(Jack's POV)

Things were starting to settle down in the Western Territories, but I sure did miss my girl. I sent Beth letters when I could, and I wrote some for her to read when she was older. I decided to use this time to write about her mother and I, so she'd have pieces of Elizabeth to know her by when she grew up.

I also couldn't stop thinking about Margaret, and wondered about who she was. I had spent the past five years dedicated to my work, my town, and my daughter, I figured I could finally open up again to the potential of letting someone into my heart once more. Whether it be Margaret or someone else.

When Francine came to town as the new teacher, everyone speculated that we'd become romantically involved, but quite the opposite. It was hard seeing someone take Elizabeth's place, which just made me miss her more. While we did become friends, since Francine was Beth's teacher and all, there was nothing more going on between us.


"Constable, there's been a robbery at the General Store." One of the townspeople bursted into my office. "They took some food and then some of the hardware equipment."

"When did this happen?"

"Just a moment ago. Nobody saw them come in, but all of a sudden, some kids ran out the door, arms full of supplies."

I got out of my chair and ran over to the store. I interviewed everyone there, only to see people who matched the descriptions hiding behind one of the stores down the road.

"Gentleman, I believe you have some things that don't belong to you." One of them started to run, but the other stopped him.

"Matthew, stop, it's not worth it."

"Okay so I know one of you is Matthew, and what's your name?"

"I'm Mark. Sir- Constable, please don't arrest us. We didn't mean to cause any trouble."

"Then you can start by telling me why you stole?" They both looked like they were around 16. That awkward age where you're "all grown up" but still just kids.

"With everything going on in town here, not many families have a lot of money. Matthew's included. We were going to go door-to-door and give people what they needed."

"Well that's very Robin Hood-esc of you, but stealing will just make the store have less money too."

Matthew shrugged next to his friend and mumbled. "Guess I didn't really think about that."

"Matthew James! What are you doing?!" A voice in the distance yelled. As the person got closer, I realized it was none other than Margaret Williams.

"Mrs. Williams, these two were just…" I looked over at the two, and could tell Matthew felt guilty about doing the wrong thing. I had a choice to make in that instant, and I had to hope I wouldn't regret it. "Trying to do a nice thing for the town. I purchased these goods to prepare for my arrival, and realized I didn't actually need them. Thought the town could use them more, and Mark & Matthew offered to help give everything away for me."

"Hmmm, sounds suspicious. But knowing my boy isn't in any trouble is good enough for me." She turned to the two teens. "Mark, you should be getting home to your folks, and Matthew, we're gonna have a chat. Good day, Constable."

"Good day, Mrs. Williams."

Everyone dispersed, and I brought everything back to the store, and restored the peace.

These people didn't trust easily and I didn't blame them. Crime had just started to settle down, but neighbors didn't even trust each other at this point. It was such an unfortunate situation, and I wanted to find a way to help. What would Elizabeth do?