Bill, Nathan and Lee walked out of the office and over to the Queen of Hearts. As Mr. Walden was stepping out of his car, he looked over to them and inquired, "Good day gentlemen, what can I help you with"?

Bill wasted no time with his inquiry, "Mr. Walden, I am Judge Bill Avery, and I'd like to introduce my friends, Constable Nathan Grant and Lee Coulter, proprietor of the Coulter Lumber Company."

"Yes, yes I know. How do you do gentlemen, again, is there something I can help you with or are you the town's welcoming committee"? Walden smirked.

Bill continued, "As I was starting to say, we are here to ask you about the sale of this property. It has come to our attention that Lucas Bouchard has sold you this saloon. Is this correct"?

"Yes, it is, and I have come here to check out my purchase and account for everything Mr. Bouchard and I have agreed to. So, if you don't mind, please allow me to go about my business." Walden snapped.

"Certainly, we will leave shortly but it is imperative that we know what your intention is for this property," Nathan interjected. "I need to report to our Mayor Fiona Miller and the town council regarding your future plans."

"I beg your pardon, may I have a chance to settle in, before I give you any further information"? retorted Walden.

"Actually, we need to know before you do just that," Nathan cautioned. "We need to address any concerns beforehand, so please, come over to the NWMP office within the hour". Nathan replied, "We would appreciate your compliance."

Walden growled, "I'll be there when I'm ready," as he brushed quickly past the men and took the keys out of his pocket and headed for the saloon door.

At that point, the three men walked back to Nathan's office and discussed what if anything, could be done.

"I think we need to call a town hall meeting this evening", suggested Lee. We need to let Fiona know our suspicions that this is not a good thing – in fact I think we will have a hostile atmosphere in this town. He seems to be ready for battle".

"Listen Lee, Nathan directed, "please take a moment and visit Fiona now at the barber shop to give her a quick run down of the situation. If she agrees to hold the meeting tonight, than let's get Rosemary involved in printing up a quick flier. If we can get these printed up before school lets out, we can send the notices out with the children.

Looking at Bill he asked, "Can we meet at Abigails tonight"?

"Yes, I'll let Minnie know to put a sign up and let any customers know there will be no dinner served tonight, but to make sure to come to the town meeting. I'll go over there now, before she finishes serving lunch."That's a good first step" agreed Bill, but we still need to talk to him first for us to know exactly what his intentions are, we'll be back".

As both men left, Nathan took a deep breath. Somehow he would need to tell Elizabeth what all that transpired in the last 24 hours. He was not looking forward to this and even considered asking Bill to handle it being be so awkward for him. How would he begin? Could he look into her beautiful face and not hold her as she took in the news?!

This latest development had him actually very concerned with his leaving Hope Valley to visit his mother. The visit would have to wait, but not for long as he wasn't going to disappoint Allie. She was way too excited and he needed time to tell her about Elizabeth. That was something he wanted to ease her into once they were up north as he felt that being with her grandmother would help.

His mother, Emily, was gruff on the outside, but tender as a baby on the inside just like most German mothers are. They don't like to be figured out and keep their demeanor as a shield so no one could enter their heart. Deep down inside though his mother was a teddy bear, but a fierce mother bear should any of her 'cubs' be threatened or hurt.

A big smile came to his face when he thought about what a wonderful cook she was! Allie would finally taste some good home cooked meals with a taste of German cuisine. Emily was a cook in the old country but now she still loved to cook for her family whenever they came. Nathan was really excited about taking Allie there and he prayed to God for guidance in getting this inquiry with Walden done and settled and for help with how he would approach Elizabeth.