Elizabeth and Nathan: A shared journey to love and healing.

Chapter 12: Before the gathering Storm- PART 2

As the color drained from his face Nathan could only get out "how?" Bill quickly hurried on.

"You know in the academy we are assigned to mentor the young graduates, right?" When Nathan nodded, he continued.

"Well mine was Andrew Hargraves."

Nathan felt the humiliation crash over him in waves. "Am I to have no peace " he thought. He was so deep in thoughts he didn't hear Bill call his name at first. Bill's heart was breaking for the young man in front of him and a protectiveness he only had for a few people he could count in two hands expanded to include Nathan. There was only one of the Mountie he felt that way for and that was the reason he was still in Hope Valley.

"Nathan" Let me explain and then we can discuss it. This is not about berating you but I think it's something we will have to deal with okay?" He just nodded.

Before Bill could say anything else Abigail walked in. "Ah just in time Abigail I was about to discuss my phone call with Hargrave.

Hello Nathan" Abigail said "I hope you don't feel ambushed right now because that certainly isn't our intent. However I think you would agree that the Fort Clay especially here in town has to be handled delicately but can't remain a secret. That certainly doesn't need to be treated like some dirty secret and from what I can tell this Hargraves is a real piece of work. Am I right?

"Yes he is Abigail. I just don't know why he won't leave me be. Well your not alone any more and now have the town behind you. Many of us including Elizabeth have been here since our Coal Valley days. One thing you will find is that we don't run and we stand together. So let's see what we can do to get this dog from biting your heels all the time. Before we delve in please know that we don't believe any of his malarky and are just putting the facts together okay/ She sat down beside and put her hand on on of his. It's going to be okay Nathan. Are you ready?:"

"I guess I am." He had never felt so loved by anyone except his mother. Abigail had somehow managed to dispel his fear and he could see the sincerity in her eyes. There was just something about her that made him feel like he was talking with his own. It would be so nice he thought to get rid of the Fort Clay secret once and for all. It felt like a millstone weighing one him. It had even begun to eat at his insides. He just hoped that when all was spoken, they still believed in him.

"So Andrew said that you were the one who caused Jack's death. Apparently according to his report, you had been showboating and arrested criminals you were actually meant to track but wanted the glory. He claims that you are in fact a glory hound and look for ways to feed that desire. He further said that there wasn't any reason to apprehend those rustlers and you made up the story of the 2 women with them.

He further went on to warn me that I needed to watch out for Elizabeth because you would probably be looking to try and gain access to her money. That you liked to ingratiate yourself with others for what they can do for you."

It didn't go unnoticed that Nathan looked up surprised that Elizabeth even had money. But Bill knew that even if she didn't have any he would still have feelings for her and his course wouldn't have changed.

When he rose to leave Bill stopped him and said "Nathan we don't think it's true remember? Now stop trying to run and just suit there until I finish and I assure you we will give you an opportunity though I know what he says to be lies. Believe it or not I was expecting something of the sort.

Abigail did I leave anything out?

"Yes" he said that you always acted rashly and weren't to be trusted with important stuff and that he was working on a way to rid the Mounties of your presence. There was one last thing too that I want to know the truth Nathan?

"Why are you here?

Well, I guess I need to start at the beginning. He is right I am responsible for jack's death at least indirectly.

.How so?"

So Nathan told them all that transpired that day and the subsequent altercations.

"Nathan first you are not to blame for jack's death." Bill said firmly. "It could have been anyone that day he was replacing. "Abigail added.

"What about Elizabeth? Or Jack? Are they going to think the same thing?"

"Elizabeth may need a few days to think about it and process, but I believe she will come to the same conclusion. She is still hurting over it."

"Is she why you came to Hope Valley Nathan? Bill asked gently. Nathan could do nothing but no tears beginning to fall down his face. They waited for him to collect himself before urging him to continue. They knew this was a burden he had carried for too long and it was time to lay it down.

"When I found out that Baby jack was fatherless, I knew the only thing I could do was to come watch over them until they found someone who loved them enough to do it. I couldn't believe that the position wasn't filled yet, but I should have known given jack's reputation. But you know how a lot of the Mounties are particularly the young idealistic ones. They want adventure and danger and a fast-climbing careers. They don't want the quiet blackwood cities like Hope Valley. I was hoping that I wouldn't have to move Allie for a bit because she needs stability."

"How long has Allie been with you Nathan?" Abigail asked softly.

"Since my sister passed when she was 4. She is the light of my life though and a gift from God. She was hurt by the last… suddenly he broke off seeming to remember where he was and who he was with.

"So what happens now Bill?" "I'm going to do some digging into the records and a few friends owe me some favors. I'll need to be careful though because if he is able to hide evidence or fabricate it then more then it's bigger than we can handle and there's some others that will have to get involved.

But Nathan you're not alone anymore and w are going to quietly go on the offensive. But I think we should just gather our evidence and prepare because from the things that Andrew said he is definitely coming to Hope Valley, but we will be waiting. With that final sentence Bill's lips turned up into a grin that was just this side of being creepy. In fact, as he listened it sounded downright ominous. Sometimes Bill was scary, and he wouldn't want to be putting his wits against the former Mountie Inspector. "OH, Bill do you mind if I talk with Nathan for a minute about something privately?"

"Sure, I have a couple of things I need to do anyway at the café." He answered as he left.

Okay Nathan what is on your mind besides Fort Clay?" You will find I am a great listener and a discreet one.

Nathan agreed and poured his heart out to her. When he was finished, she said "Oh Nathan how in the world have you carried this for so long."

Let me just say I don't blame you for Jack's death at all. But I also also want to encourage to talk to Elizabeth about your concerns for Allie and your experiences in the past with teachers. You won't find another teacher who loves her students as much as her. We were blessed to have her. I also think that you won't find a better or understanding friend and I think she can use one too. She gets overwhelmed at times, and I think you can offer support to each other. Who knows it could possibly lead to more? Regardless Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton can be trusted but you have to give her the opportunity to prove it.

Now you better get going son because otherwise you'll be late. Goodnight Mayor. "Nathan call me Abigail your part of our blended family now remember?"

He smiled and said Goodnight Abigail." Giving her hand a squeeze he turned and headed home.