A/N TRIGGER WARNING! TRIGGER WARNING! TRIGGER WARNINGS!

For the next several chapters, there will be violence and threats of it, though not a lot of description, as things begin to come to a head between the Syndicate, The Thorntons, and the Mounties. Assume there is a warning until further notice. No sexual assaults will be involved though it may appear as a threat.


Nathan and Patrick were sitting in his study talking to Jameson when the call from Gabe came in. Gabe spoke briefly with Nathan filling him in. Nathan hung up and turned to the other men.

"Well, one mystery is solved, at least. But now we have an even bigger issue," Nathan said.

"What's happened?" Patrick asked.

"William Thatcher and Chief Superintendent Collins arrived tonight in Hope Valley," Nathan said, running his hand through his hair before continuing. "But he said there is a mole in your office. It's why he didn't call you about the arrangements. The two of them will be resting tonight and heading here tomorrow. The plan is for us to meet them where we met Jack and Allie.

"So, my office won't be safe for us to operate from then," Patrick said, clearly shocked to find out someone close to him had betrayed him and put those he loved at risk.

"That reminds me of something I wanted to mention. The day Elizabeth Thornton was taken, there were two Mounties on the train that we were not aware of. Something was off about them, but I can't put my finger on it." Jameson said.

"What do you mean?" Nathan asked.

"We knew all the Mounties that were traveling on the train as part of the protocol. But they weren't on the list we were given during our mission briefing." Jameson answered.

"Maybe that was just a miscommunication," Patrick said. "I can't see the syndicate using their Mounties out in the open like that. They would run the risk of exposing them if they did."

Nathan sat there for a minute, and anger grew as a realization set in. Looking at Jameson, he said, "I would if they were trying to gain the trust of Elizabeth and Jack."

At Patrick's questioning glance, he said, "Jack has a natural draw to someone wearing a red Serge. He would naturally trust anyone wearing it."

"Nathan's right, Patrick; he couldn't resist going over to our men dressed in uniform. Elizabeth would also be very trusting of them without a reason to suspect she was in danger."

"She would have expected if there was a problem, Bill or I would have told her regardless of what happened between us," Nathan said, his eyes becoming like icy steel. "Which people in Hope Valley are well aware of."

"You're suggesting that Lucas Bouchard is part of this?" Patrick asked.

"I'm not suggesting it, Patrick; I'm stating it as fact. He has commented about Jack's obsession with anything Mountie and other recent comments regarding Elizabeth and the uniform."

"If someone is in my office helping, it might explain some of our miscommunications. Did Sam mention anyone specific?" Patrick asked, scowling.

"His sources said a Corporal Lansing," Nathan replied, watching as Patrick's face went ashen.

"What is it, Patrick?" Jameson asked

"He has been the one handling all the information on the protection details. He was present during most of our conversations, Nathan. He is the one that's in charge of comparing all the lists of those who might have a reason to seek revenge on Jack Thornton's family." Patrick said, feeling his anger rise.

"Does he know that the children are here, Patrick? Did you discuss that with anyone else?" Nathan asked.

"No, as far as I know, he isn't aware of it. I'm sorry, Nathan, but unfortunately, I can't be sure because he could have overheard."

"I need to call bill and let him know all about this," Nathan said.

"I think it's a good idea. Nathan, we may want to delay moving William until we can determine if it's still safe here." Jameson said.

"I need to go let Carol know about this," Patrick said before turning to the other man. "Jameson, can you see if the others recall anything about those Mounties?"

"Sure, I can let you know tomorrow," he replied. The two men walked out then, leaving Nathan to call Bill. He wasted no time with small talk when the older man answered.

"Bill, Patrick said Lansing was present for and helped coordinate all of the details along with all of the communications of this case. Though Patrick never said anything to him about the children, he could have overheard conversations about them. He could know about the children and even William Thatcher left Hamilton and whom he is traveling with." Nathan said.

"I think until we investigate, we probably need to delay moving William then," Bill said quickly, seeing the issue at hand. "I don't want to risk any more people falling into the hands of the syndicate. How were the children when you got to them?"

"They seem tired, but I think they'll be okay. It's good they have each other as they go through all of this together, though." Nathan said, thinking of the kids upstairs sleeping.

"You realize, Bill, that they know that we suspect that there's a connection with Jack behind this, right?"

"I do. But that doesn't bother me as much as catching this Lansing does. Any ideas?" Bill asked.

"Maybe," Nathan said. "What if we set a trap for them?"

"What do you have in mind?" Bill asked.

"What if Patrick goes into his office as normal and baits Lansing that William is coming to Union City tomorrow? Then we arrange to meet at the location, so we know he was the leak when people arrive for William, and we arrest him." Nathan said.

"Then, we can make him talk," Bill grimly said.

"Bill, do you fancy a little undercover work?" Nathan asked with a sly smile.

"Why yes, I do, Nathan. You're thinking I dress up as William and Collins, and I drive to Union City?"

"I am, indeed," Nathan said. "I think that it will be the easiest to definitively neutralize him."

"Let me touch base with Collins, and then I will call you back with a specific time," Bill said.

"Sounds good, Bill. Oh, before I forget, Jameson mentioned that on the train that there were two Mounties that were unaccounted for on their list during their mission briefing. We believe that they deliberately did that to be able to help lure Jack and Elizabeth away, knowing how trusting he is of them. I'm sure I don't have to tell you what that means."

"No, you don't. Lucas is definitely involved in that in that case. I remember his comments from that night at the wedding reception. He better hope I'm not the one that catches him when this all goes down," Bill said.

"Bill, I think you'll have to stand in line," Nathan paused before adding, "behind me."

Patrick returned, and Nathan filled him in on what Bill and he had discussed. "I think Jameson should come with me while you stay at work and monitor Lansing," Nathan explained.

"I think you are right, Nathan," Patrick said sadly. "I just hope we are wrong because it will tell me I was to blame for what happened to Jack's family."

"Patrick," Nathan said firmly. "Nothing is going to happen, and Elizabeth will come home safe to her son. We will find them together and bring them home."

"I hope so, Nathan," Patrick said, trying to smile.

"Patrick, I can't allow myself to settle for anything less than bringing his family back to that precious boy upstairs. The Mounties have failed the Thorntons enough by not making them aware of the danger to them. We need to focus on finding them, seeking justice for them, and ensuring everyone behind this is punished to the full extent of the law. Anything else is just a waste of time and resources, Patrick." Nathan said firmly, his jaw tensing, showing that he was internally struggling too.

"Your right, Nathan. We need to focus on what's important." Patrick said

"For the record, Patrick, it's not your fault," Nathan said. He was spared any further conversation by Bill calling back, setting up the trap for Lansing. The two men went to bed, knowing that there were a lot of things that would be happening.

Nathan peeked in and saw that Jack and Allie were still curled up together though he saw evidence that Jack had cried while Allie held him. He pulled the covers back up around them and gently kissed each little head lovingly. He quietly went to his room and got ready for bed. Only after he was settled did he allow his thoughts to turn to Elizabeth. Tears fell silently down his cheeks as he whispered, "Lord, please keep her safe until I can find her. Please show us the path that leads to where she is. I can't bear the thought of having to break my promise to our son. Help us catch all who are a danger to them." A peace settled over him, and he fell quickly asleep as he finished his prayer.

MEANWHILE, IN SHADY GROVE

Elizabeth turned white as a sheet as she recognized a familiar name. She couldn't believe that he was involved. But then, as she began thinking back to other things, she observed that it all made sense. She was brought up short as she heard them talking about moving them in the next few days. "Samuel!" Elizabeth whispered, "Charlotte!" She saw them begin to stir, "What's wrong, Lizzie?" Charlotte mumbled sleepily. "They are talking about moving us in the next day or so," Elizabeth said. Instantly she had their attention. "We need to make a move very soon. Also, I know who one of the people involved is."

"Who?" Samuel asked.

"Lucas Bouchard,"

"Wait, Lizzie, isn't that the…" Charlotte didn't finish because she could see by the look on Elizabeth's face that it was. Before she could say anything else, the door opened, and in walked Elizabeth's worse nightmare.

"Well, Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton fancy seeing you here." Charles Spurlock said, walking towards her cell.

Elizabeth didn't say anything but kept her eyes downcast so he wouldn't see her reaction to seeing him.

She could sense when he stood in front of the doors and cringed when she heard the door open. She looked up in horror as he stood only 2 inches in front of her.

"The least you could do is be friendly, Elizabeth. Is that any way to greet an old friend?" he said, reaching out and pulling her to him. She fought back, trying not to gag at the smell of his breath and unwashed body.

"Let me go, Mr. Spurlock," Elizabeth demanded.

"I don't think I will, Lizzie!" He sneered. "In fact, you're coming with me so we can get better acquainted,"

"You touch her, and it will be the last thing you do," Charlotte said. Charles Spurlock shoved her away, causing her to fall and hit her head against the floor. The last thing she saw was him getting in Charlotte's face.