Abigail watched her niece, looking out the window as Bill and Nathan headed toward the Jail.

Uh oh. That could complicate things. Not wanting to jump to any conclusions, she kept her thoughts to herself for now. If there was an attraction on anyone's part, Nathan, Elizabeth, and Beth could work it out amongst themselves. "Beth?"

"Yes, Aunt Abby?"

"I was just about to make Cody something to eat. Would you like anything?" Abigail asked, smiling at the pink tinge on the girl's cheeks.

Her niece nodded, glancing back out the window. "Constable Grant seems very nice, doesn't he?" Beth asked innocently.

"Yes, from everything I've heard about him, he is very nice," Abigail agreed, now certain of her niece's feelings. "I believe he has a niece about Cody's age. Well, he adopted her, so she is his daughter now."

"Oh, that's so sweet," Beth cooed before grabbing her bag and starting for the stairs. "I'm going to put my things away, and then I'll be back down."

"Okay, sweetheart. Take your time and get settled in."

"Thank you, Aunt Abby," Beth said, dropping her bags and hugging her. "I think I'm really going to like it here." Then she hurried up the stairs. Abigail let out a sigh and shook her head before focusing on preparing dinner.

Meanwhile, Bill and Nathan made it over to the jail. As they walked inside, Nathan sank into his chair, his hands going at once to his hair.

"Bill, I just don't get it!" he grumbled. "Why in the world would she allow this to go on? How could she keep something like this from all of us, you and me especially? She not only put herself in danger but risked her son and so many others. Who knows what else could have happened?!"

When Bill didn't immediately respond, Nathan looked up and asked gruffly, "Aren't you going to say anything?"

The older man shrugged. "I figured I would let you vent your feelings before we moved on to finding a solution. Are you done?"

Nathan sighed and nodded, "Yeah, I think I am."

"What did headquarters say?" Bill asked, settling back into his chair.

"I spoke to Patrick, and he told me that since there weren't direct threats, all we can do is keep watch. He wants a list to review of the people associated with Lucas here in Hope Valley. He also suggested that we ensure Elizabeth is never in a place where they can catch her alone. We are to watch the situation and keep him posted. His theory is that the Bouchards will either get desperate and make a move or decide to give up on whatever game they are playing. He hopes they will realize they are in over their heads here and move on, for their own self-preservation." He was quiet for a moment then slammed his hands down on the desk. "It just makes me so angry that Elizabeth let it get this far. It hurts that she not only didn't trust me but impeded my ability to do my job as the town's Constable."

"I understand, Nathan, I do," Bill assured him. "I just hope you aren't going to let this come between you two."

Nathan glared sullenly across the desk. "Right now, the only thing I'm thinking about is trying to handle the situation with Lucas. After that, Elizabeth and I can sort through the rest."

Bill was quiet for a moment before he gently spoke. "Nathan, Elizabeth wanted me to tell you that she really is sorry for everything and realizes she was wrong."

Nathan sighed. "I'm sure she is, but there are so many issues involved now. I don't want to talk about it, about "us", anymore. Let's just focus on protecting Elizabeth and Jack for now."

Bill nodded. "We can do that. Charlotte and Julie are moving in with Elizabeth while Tom stays at the saloon. Abigail suggested that Jack be watched at the café instead of at the row house, since there are more people around." He paused, grinning. "Julie and Charlotte are going to work with Elizabeth at the school for the time being. That ought to make lessons really interesting."

"Ah yes, the infamous Abigail Stanton," Nathan said with a smirk. "Wasn't she the woman in your office the other day? The one that you said was 'an old friend'?" Nathan teased. He hadn't missed how Bill looked and acted around her.

"She was, and now she's back in Hope Valley, hopefully for good this time," Bill replied. "Her son Cody is Robert's age, and her niece Bethany looks to be about Julie's age."

"You mean Beth," Nathan corrected, "She prefers Beth, remember?"

"I didn't pay attention, but it appears you did," Bill said, a bit amused. He was more than happy to turn the tables back on his friend.

Nathan rolled his eyes and said, "I'm just being observant."

The reddening on his cheeks told a different story. The girl was attractive and had clearly liked what she saw in the constable. Though Bill still hoped that Elizabeth and Nathan would find their way, he meant what he had told Nathan- he and Allie deserved to be happy, however that came to be. Elizabeth had kept him dangling for too long and had taken his love for granted, all her waffling back and forth only adding to his pain. Perhaps she needed to see another woman's interest in Nathan and the possibility that she might lose him. It just might push her out of her comfort zone enough to conquer her fears. As he remembered what Nathan had said about their interaction at the pond, it seemed that her brain was beginning to understand what her heart had been trying to tell her.

Bill was determined to discuss this new situation with Abigail, because he didn't want her niece to be hurt in the process. "Not to mention, it gives me another reason to seek her out," he murmured to himself.

Nathan smirked as he overheard but let it pass without comment. "Well, I'm going to head home and let the dust settle for a bit."

Bill nodded, following him to the door. "I think that's a good idea. It's a lot to take in all at once. Let's meet after your morning rounds and we'll go from there, all right?"

"Sounds good. I'll see you in the morning at your office," Nathan replied, locking the door and starting towards the row houses.

The following day, Nathan walked Allie to school but didn't linger. Knowing that Charlotte and Julie would be with Elizabeth, he was certain she would be safe. He still needed more time before he was ready to discuss what she had told them, but when Elizabeth offered a tentative smile, he returned it and tipped his hat before heading to the livery. It was the best he could offer at the moment as he tried to calm his roiling emotions. In addition to the pain, there was also a wave of underlying anger that he realized last night had been building for a while. He was angry with Elizabeth and Lucas but also mad at himself. He needed to apologize for lashing out yesterday, but he wasn't sure he was ready for the conversation it would lead to. Nathan pushed any further thoughts on the matter to the back of his mind, quickly saddling Newton and heading out to start his rounds.

Elizabeth had stood by while Julie ushered the children into the classroom, tears welling in her eyes as she watched Nathan's retreating back. Charlotte put a comforting arm around her. "He needs more time, Lizzie. Let him have that, and when he's ready to talk, he'll come to you," she soothed. "But from here on out, you can't keep things from him. You have to earn his trust again."

Elizabeth sighed, "I know, but it's just so hard. I realized last night that not only have I put him through so much misery, I made the situation worse by trying to protect everyone."

"Well, there's no sense crying over spilled milk. We need to clean it up and move forward from here," Charlotte consoled. "Speaking of crying, remind me later to tell you about my poker game with Luke," she added with a wink and a grin.

"I can't wait to hear how that went," Elizabeth laughed as they walked into the school.

Lucas had seen Nathan return from rounds and head over to see Bill. He had no doubt what their topic of conversation was, catching the icy glare Nathan had cast his direction before going into the judge's office.

He heard his mother come out onto the balcony to stand beside him. "Good morning, Mother."

"Good morning. What has put that sour look on your face?" she asked.

"I believe Elizabeth has informed everyone of our previous "conversations". Constable Grant is talking to Judge Avery right now, and considering the look he sent this way, I'm sure they will come calling soon," Lucas replied with a heavy sigh. "Any ideas on how we proceed?"

"I believe another visit to Elizabeth is in order, but I think we will have a greater chance of success if I go alone. We must wait to see what the others do before we react. It's always best to have all the information before one responds to a threat," Helen surmised.

"I agree, but I don't know approaching Elizabeth right now is a good idea, if you can even find an opportunity," Lucas argued. "I saw her sister and Charlotte Thornton walking her to school and I doubt they were just dropping her off."

"Just leave everything to me, Lucas. I know what needs to be done," Helen retorted, dismissing his words. "This isn't over yet, my son, not by a long shot." They turned to watch Nathan head back to the jail while Bill crossed the street to the café.

Bill walked into Abigail's, hoping to grab a cup of coffee and a late breakfast. He had been on the phone with Patrick first thing this morning, giving him the list of Lucas's known associates in Hope Valley. He got there just as Abigail was closing to prepare lunch.

"Bill, I was wondering when you would come up for air," Abigail chided gently. "Have you eaten yet?"

"No, I haven't," he grumbled. "I was on the phone with O'Reilly discussing our current situation and then met with Nathan after his rounds."

"Let me fix you something while you tell me about it," Abigail offered. "Why don't you make us some coffee."

Seated at the kitchen prep table, he began to fill her in. "Patrick thinks we should loop Sam Collins in, since it involves Elizabeth."

Abigail turned to face him. "I think he's right, and I also think I'm going to give William and Grace Thatcher a call—in case Julie hasn't already done so."

"That's certainly not a bad idea," Bill nodded. "I'm struggling with the urge to go over to the saloon and….". Bill couldn't finish the sentence, his control slipping. "This all just reinforces how Jack's death changed our Elizabeth. I never would have thought she would let someone manipulate her the way Bouchard did," he added, choking up as he recalled what she told them and what Charlotte had seen and heard.

Abigail placed a plate of food in front of him before taking the seat across from him. Reaching across the table, she took his hand in hers. "I know, and I understand what you mean. But now we have to help her deal with this. Nothing irreparable has happened yet."

Looking around, he lowered his voice to ask, "Where is Bethany?

"Oh, I introduced her to Faith, and just as I hoped, she's hired her as our new nurse. Beth seems to like Hope Valley and would like to stay," Abigail announced, then her face fell. "I'm wondering if it has as much to do with our Mountie as the town, though."

"I was going to ask you if you'd noticed there appears to be some interest there," Bill replied. "Given everything else that has happened lately, does it worry you?"

"Oh, I noticed alright. I wouldn't say I'm worried so much as I will remain watchful. I know Nathan's heart isn't available, and it puts me in a bit of a pickle because of my relationships with both Elizabeth and Bethany. For now, I don't think that there's any need to interfere. The best course of action is to let the parties involved figure it out," she declared.

"It might be good for Elizabeth to see what it's like on the other end of the triangle," Bill suggested. "Nathan shouldn't just stand around and continue to wait in the wings for her to figure things out."

Abigail shrugged. "I agree to a point, but I don't want to see anyone get hurt," she replied. "I will say, it will be interesting to see how everything plays out."

"I think you're right. Thanks for breakfast," Bill said, reluctantly getting to his feet. "I'd better call Sam, and then I have some briefs to review before court tomorrow."

"See you later, Bill," she called cheerfully as he headed for the door. As she watched him walk away, she felt a bit of their old attraction stirring up again. 'Maybe there's a few other things worth exploring," she thought with a grin.