that he had known him – but in recent years he had noticed some slips – one time when he prescribed Helen medication for her occasional migraine headaches and did so twice and once when he was recounting his own history and described that of another man. Since Peter rarely saw him, he had dismissed the latter as simply mistaken identity but the former was more concerning. Now, as he attended Bouchard's one and only son, he wanted to make sure that Luison was at the top of his game.

"So, tell me Bernard, when you're not acting in your professional role as a doctor, what do you like to do for relaxation?" he asked, hoping for some insight.

Bernard looked out the window. "Relaxation. Now there's a experience I rarely get to have."

"Maybe not, but even God rested on the Sabbath. Do you have any hobbies? Participate in any sports? Perhaps go to your local saloon?"

Luison glanced at him. "I like the Opera."

"Opera. Now there's a worthy hobby. Do you attend often?" he asked.

Luison shook his head. "I haven't been in years. When I was a young man and cared more for social aspects, I used to bring the ladies." His mind drifted away to earlier times then his hand drifted up to his pocket. Peter watched from the corner of his eye, half expecting the doctor to drink in front of him, but instead he pulled out a handkerchief with which he wiped his nose. "Today, I'm afraid I haven't time for such frivolities. But, the phonograph will keep me company."

"What is your favorite opera?" Peter asked.

"L'Elisir d'Amore." He replied, to Peter's surprise.

"The Elixir of Love? Interesting. I've never heard of it."

"Really? I'm surprised. They often play it in London. It is about a peasant who falls in love with a woman of wealth but she is being courted by another man. In order to win her heart he takes this special potion given to him by a travelling doctor."

"Oh, yes. I remember this. And the potion turns out to be a fraud." Peter said.

"That's debatable." Luison said. "He got the girl, didn't he?"

Bouchard nodded. "Point made. And the doctor was counted as a hero."

"Yes. He was." Luison said.

"So, that's all you do? I mean, surely you take a little time now and then to imbibe."

Luison turned his head. "I never touch liquor."

"Never?"

"Never. I find, it dulls the mind." The doctor replied.

Interesting. Peter Bouchard thought. Then what magical elixir did I see him drinking?

Around four in the afternoon, Elizabeth stopped by Lucas's house once again eager to see him. Once again, she was met at the door by his mother who, as before, was an impediment toward Elizabeth seeing her son.

"Lucas is doing better, thank you for asking." Helen said. "But I'm afraid seeing him right now is out of the question."

Elizabeth didn't understand. "But, why?"

"Because it is important to his recovery that he be able to rest. I'm afraid seeing you will unnecessarily excite him and cause him to want to do more than he is currently able. We wouldn't want a repeat of the nasty fall he took at the infirmary."

"Helen, that isn't going to happen. If I could just…for a minute."

"I'm sorry, Elizabeth. But, no. I will tell him you called, however. He will be gratified to know that."

Elizabeth began to turn as Helen was shutting the door but remember one of the reasons she came over so quickly.

"Oh, Helen! Would you tell Lucas that Robert is safe and that the people who did this to him are now behind bars. They are wanted in several areas so I suspect that they will be moved to Calgary very soon."

Helen shook her head yes. "That's very good news. Thank you for letting us know. Goodbye, Elizabeth. Travel safe." And, before Elizabeth could return the goodbye, Lucas's mother was gone.

Early that evening, Elizabeth sat in the Coulters living room discussing the events of the day with Lee and Rosemary while little Jack played on the floor. Rosemary wasn't thrilled about the risk that Lee took going after the felons but, on the other hand, she understood if it were here she'd probably have done the same thing. It was gratifying to know that everyone from Hope Valley who was originally involved in the incident was alive and safe, except perhaps for Lucas.

"Why won't they let me see him, Rosemary? I'm afraid something is wrong and they just won't tell me." She said.

"I'm sure they will relent in a day or two." Rosemary replied. "I'm sure he's just tired. When Lee went through what he did with the tree a while back, he slept a lot. Lucas's poor body has been through a lot. He's probably just resting and when he gets some strength back you'll be together again and all of this turmoil will just fade away."

"I sure hope you're right, Rosemary. I am so worried."

"Of course, you are, Elizabeth. You love him. Try to calm down though. He's going to be okay and pretty soon this will be a distant nightmare. Mark my words, you'll see."

Peter and Bernard arrived back at Lucas's home a bit before dusk and quickly unpacked his new wheel chair, anxious to show it to him and perhaps help him into it so he could try it out. Unlocking the front door, they were surprised when Helen's worried eyes were the first thing they saw.

"Good evening, darling." Peter said. "Is something wrong?"

She grasped onto her husband's arm as if to include him in on the conversation but directed her answer toward Luison. "It's Lucas. I'm concerned. He hasn't really eaten anything since noon and just wants to be alone."

"Perhaps, he's just tired." Peter suggested.

"No. He hasn't slept that I can tell either. I hear him in there, talking. I don't know if he's praying or what he is doing but Doctor. I even told him that Elizabeth stopped by…"

"She did?" Peter asked.

"Yes. She came to see him and to tell him that that Robert boy is safe."

"What did he say when she told him?" Peter asked.

"I wouldn't let her in." Helen replied.

"Helen!" Peter scolded. "The woman must be beside herself…and Lucas…"

"Have you been giving him the medicated tea I prescribed?" Luison said, unconcerned about the other particulars that were discussed.

"Faithfully." she said. "Every three hours. It seemed to do him good at first but about fifteen minutes later he became withdrawn and didn't want to see me. Please, can you help him?"

Bernard nodded. "I'll see what I can do."

Luison entered Lucas's room and found his patient lying on his side staring at a framed photograph of himself, Elizabeth and little Jack that he'd had taken when he took them to the circus in Edmonton the previous Summer. His eyes appeared glassy and dark and he showed no recognition that the doctor had even entered the room.

"Good evening, Lucas." Luison said cheerfully. "Your father and I just returned from Union City with a gift for you. Do you feel well enough to sit up for me?"

Lucas did not respond directly to the question as his eyes continued to search the photograph.

"What are you looking at?" the doctor asked.

"That was such a happy day." Lucas said, flatly.

"What was?" Luison asked, leaning over to see what Lucas was looking at and then sitting down at his bedside.

"The circus was up in Edmonton and I got tickets. Elizabeth was powdering her nose and I had little Jack. A clown scared him and he climbed up into my arms. For that one moment it seemed that he actually could be my very own son."

"You would make a handsome family." Luison replied.

"We would have. Poor Elizabeth. This has just got to be…" He closed his eyes. His love for her would not let him think ill of her but in his confused and muddled state, he could not comprehend why she wasn't there. He made up his mind that he was just too painful for her to see.

Lucas reached over and turned the photograph so that it faced the other direction then he looked up at the doctor. "Why are you here?"

"I'm here because your mother says you haven't eaten and that you seem depressed." He responded. 'Are you feeling depressed."

Lucas looked at him. "What on earth would I have to be happy for? I've lost it all. Please…just leave me be."

Luison exited the room and told Lucas's parents that what was happening was a normal reaction and that they shouldn't be too concerned. He would be back to his old self in a few days. Peter was skeptical but Helen trusted that this was true and tried to stay calm in spite of the dire circumstances.

That evening, Luison sat alone in the kitchen with a book on pharmacology and his medicine kit. Reading the effects of various drugs, Satisfied he was on the right course, he increased the dosage within his special tea, expecting it would regulate Lucas's mood and thereby alleviate Helen's anxiety as well. He was sadly mistaken.