Bill came back with Lee just behind him. Lee informed them that Fiona found the news very shocking and yes, this warranted an emergency meeting at 7:00 pm. She was not going to put up with this scoundrel. This meant that Lee had to run back to the office and have Rosemary get busy with fliers to hand out to the children as they left school.

"All right, it's a plan and I'm off to help Rosemary with this right now, Lee said, "we only have a few hours."

As he left, in came Mr. Walden. "So let's not waste anytime, and get to the point." huffed Walden.

"Please have a seat," offered Nathan.

"No, I'm a busy man" Walden stated. "Do you truly need to know my plans now? I rather not go into details".

At this Bill spoke up, "Why yes we do Walden, we have some ordinances and by-laws that our town council will need to reference for approval of any new business that seeks to open up here in Hope Valley."

With that, Walden cleared his throat and looking away began, "As you might not be aware of Mr. Bouchard has sold his shares back over to the Gowen Petroleum. I understand Mr. Gowen is out of town currently, but has left his foreman, Mike Hickam in charge. However, I am confident that Henry Gowen will return and begin with the new pipeline".

"What does this have to do with the saloon"? Nathan asked.

"If you let me continue," Walden snorted, "this new venture means more men arriving to town seeking employment. I know how hard a job this entails, and I expect these men will desire some much needed enjoyment, if you know what I mean".

"Oh NO sir"! Bill stated emphatically. This is a reputable family oriented town, there will be no trouble here."

"WAIT"! Nathan quickly jumped in, "exactly what kind of enjoyment are you suggesting'?

With a twinkle in eye, Walden asked, "What do you think? The saloon will continue to be a social place for those who like to gamble, casino games, spirits will be offered, but no meals. I have already talked to my manager about having Ravenous Roxy come and do her 'act' and also the Dancing Dames. It will be an oasis for the tired weary men to relax. Nothing wrong with that, eh"?

"Well, we'll certainly see about that"! Bill stood up. "Our town council is meeting tonight at 7 pm at Abigail's Cafe. You are going to have to explain this to the townsfolk".

With that, Nathan too stood up and thanked Walden for obliging and coming over and reiterated what Bill told him about by-laws and ordinances.

"See you tonight, Mr. Walden," Nathan nodded. With that Walden grumbled and left.

"That is not going to happen here," Bill warned. "I will see to it." Bill suggested that he go back to his office to double-check the ordinance and by-laws to see what if anything could be thrown at Walden's plan.

Nathan knew when Lucas first came here, he had complaints from townsfolk about the noise level coming out of the saloon. Not only the noise, but the lateness of the hour of his business kept many awake too late at night. Lucas finally agreed with Mayor Abigail a compromise to only stay open longer on Friday and Saturday nights. It was that upsetting situation that prompted the town council to put into place legal ordinances concerning these concerns. Would that be enough to stop Walden?

Shortly that afternoon Nathan walked over to Bill's office where he found him pouring over the laws. The two of them found one more by-law that would help them plead their case. There was an ordinance that prohibited lewd behavior and intoxication. Of course gambling was frowned upon and absolutely no prostitutes or outlaws. So, now to shut this plan down of Walden's before he opened!

Lee and Rosemary came over with the fliers all ready to go out.

She rambled, "Oh, I am so upset with Lucas, I could ring his neck! What was he thinking. The point is he wasn't thinking, he is skipping town and just left us all. Oh my, what will happen to Elizabeth, this is just terrible"!

Nathan locked eyes with Rosemary and shook his head. Rosemary knew that Elizabeth had turned down Nathan's romantic intentions and grieved for her dear friend. "I'll go to the school with Lee, and hand out the fliers. After the children leave, I'll take care of telling Elizabeth what is happening and why. She will need her best friend, I can guarantee that."

With a sigh of relief, Nathan responded, "Rosemary, thank you so much, I was dreading telling Elizabeth. It's going to be very hard for her and for me as I have to pick up Allie, so I'll be there."

With that, Rosemary gave Nathan a kiss on the cheek, "You just take care of yourself."