A/N OKAY FROM THIS CHAPTER THINGS WILL START COMING TO A HEAD! CONSIDER THIS CHAPTER THE BEGINNING OF THE SLOW STEADY CLIMB TO THE BIG DROP WE KNOW IS AT THE TOP. BY MY ESTIMATION WE HAVE ABOUT THREE CHAPTERS BEFORE WE REACH IT. I'M HOPING THAT YOU THINK THE RIDE IS AS GOOD AS I DO.

UNION CITY

Later that day, Nathan waited anxiously with Patrick for Fiona and Hickam to arrive with the children. It was getting close to dinner time, and they knew the children would be hungry and anxious. It wasn't long before they heard a car approaching the area just outside of the city. Nathan had never thought he would be so happy to see a car as he was that one. No sooner had Fiona opened the door than Allie and Jack scrambled out immediately, looking for Nathan.

"Allie! Jack!" Nathan said, running over and gathering them to him in a tight hug, so thankful they were safe and with him. "I have missed the two of you so very much," he added, tears welling up in his eyes.

"We missed you too, Dad, didn't we, Jack?" Jack just nodded, so glad to see his Mountie. Then he pulled back and seemed to be looking for someone else.

"Where's mama?" Jack said, his lip beginning to quiver when he didn't see her.

Nathan just gathered him in his arms and stood as he said, "I'm still working on that, Jack, but we will find her. There's a lot of people, including Mountie Patrick, that are helping me and Uncle Bill," as they drew near the car Nathan helped Allie get in and then handing Jack to her. He couldn't help noticing that they immediately clung to each other and scrunched down so as not to be seen.

They drove quickly back to the city and into Patrick's house. Luckily it had a high fence around it with brick walls enclosing most of it for privacy. Before long, the children were transferred safely into the house. Patrick's wife, Carol, immediately got them settled in a room next to Nathan's. It had a connecting door between them in case they were scared. When Nathan looked in on them a short time later, Jack and Allie were curled up together, sound asleep. He could see how tired they had been, and the strain of the past events had undoubtedly taken their toll on his children. He was startled for a moment, but in the next moment, he knew that it was a fact. Jack was as much his son as Allie was his daughter. Things may not be settled entirely between him and Elizabeth, but he did not doubt they would be a family. However, for now, he needed to stay focused on the task at hand. That started with finding out where they were, who was behind it, and how Lucas Bouchard fits into the picture. Because Nathan had no doubt at all that he was part of the syndicate.

MEANWHILE, IN HOPE VALLEY

Bill closed the café after the last customer left. Everyone was there except for Lee and Rosemary. She had called, though, and said they were on their way. Looking around the room at the people gathered, Bill went over what he would tell them and what had to stay hidden. He was jerked out of his thoughts by the private entrance door opening. Looking up, he saw it was Lee and Rosemary coming in. He was relieved and more than ready to get the meeting started so they could be done. Before he called it a night, he wanted to check on Nathan and the children.

"Now that everyone is here, I think we can call this meeting to order. What I am about to tell you can not leave this room, nor are you to discuss it amongst yourselves in public. Lives depend on this not getting out, understand?" Bill said, looking each person in the eye until they nodded.

"Is this about Elizabeth and Jack?" Joseph asked.

"It is, but it also involves Charlotte and Tom," Rosemary said.

"It is believed that Charlotte and Tom are being held by the same people that have Elizabeth and tried to take Jack. Now Jack and Allie are safe with Nathan, so don't worry about them. The people that have the three of them are considered very dangerous.

"I bet Lucas is somehow connected to these people." Cat Montgomery said.

"I would have to agree with you, Cat," Molly said. "He doesn't even seem concerned that Elizabeth is missing or Jack, unlike our poor Nathan."

"I hope that when she is found and returns home, she stops running from Nathan and her fear. Anyone with eyes can see how much she loves him." Cat said.

"They would be such a sweet little family together," Clara said.

"We just have to keep lifting that situation up in prayer as we all have been," Minnie said. The other women all nodded in agreement.

"If Lucas is involved, there's bound to be more. So, who else should we add to our list?" Florence asked.

"There's also that Pinkerton Spurlock is someone that needs to be watched," Joseph said. "I remember that they pulled a gun on me when I went to my cabin because I had forgotten something."

"He wasn't too happy when I looked into the land deals, and my horse was spooked by one of his trigger-happy guards," Rosemary added.

"Henry, do you think this Spurlock is somehow related to that nasty Charles Spurlock that used to work for you?" Florence asked.

"I don't recall if he had family or not, but why would he come here anyway?" Henry asked.

"Because he is the type of man that would want to seek revenge," Cat answered bluntly. "From what I've seen, this new guy may seem harmless, but there's a cold look in his eyes."

"You know now that you mention it, I did catch him once watching Elizabeth one day." Faith said. "He seemed to be looking at her with a hateful look in his eyes."

"Fiona mentioned it a few weeks ago, I had forgotten about it," Clara said.

"Why would he do that? It's not like Elizabeth had any interactions with that nasty Pinkerton or Walden. Rosemary asked.

"If the man is related to my former Pinkerton, then Cat is right. Elizabeth and Jack were responsible for putting Charles in prison for a long time. Elizabeth found out that he had framed Cat, and she had proof. Jack rescued her just before he was about to kill her. He was sentenced to 30 years and should still be behind bars." Henry said, thinking about his former employee.

"I think you all know how I feel about Walden, but you can't deny Bill that things got weird when they showed up. I don't think it's a coincidence either that they showed shortly after Lucas arrived back in town."

"Then there's that Mr. Landis, that seems to keep trying to make trouble for Elizabeth and take control of the school. It wouldn't surprise me if he were part of a scheme Lucas has to stop Elizabeth from teaching." Cat said.

"Well, he does stay in the Saloon when he arrives, so if Landis is working with Lucas, it's pretty convenient," Joseph said. "No one would even suspect anything since it's the only place in town to stay."

"We need a hotel or something when this all gets settled," Florence muttered.

"So, we must keep an eye on Spurlock, Lucas, and that nasty Walden. Bill, you need to check and see if Spurlock is still in Jail and whether he has any relatives." Molly said.

"Well, I can watch Lucas because he is still very sick." Faith said. "But when I do my rounds, I can watch for anything suspicious."

"I can watch Spurlock when I'm out doing inspections and supervising at the Mill," Jessie said.

"Ned and I have the mail, phone calls, and deliveries all covered," Florence added.

"The men can also spend more time in the saloon throughout the day eating or even playing darts," Rosemary said. "Henry, you keep an eye out for anything suspicious when checking on the derricks too. Make sure that you also let Fiona and mike know as well." Henry nodded.

"If any of you find anything, let me know, and I can be the go-between for passing the information," Rosemary said. "Is there anything else that we need to go over?" Rosemary said.

While this was happening, Bill, Gabe, and Lee just stood there watching. "I wish Nathan could have seen this," Lee said.

"Hope Valley's finest communication network in action," Bill said, chuckling. Gabe just sat there, amazed at what had just been accomplished in a short amount of time. The Mounties could take some lessons from them. For that matter, so could Brookfield.

"If you think of anything after you leave here, call me," Rosemary said. "Pastor, can you lead us in a quick prayer before we leave?"

Everyone bowed their heads as Joseph led them in prayer. "You know we should also hold a prayer vigil for Elizabeth's safe return."

"That's a wonderful idea, Joseph," Minnie said. "We can figure out the details when we get home and spread the word tomorrow."

The meeting was interrupted by a loud knock on the door. "Bill, open up. It's me."

Recognizing the voice, he quickly strode over to let them in. When he opened the door, a very tired and disheveled William Thatcher and Sam Collins stood on the doorstep.

"Bill, we need to talk," Sam said. "Things are worse than I thought."

Rosemary stepped forward and gently ushered them to a table. Before either man could say anything, they were served fresh hot coffee and muffins. Then as if by magic, all but Rosemary, Bill, Gabe, and Lee remained behind.

"How did you do that?" Sam said, looking at Bill.

"It would be hard to explain. Now, what has happened, and why are you here instead of in Union City with Patrick?"

"Just before we left, I received intel that someone in Patrick's office is working for the syndicate. That's why they have been seemingly a step ahead of the game. Luckily, I hadn't reached out yet to Patrick to give the details on moving William."

"So that's why Patrick didn't know anything about it," Bill said.

Sam nodded, then said, "I'm sure you probably suspected that I might have also been corrupt, and I wouldn't have blamed you one bit."

"I won't lie and say it hadn't been there in the back of our minds. Though we operated as if you were Patrick, I didn't think you had."

"Do you know who the mole in Superintendent O'Reilly's office could be, sir?" Gabe asked.

"From what I was told, there were three possibilities, but one name stands out to me, Corporal Lansing. He is the one who oversees all the distribution of information as well as coordinating the different investigations into people we suspect are connected. We need to call Patrick at his home and speak to him and Grant now. It's too late for us to travel to Union City tonight. I figure we can head there at first light before people are up and around. Is there someplace secure that we can bed down for the night?" Sam asked.

"Why don't we take William home with us," Rosemary said. "Would that be all right with you, William?"

"That would be fine, Rosemary. Then I can catch up on news of Elizabeth." William replied, his eyes welling up as his worry for his daughter flooded through him.

"Good, then that's all settled," Rosemary said, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder before addressing Sam. "Then we can meet you outside of town, Sam, so no one sees you together."

Looking at what William was wearing, she sighed, "Besides, his disguise needs a little work, and I'm just the person to do it. When I'm done, his own family won't recognize him. Now that I think about it, you could use one too if they are looking for you."

"You remind me of your father," Sam said. "Always thinking two steps ahead

Rosemary smiled at the compliment. "Thanks, Sam, I really appreciate that. Let me fix something more substantial for the two of you while you discuss everything. Bill, don't forget to look into Charles Spurlock and if he's connected to the current one here."

"I will, Rosemary," Bill said. "I hadn't forgotten about that." He then turned to Gabe, "Go call Nathan and fill him in about Lansing. Tell him to expect Sam and William around mid-morning. I also want you to accompany Faith on her medical rounds until further notice in case someone gets spooked. We can't afford anything to happen to her, and her rounds usually coincide with your route anyway." Gabe nodded and then went over to make the call.

Bill sat down and began to fill William and Sam in on the meeting. Sam shook his head in amazement at everything that was noted. "There are some good leads that should be followed. I think I know whom I can get the information from on Spurlock without drawing attention. As soon as I get William safely hidden, I'll get right on it. For now, my biggest concern is to flush out whether Lansing is a mole or not."

"Maybe if we can catch him, then he will give us the names of other ones," Bill said. "We must set a trap that can be easily monitored."

"That's easy," Rosemary said, bringing bowls of leftover stew and some biscuits to the table. "Simply leak information on a detail regarding William. You could say he is disguised as an older man traveling by train. Have a Mountie similar to his build disguised to resemble William. When they attempt to take him, then you'll know that this Lansing is the mole."

"It's certainly something to consider," Sam said. "But that can wait until tomorrow. I think the thing I need most after I eat is to go to bed."

Gabe came in shortly after and said, "It's all arranged, and they will be awaiting you at Patrick's home. He will work from home for a few days until we figure out what is happening."

"Sam, Gabe is staying at Nathan's house. Why don't you go with him? That way, you will be close to William. Rosemary can prepare the two of you for travel tomorrow. She has a phone, so if you need to reach Patrick or me, it's easy to do. You can ride Sargent to the rendezvous spot where I'll be waiting in your car. Rosie and Lee can bring William just before you are ready to leave. It sounds a bit convoluted, but given the circumstances, we can't be too careful at this point. There is too much at stake, and we can't afford anyone to find out that William is here. It won't appear strange for two Mounties to do rounds together. We still don't want you and William to be seen together, which is why we are doing the meet outside of town as we did for the kids."

Everyone agreed that it was a good plan. Rosemary ushered the men to the car while Lee and Gabe stashed the one Sam drove behind the Jail. Afterward, Lee and Gabe walked home, being watchful as they did. Gabe had given Sam the key so he could get in and told him to pick whichever bed he preferred. When he walked into the house, Sam was fast asleep sitting up. Gabe woke him and put him in Nathan's room while he slept in Allie's room. It had been an eventful day, and tomorrow seemed to promise another.