"Grant!" Bill's voice cut into Nathan's thoughts. Looking up, he glanced around for his boss.

"Yes, Chief?"

"Forensics has the results from that fingerprint. I need you and Coulter to go get them."

"On it," Nathan said. He slapped Lee's desk. "Let's go!"

Lee hopped up and followed Nathan to his car. As they drove to the lab, Lee eyed Nathan. "You seem particularly happy today. I assume your date went well last night?"

Nathan couldn't keep the grin from his face. "Yeah, you could say that."

Lee laughed. "You look like a love-struck puppy, Nathan. And your head has been in the clouds all day! What happened?"

Nathan's mind floated back to last night after he and Elizabeth got back to the house. Colleen had already gone to bed, and the only light in the house was a single lamp in the living room. They had quietly put their picnic items away, careful not to wake Allie or Colleen. Once everything was put away, Nathan had walked Elizabeth to her room. She laughed softly.

"I think I can find my room fine by myself," she said, a twinkle in her eyes that told him she was teasing. She leaned against the door frame, her hands behind her back.

"Of course you can," he said, matching her teasing tone. "But if I didn't walk you to your door, I couldn't do this." He leaned toward her, his arm resting next to her on the wall. He brought his lips to hers, cupping her cheek with his other hand. He was mesmerized by her sweetness, and he tried to show her with his kiss just how much he cared about her.

He pulled back gently, his face inches from hers, looking into her eyes. They smiled at each other, and Elizabeth put a hand on his cheek. "Thank you for a wonderful evening, Nathan," she said softly. She stood on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Elizabeth." She slipped into the room and quietly shut the door, shooting him one last smile before it closed.

"Nathan...Nathan! Earth to Nathan!"

He blinked back to the present. "Huh?"

Lee laughed hard, slapping his leg. "You've got it bad! You were daydreaming about Elizabeth, weren't you?"

Nathan felt his cheeks redden, which only made Lee laugh harder. "You're blushing! You were thinking about Elizabeth!"

Clearing his throat, Nathan kept his eyes on the road ahead. "Maybe."

"Maybe, my foot!" Lee exclaimed. He patted Nathan's shoulder. "That's alright, partner. You don't have to tell me about it. I can read a whole lot from that look on your face." He grinned. "Did you kiss her?"

"Coulter!"

"Alright, alright," Lee said, holding his hands up in surrender and still chuckling. "But you do realize that Rosie will get the whole story out of Elizabeth, and that means I will end up hearing about it from my dear wife whether I want to hear it or not?"

"I'm sure you will," Nathan said dryly.

They arrived at the forensics lab and walked into the building. The receptionist directed them to a small room, where they sat and waited for the head of forensics to bring his report. They didn't have to wait long.

He walked into the room, stretching out a hand to Nathan and then to Lee. "Gentlemen, nice to see you again."

"Nice to see you too, Frank," Nathan said, eyeing the folder in his hands. "You have the results for us?"

"I do," Frank said, handing it over. Nathan opened the file as Frank started the rundown. "The fingerprint belongs to one Billy Hamilton. He's had a few instances of petty theft in the past, which is why we have him in the system. Nineteen years old, high school dropout, lives with his grandfather."

"I don't suppose you have that address?" Nathan asked, scanning the file.

Frank leaned over and flipped the page, pointing to an address near the top. "Right there."

Nathan felt excitement well up inside. This was the break they had been waiting for! If they could find Billy, they would be that much closer to solving this case. "Thanks, Frank," he said, reaching over to shake his hand once more. "This has been more helpful than you know." He nodded to Lee. "Let's roll."


Elizabeth sat with Colleen in Faith's cafe for lunch. Since Colleen had her own interior design business, she controlled her schedule. Nathan had gone into work before Elizabeth woke up that morning, but she was greeted by Colleen when she walked into the living room and had promptly been invited to meet for lunch that afternoon. She had agreed happily, wanting to get to know Nathan's sister better.

Now they sat together, eating soup and salad and chatting about their lives.

Elizabeth put down her fork, staring at Colleen in amazement. "So you're telling me you struck out on your own and formed your own business at twenty-three years old?"

Colleen laughed. "Yep. It wasn't the easiest thing in the world, but I knew I was good at interior design, and I knew that's what I wanted to do with my life." She stirred her coffee with a little smile. "But life doesn't always turn out the way you think it will. I met my husband a year into building my business, and then after we married I was pregnant with Allie within a couple months. So I had a daughter to raise as well as a business to run. Steve was a wonderful help, but he had long hours at the bank, so it was a bit of a juggling act for all of us. Thankfully I was able to mostly work from home, so I could be the one raising Allie. That was important to me."

"That's very noble," Elizabeth said, smiling. "And what a story!" She hesitated before coming to her next point. "Nathan told me your husband has gone missing."

A shadow crossed Colleen's face. "Yes. Vanished without a trace." She shook her head. "But I have faith that he will show up again. Even if Nathan is sure he's...he's…" Her voice broke and tears sprang to her eyes. "I'm sorry."

Elizabeth reached out and took her hand. "Never be sorry for your feelings," she said, her gaze direct. "I understand grief. It's better to let yourself feel than to hold it inside."

Colleen wiped a tear away, smiling at Elizabeth a little sadly. "Nathan said you had a sad story from your past." She waited, allowing Elizabeth the chance to decide whether to share or not.

Elizabeth nodded. "I was engaged five years ago. His name was Jack. He was killed on a mission in Afghanistan soon after our engagement." She squeezed Colleen's hand. "For a long time I kept myself too busy to think, let alone feel. That was a mistake. It just made the grief hit harder in the long run."

Colleen sniffed. "Did it get easier?" she asked, her voice small and her meaning clear.

"It did," Elizabeth said sincerely. "For a long time I felt like my life was over. Without Jack and the life we planned together, I didn't know what to do with myself. I had to take it one day at a time. Eventually I realized life still had meaning and beauty; I had just stopped seeing it for a while. I still had my job and the beautiful babies that I work with; I still had my best friends to love and support me; I still had this wonderful town to be a part of; I still had my life. It just looked different. I had to learn how to live with the different." She smiled at Colleen. "And now I have your brother in my life, and you and Allie. My heart has expanded in ways I didn't think were possible. I didn't think I could feel anything for a man again, but Nathan has shown me that I can."

The tears were seeping from Colleen's eyes, but she wiped them away with a laugh. "I'm so glad to see my brother likes you," she said. "I've told him for a long time he deserves to be happy, and you make him happy."

Elizabeth blushed. "He makes me happy too," she said quietly.

Colleen chuckled. "Thank you for all your words, Elizabeth," she said. "I'm not ready to give up on Steve, not with there being no evidence of him being...dead." She blinked quickly, as though fighting tears. Elizabeth had a feeling she hadn't used that word before in connection with her lost husband, and she waited while Colleen collected her thoughts. Taking a breath, Colleen continued. "But I'm glad that you shared your story. It gives me hope in this time of uncertainty."

Elizabeth had a sinking feeling in her stomach that Nathan was right about Steve. She knew he wouldn't stop looking, wouldn't stop trying to figure out what had happened, but she knew he thought his brother-in-law was dead. Allie and Colleen were both holding out hope, but that hope diminished each day he was gone. She looked at Colleen again, seeing how she was putting on a brave face, trying to be strong. "You're a brave woman, Colleen."

Sniffing, Colleen gave a self-deprecating smile. "I certainly don't feel brave, Elizabeth. I feel like I'm barely holding it together most of the time."

Leaning forward, Elizabeth said, "Bravery isn't a feeling. It's a choice you make. You get up each day, you care for and love your daughter, you spend time with the people around you, you keep living your life. You've refused to let tragedy rule you. That's bravery, Colleen."

Clasping Elizabeth's hand, Colleen looked at her. "Have I mentioned that I'm glad you're living with us for the time being?" She wiped away a tear and smiled. "I think you and I are going to be good friends."


"Alright, Elizabeth, we want details!" Rosemary looked at her expectantly. Faith smiled, setting three cups on the table. Rosemary had come in as Colleen was leaving and had promptly spied Elizabeth. Coming right up to her, without preamble, she said they were going to talk, guiding her to a table. Faith had seen the whole thing and immediately set about making three cups of tea. Now the women were all situated at the table together, each with a steaming cup in hand.

Elizabeth smiled at them innocently. "Details about what, exactly, Rosie?"

"Elizabeth Grace Thatcher, you know exactly what I mean!"

"Do I?" She blinked at her friends, pretending not to understand.

Rosemary laughed. "Good ploy, Elizabeth, but we're not leaving until you spill the beans. So, start talking. Where did Nathan take you?"

Elizabeth smiled, remembering their time on the beautiful island. "Paradise Island."

"Oh, I've heard that island is beautiful!" Faith said, a dreamy look in her eyes. "Was it lovely?"

"It was," Elizabeth said with a nod. "You should see it sometime. There's a beautiful lagoon surrounded by trees, and there's a waterfall with a little cave that you can sit in. When the sun hits the waterfall, it's like millions of crystals form and splash into the pool. It was stunning."

"Lee and I have been there a time or two," Rosemary said, a smile on her face. "It was magical. That little island stands up to its name."

"So did you go swimming?" Faith asked.

Elizabeth nodded. "In the lagoon. The water is so clear there, we could easily see the bottom." She shuddered, remembering the slimy fish. "And there were fish in there too."

"Uh oh," Rosemary said with a smirk. "Did any fish touch you? I know how you jump when they slide against your leg."

Elizabeth blushed.

Rosemary's mouth fell open. "One did! And if you're blushing...did you jump into Nathan's arms, by chance?" Now she was grinning.

Elizabeth put her hands on her face. "I did," she said, peeking at Rosemary and Faith through her fingers.

Rosemary squealed. "Oh, how exciting! Bless that fish!" Her eyes were sparkling. "Please tell me he kissed you."

"Well, not at the particular moment…"

Rosemary and Faith both leaned forward simultaneously, looking excited. "Go on," Faith prompted.

"I thought for sure he was about to kiss me then, but he pulled away and said we should be getting to the next part of our date."

Her friends both looked disappointed, so Elizabeth hurried on. "It bothered me for a few minutes, but then I decided to just enjoy the rest of the date. I figured he had a good reason for not kissing me."

"Did he?" Rosemary asked, eyes wide.

Elizabeth nodded. "I asked him about it after our picnic dinner - which, by the way, was also wonderful. He packed a whole meal and even wine to go with it. And we watched the sunset, then got to see the moon rise." She sighed. "It was amazing."

"So is that when you asked him about it?" Faith asked, brows raised.

Elizabeth smiled. "Yes. We were standing on the shoreline, and the waves were lapping at our feet. I figured that was as good a time as any to ask him, so I did." Her smile turned soft, remembering his reply. "He said he didn't know if that was what I wanted. He thought it might be too soon."

"Oh!" Faith said, a hand over her heart. "That is so sweet!"

"He is sweet," Elizabeth agreed. "So sweet." She smiled. "I told him I was ready to take that step."

"Oh, Elizabeth!" Rosemary said, her hands clasped at her heart. "That is just so romantic!" She raised an eyebrow. "Is he a good kisser?"

Elizabeth blushed deeper. Rosemary chuckled. "I'll take that as a yes." She reached out, taking one of Elizabeth's hands. "You have no idea how proud we are of you for taking these steps with Nathan, Elizabeth."

Faith nodded, taking Elizabeth's other hand. "We watched you be alone for five long years, wondering if you would allow your heart to open again. And now you have." She smiled gently. "It makes us happy to see you so happy."

Tears pricked at Elizabeth's eyes. "I'm so thankful to have you both as friends. You've been with me through so much, and I can't imagine not having either of you in my life."

"You'll always have us," Faith said softly.

"And we love having you in our lives too," Rosemary said, smiling.


"Do we just go up and knock?" Lee asked, looking at Nathan for direction. "How do we handle this?"

They were parked in front of the residence where Billy Hamilton lived. Nathan surveyed the surrounding area. The cabin was set back on a lonely side street. No other homes were anywhere in sight. It was a good place to disappear.

Nathan looked at Lee and nodded. "I think we just go to the door and ask some questions of whoever answers."

"Alright," Lee said. They got out of the car and walked to the door. Nathan kept one hand on his gun, just in case, and knocked on the door. They could hear movement inside, a shuffling sound. The door opened.

An old man stood there, cane in hand. He looked between Lee and Nathan, clearly puzzled. "Hello. Can I help you with something?"

Nathan stepped forward. "You must be Robert Hamilton. We're looking for Billy. Is he home?"

A wounded look crossed the old man's face. "I haven't seen Billy since yesterday. He was supposed to bring me some more of my medication today, but he hasn't come yet. And he's not answering his phone."

Nathan and Lee exchanged looks. Nathan turned back to Robert. "I'm Detective Nathan Grant, and this is Officer Lee Coulter. We need to talk with your grandson." He handed Robert his card. "Please call us if he turns up."

Tears shone in Robert's eyes. "Is Billy in trouble again?"

Nathan's tone softened. He could see the pain Robert was carrying. "I'm not at liberty to say. I'm sorry."

The old man nodded, looking tired. "Would you men like to come in for a glass of lemonade?"

"Sure," Lee said. Nathan could tell that Lee also sensed that Robert was lonely. As they were stepping into the house, a back door slammed. The sound of hurried footsteps came into the front room.

Billy Hamilton appeared, out of breath and looking like a nervous wreck. He dropped a bottle of medicine on the table, looking furtively behind him. "I got your medicine, Gramps," he said before he looked up. At the sight of Nathan, recognition lit his face. He froze.

"Billy! Where have you been?" Robert said, relief clear in his voice.

Billy didn't hear him. He was staring at Nathan, fear in his eyes.

"I'm Detective Grant," Nathan said, stepping toward Billy. "We need to ask you a few…"

Billy didn't wait to hear the rest. He turned and bolted out the back door.

Nathan and Lee burst into action. Nathan ran out the back door after Billy, and Lee ran out the front door. Keeping Billy in his sights, Nathan dug a little deeper to pick up more speed. The kid ran into the woods, dashing to and fro in an effort to throw Nathan off his trail.

Why do they always run? Nathan groaned interiorly. Billy was sixteen years younger than Nathan, and clearly had more energy. I am NOT going to let him get away again!

Finding a spurt of energy, Nathan came within a few feet of Billy. He dove at him, catching him around the ankles. Billy fell to the ground in a heap. Nathan was on him in a flash, gripping him by the arms and positioning them behind his back, hauling him to his feet.

"Hey, hey, ow!" Billy hollered, trying to twist away from Nathan's vice grip. "Let me go!"

"Not a chance," Nathan growled, annoyed with Billy for running, but also relieved to have finally caught him. Lee came running up, huffing and puffing. "Here," he said to Nathan, handing him a silver pair of handcuffs.

"Thanks, Coulter," Nathan said. He clamped the cuffs around Billy's hands. "Billy Hamilton, you're under arrest."