Second Chances for Nathan

Chapter 3

Bill wanted to catch Nathan before he left town, so he made a mental note that it had to be tomorrow while Allie was at the last day of school. He too was finishing up at his office for the day and headed for Abigail's. He knew the dinner rush would be coming soon and he had to relieve Minnie. She was a Godsend for Bill, besides being a great cook! He was so thankful that she offered to work there with Clara working part time at the cafe, and part time at the dress shop. Bill enjoyed cooking and had quite a following, but he had to admit the ladies brought in their regular customers too.

As he walked towards the cafe he noticed a bit of commotion going on just outside. He entered into the busy, bustling cafe where Clara and Millie were both rushing around, waiting tables and cooking all at the same time.

"There you are," yelled Clara relieved, we have been swamped!"

Millie also chimed in, I don't know if it's our cooking, but something's going on, so hurry up and get in the kitchen!"

Bill hustled to the kitchen and smiled at everyone as he passed them by. "What's on the menu for tonight," he inquired, as he donned his chef's apron and washed his hands.

"My favorite soup, chicken with rice" answered Clara.

"Pot roast and biscuits are in the oven," Minnie added.

"Where do you want me first," asked Bill?

"Get more beef ready for the oven, directed Minnie.

"And chop up some vegetables for the soup too," Clara answered as they were off to serve some hot dishes to the customers.

Luckily for them, Fiona had just locked up her barber shop, Nichols and Dimes, and was going to grab some dinner when she too saw the people gathered outside the cafe. She snuck through the side door just in time, to find the ladies handing her her apron.

"No time to waste," Bill nodded hello with a sigh of relief, "please see if you can help clear and freshen the tables for the new customers waiting".

"Sure thing boss", Fiona reassured the crew with a big smile.

Time flew by and all the very satisfied people left little by little. Even Clara's husband, Jesse, pitched in helping with dishes as soon as he walked in. They all collapsed exhausted on the couch and chairs as they closed the cafe. After they congratulated each other for pulling together and surviving the onslaught of patrons, they wondered out loud what caused such a rush. That's when Minnie spoke up, that when her husband, Joseph came by earlier to give her a ride home, and left with only wrapped up dinner for their family instead, he told her that he saw the saloon was dark.

"Darn, I was hoping to get in a game of darts tonight" Fiona popped in, "but that's not going to happen."

Jesse confirmed, "I noticed that too and thought it odd. There wasn't any sign of life over there, not even a light on."

"Well, that really has me concerned" Bill jumped up, "I am going to talk to Nathan first thing tomorrow morning, if Lucas isn't back in town.

Again, I can't thank you all enough for everyone working together tonight, so please go home and get some rest, there's always breakfast to look forward to" he winked. With moans and groans no one had to be told twice to leave, as they headed for home.

Meanwhile, as the rest of the town was quieting down, Nathan was cleaning up the dinner dishes while Allie was getting ready for bed. Allie had talked throughout dinner non-stop about the trip to see her grandmother.

"Does Grandmother know we're coming" she impatiently asked, how long are we going to stay, when can we leave"?

"Whoa Allie, I know you're excited, but let's take this one question at a time" Nathan laughed. "I have to telegram her tomorrow first and let her know our plans. We haven't seen her in a long time, so I want to make sure she's doing well and has time for us to come up for a visit."

"But when can we go? I can't wait to see her!" Allie insisted. "Tell her I want to stay with her for a little while please!"

"All right, all right, I'll make sure she knows, and I bet she will be just as anxious to see you as you are to see her! He continued, Once I get permission from the Mountie Headquarters, we'll make definite plans and time, okay"?

"Yes", Allie gave Nathan a huge hug and said, "Thank you, thank you" and ran up the stairs to her bedroom, humming a happy little tune.

Nathan took one last long look outside and as he stared at the stars, he wondered how was he going to accept Elizabeth's rejection. What if he couldn't? His life was all in upheaval now and he didn't want to project his brokenness with Allie. There seemed to be nothing to dream about, no future to plan for. He needed this trip to see his mother as much as Allie did.

The next morning, after a restless night, and seeing Allie off to her last day of the school year, Nathan went to the stable to get Newton ready for the early morning rounds. As he walked to town he noticed that the sun was rising sooner and he could see a gorgeous sunrise. He stopped to take it in and it filled his being with a bit of peace. His world was shattered and yet he had a job to do and a beautiful daughter to take care of. His day was just beginning and he would not succumb to his sorrow.

As he pondered what might lie ahead he arrived at the stable and Newton greeted him with a warm nose snuggle and a quiet whinny. It felt comforting to be with his horse. As he brushed him he told his horse about his dilemma and Newton would snort and whinny in response, like two souls having a conversation.

Once saddled and fed, Nathan and Newton left to ride about Hope Valley and the nearby row houses, ranches, and farms. As he rode, he realized how much he was enjoying his time in Hope Valley and all the townsfolk he got to know. There was no one he didn't have a warm relationship with, except for Lucas. That man was such a charmer, he could talk a snake into dancing, but he didn't fool Nathan. There was something that just didn't settle right with him about Lucas, but he couldn't find anything in his background to open any clues, as he covered his tracks quite well. Yes, he was deeply grieved over Elizabeth's rejection of him as her suitor, but he still loved her and was concerned about her being with Lucas.

As he rode just outside of town he kept his eye out for any strange activity, but all seemed calm. Coming close to town he heard the school bell calling the students in for the last day before summer planting season. In front of the jail, Bill was waiting for him, so he secured Newton outside and they entered his office.

"Good morning Nathan," Bill started, "I've got to talk to you, it's important, you've got a minute"?

"Sure Bill, come in and have a seat" Nathan gestured to the chair.

"Look, I was coming to tell you yesterday when Elizabeth showed up, and after that feisty exchange, I just decided it best to wait. What I wanted to tell you is that I think something is going on with Lucas and the saloon. I saw him throwing his belongings in his car. There wasn't much going on over there and it caught my eye."

"Did you see anyone leave with him?" questioned Nathan.

"No, just him, but if you look, there's no activity there. Abigail's cafe was extremely busy last night and even though I had a lot of help, it was barely enough to keep up. We didn't know why, until we closed and began to talk among ourselves. It seems the place was empty – dark actually, not even a light on upstairs."

"You know, Elizabeth said that she saw Lucas driving out of town, but he didn't wave at her when she came out of the library. She was trying to get in there after she left here yesterday, and was upset that Lucas didn't answer. I brushed it off as him possibly going for an errand to get food for the dinner crowd. Apparently, he never came back?" Nathan pondered.

"I think we need to go over there now and see what we can figure out" answered Bill.

Both men headed straight to the Queen of Hearts Saloon. As suspected, the doors were locked and the place seemed vacant. Lucas was nowhere to be seen. They walked around the building seeing if anything was out of place and nothing was, but they did notice that Lucas's car was not parked behind the saloon either. Apparently he never came back. Something wasn't right and they both were alarmed.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Bill asked Nathan.

"Well, if you're thinking that Lucas left Hope Valley, and not just for a food run, yep" agreed Nathan.

"He said business was slowing down, so I bet he skipped town." Bill surmised. "You know I never quite knew what to think of him, but he always gave me a feeling that I should keep an eye on him."

Once seated back at the jail, Nathan continued, "Bill, you know that Wyman character who took Jesse's money for a supposed investment, has been trying to buy up property in Hope Valley. He is quite the shady character and even tried to make a deal with Fiona, but as you can tell, she takes no guff and gave him the what for."

Bill laughed, "That's the Fiona we know and love. Good for her. Listen I'm going to see if any transactions have been made recently with this Mr. Walden. I have a feeling he offered Lucas a good sum of money and knowing Lucas, he took his offer and ran."

Nathan looked at Bill, "I'm sure that he didn't say goodbye to Elizabeth, so let's see what we come up with before we ask her any questions".

With that news, his day was starting out much different than he planned. Nathan didn't know much about Wyman Walden, but he figured he was trouble. When Bill left, Nathan called the Mountie Headquarters and asked if there was any information on Walden and found that he could be a swindler but got away with his deals as nothing had proven illegal. Thinking to check if there were any accidents or mishaps in the area, just in case Lucas ran off the road or was injured, he found nothing was reported. Before he hung up he also mentioned that he wanted to take some time off soon to check on his mother and would get back to them with a time. Right now though, he had to get to the bottom of this new revelation.

It wasn't long before Bill came in the door to talk again with Nathan. Nathan had just hung up with Mountie headquarters and looked with anticipation for Bill's discovery.

"Yes, there was a purchase of the saloon, '' Bill said without even a hello, "I just knew it, Lucas has skipped town and who did he sell it to? None other than Wyman Walden! That lousy son of a gun!"

"That is what I was afraid of, Nathan informed Bill, I just got off the phone with headquarters and asked to check if there were any accidents or mishaps, but none were reported. Only the good Lord knows where he is now!"

Bill nodded his head, "That's the problem, we have no lead yet, but in all fairness the deal is legitimate and Walden is now the proud owner of the Queen of Hearts. Damn. Before Lucas bought it, Henry and I wanted to purchase it. If I had only known I would've asked Lee and approached Lucas. I doubt we would've been able to pay what Walden did, but I sure would've liked to try."

"I plan on talking to Walden as soon as he shows up. We need to talk to him about this, before he moves in." Nathan advised.

"I'm with you there buddy, if you or I see him come into town, let's get to him right away. This isn't going to be pretty." Bill warned. "I'm going to talk to Lee about this now."

When Bill left, Nathan's thoughts went right to Elizabeth. How would she handle this? It was clear from yesterday when she was looking for Lucas, that she didn't know where he was. Today she had to be busy being the last day of school before summer break, he figured, and hadn't had a chance to look for him.

He knew it wasn't his business, she had made it clear that she wasn't interested in pursuing a relationship with Nathan, but he truly loved her and his heart felt for her. Yet, he had to protect himself from caring too much. The hurt from yesterday had cut him to the core. How could she say she was "looking for Jack" in him? It was bad enough that she told him she wasn't in love with him, but to say that - well, that just added salt to the wound.

He was more than a Mountie, he was a good-hearted, loving man who took care of his niece when his beautiful sister passed away and Allie's own father deserted her! He loved her enough to adopt her for heaven's sake! Didn't Elizabeth see how devoted an uncle, now father he was? Didn't she see what a family man he would be for all them including LJ?

If her fear prevented her from loving him, he had even offered to leave the Mounties, but no, she wouldn't hear of it. Elizabeth was always running, running scared from her own feelings and into Lucas's arms.

Nathan snapped out of his thoughts when he heard Bill rushing in yet again. Lee was with him and the two of them were very determined to buy the Queen of Hearts Saloon come hell or high water. Lee had promised to Rosemary to build her a stage and that dream was forefront in his mind right this minute. Lee was searching for something more than owning a lumber mill, he wanted to explore other opportunities. Bill too wanted to continue hosting an entertainment venue for the families who enjoyed their movie night that Lee had made a reality for the townsfolk. Besides, Bill, Nathan and even Carson had plucked a few strings together in their men's time at the saloon. Yes, this was going to be great for Hope Valley!

"Look," Lee said, "let's not get ahead of ourselves, I need to know what he paid Lucas first, but I'm confident that I can match it, or even add to it if need be."

"Hey listen," Bill added, I still have that money and I'm also selling some of my land," so it won't be all on your shoulders Lee."

"I'm sure Walden will be in town any minute now, Nathan jumped in, "so we'll get this taken care of as soon as we can." Just as he was finishing, they all heard the rumble of a car and looked out to see Wyman Walden parking in front of the Queen of Hearts.

Bill, Nathan and Lee walked out of the office and over to the Queen of Hearts. As Mr. Walden was stepping out of his car, he looked over to them and inquired, "Good day gentlemen, what can I help you with"?

Bill wasted no time with his inquiry, "Mr. Walden, I am Judge Bill Avery, and I'd like to introduce my friends, Constable Nathan Grant and Lee Coulter, proprietor of the Coulter Lumber Company."

"Yes, yes I know. How do you do gentlemen, again, is there something I can help you with or are you the town's welcoming committee"? Walden smirked.

Bill continued, "As I was starting to say, we are here to ask you about the sale of this property. It has come to our attention that Lucas Bouchard has sold you this saloon. Is this correct"?

"Yes, it is, and I have come here to check out my purchase and account for everything Mr. Bouchard and I have agreed to. So, if you don't mind, please allow me to go about my business." Walden snapped.

"Certainly, we will leave shortly but it is imperative that we know what your intention is for this property," Nathan interjected. "I need to report to our Mayor Fiona Miller and the town council regarding your future plans."

"I beg your pardon, may I have a chance to settle in, before I give you any further information"? retorted Walden.

"Actually, we need to know before you do just that," Nathan cautioned. "We need to address any concerns beforehand, so please, come over to the NWMP office within the hour". Nathan replied, "We would appreciate your compliance."

Walden growled, "I'll be there when I'm ready," as he brushed quickly past the men and took the keys out of his pocket and headed for the saloon door.

At that point, the three men walked back to Nathan's office and discussed what if anything, could be done.

"I think we need to call a town hall meeting this evening", suggested Lee. We need to let Fiona know our suspicions that this is not a good thing – in fact I think we will have a hostile atmosphere in this town. He seems to be ready for battle".

"Listen Lee, Nathan directed, "please take a moment and visit Fiona now at the barber shop to give her a quick run down of the situation. If she agrees to hold the meeting tonight, than let's get Rosemary involved in printing up a quick flier. If we can get these printed up before school lets out, we can send the notices out with the children.

Looking at Bill he asked, "Can we meet at Abigails tonight"?

"Yes, I'll let Minnie know to put a sign up and let any customers know there will be no dinner served tonight, but to make sure to come to the town meeting. I'll go over there now, before she finishes serving lunch."That's a good first step" agreed Bill, but we still need to talk to him first for us to know exactly what his intentions are, we'll be back".

As both men left, Nathan took a deep breath. Somehow he would need to tell Elizabeth what all that transpired in the last 24 hours. He was not looking forward to this and even considered asking Bill to handle it being be so awkward for him. How would he begin? Could he look into her beautiful face and not hold her as she took in the news?!

This latest development had him actually very concerned with his leaving Hope Valley to visit his mother. The visit would have to wait, but not for long as he wasn't going to disappoint Allie. She was way too excited and he needed time to tell her about Elizabeth. That was something he wanted to ease her into once they were up north as he felt that being with her grandmother would help.

His mother, Emily, was gruff on the outside, but tender as a baby on the inside just like most German mothers are. They don't like to be figured out and keep their demeanor as a shield so no one could enter their heart. Deep down inside though his mother was a teddy bear, but a fierce mother bear should any of her 'cubs' be threatened or hurt.

A big smile came to his face when he thought about what a wonderful cook she was! Allie would finally taste some good home cooked meals with a taste of German cuisine. Emily was a cook in the old country but now she still loved to cook for her family whenever they came. Nathan was really excited about taking Allie there and he prayed to God for guidance in getting this inquiry with Walden done and settled and for help with how he would approach Elizabeth.