Chapter 6—Truth and Consequence

Lucas and John finished their lunch and walked over to the livery. There was a small crowd gathered around the corral, and John shook his head and laughed when he saw it. Lucas looked over at his cousin, "What's so funny?"

"Looks like Outlaw is entertaining again," John replied. They walked through the crowd to the fencing and Lucas saw the biggest horse he had ever seen in his life. He was running around and causing a ruckus.

John whistled causing the horse to immediately stop in his tracks and walk to the fence. This brought a lot of commotion from the people gathered around watching. "Hey mister, is that your horse?" a little boy asked. "He's really big."

"Yes, it is. His name is Outlaw," John replied.

Outlaw reached the fence and leaned his head over, placing it on John's shoulder. John wrapped his hands around Outlaw's neck, giving the horse a hug. Then he backed up and pet his face, talking softly to him. "Did you miss me?" Lucas couldn't believe his eyes when Outlaw actually nodded his head. "I missed you too, buddy," John said. "I brought you something."

John reached into his pocket and pulled out the bag Lucas had seen him place there. He withdrew several sugar cubes, then opened his palm for the horse to enjoy them.

The groom had come out just before John had walked up and just stood there watching things unfold. Then he laughed and spoke to John. "I could never deny this is your horse. He is the meanest snake in the grass I've ever seen."

John laughed, "He doesn't like people. In fact, he really only likes me. I thank you for taking care of him. I need to leave him another day if possible, and I'll take him off your hands tomorrow. Now that he's seen me, he should settle down some. It would help if the crowd would disperse, he likes showing off. And we will have two more horses to leave overnight."

The groom nodded and John turned back to Outlaw, "Now you behave yourself. I'll be back to get you tomorrow." Outlaw stood there calmly. The crowd became bored and started walking away.

Lucas laughed. "I don't even know what to think about that, John. He's the largest, blackest and most beautiful horse I've ever seen."

"He is the smartest horse around and seems to understand almost anything I say to him. We've been together for 7 years now. I can't imagine losing him. I'm hoping to have some little Outlaws on my ranch. I want to focus on cattle but breed a few horses as well," John said as they walked away.

"Looks like we finished our business early. Guess we can kill some time around town before dinner. We will leave tomorrow morning and go check out that land. We should be back in Hope Valley tomorrow instead of Thursday," Lucas replied.

"Sounds great. I wouldn't want to keep you away from everything you have going on for too long. How about we go to the saloon? I'll buy you a drink and you can check out the competition."

###

Elizabeth was in the library the next morning typing away when the door opened and Opal and Allie entered.

"Hey Mrs. Thornton!" they both said together, then laughed.

"Good morning girls. What are you both up to this morning?" Elizabeth asked.

"I was hoping you could help me pick out a book for my report that is due next week," Allie said as Opal looked around at the children's section.

"Of course, I will," Elizabeth said as she stood and walked to the shelves. They browsed and Elizabeth picked out a book. "I think you will love this one. It's all about two girls having an adventure," she said as she handed Allie the book.

"Thanks Mrs. Thornton. I guess we better get going. Bye," Allie said.

"See you later," Opal said with a smile.

"Bye girls," Elizabeth said as they opened the door to leave. She was surprised to see Nathan standing on the other side.

"Hey Uncle Nathan," Allie said.

"Allie, I was looking for you. I have to leave town for a couple of days. I have already spoken to Opal's mother about you staying with them. Go home and get your things together and I'll be there shortly to say good-bye before I leave," Nathan said.

"Come on Opal," Allie said as they both took off running.

Nathan stood in the doorway looking a little nervous. "Good morning, Elizabeth," he said with a smile.

"Nathan, hello. Actually, I'm glad you stopped by. Could we talk for a minute?"

Elizabeth went back to her chair and sat down, inviting Nathan to take a seat also.

"I was going to come by your office, but I didn't know if Bill would be there and I really wanted to talk to you in private," Elizabeth said, noticing Nathan's raised eyebrow.

"It sounds serious. Has Allie done something I should know about?"

"No. Allie has been great. Her grades have never been better. It's more…personal…than that," Elizabeth said slowly.

"Please, go ahead," Nathan replied.

"Nathan," Elizabeth began, "I wanted to talk to you about what happened the other day…in the street." At Nathan's nod, she continued. "I was a little confused about my feelings when that happened. After talking to Bill, my thoughts are clearer now."

Nathan spoke as she paused, "What exactly were you confused about?"

Elizabeth took a deep breath before she spoke. "Nathan, I think perhaps I haven't been honest with you. In my defense, I didn't realize it until a couple of days ago. But I think I have given you the impression that I am interested in you as more than just friends."

"I am getting an inkling that you are about to tell me you aren't," Nathan replied.

"The truth is, I have feelings for Lucas."

Nathan sat there in silence for a moment and then let out a small laugh. "I should have seen that coming, but I didn't. I could have sworn you wanted me to ask you out. When I finally did, you didn't answer. Then you hugged me in the street. Now I guess I am the one that is confused."

Elizabeth looked down feeling ashamed then made eye contact. "Nathan, I am sorry if you thought I led you on in any way. If I am completely honest, I was thinking of my late husband Jack when I hugged you. Losing him was so impossibly hard. I kept wishing there was some mistake, that he would come walking into town one day. When I turned around and saw the red serge, I…reacted. It took me a few days before I even realized why I did what I did."

"Elizabeth, I can't fault you for thinking of your husband when all of that happened. No need to apologize for that. But, if you were confused then, are you sure your thinking is clear now? Regarding your feelings for Bouchard?"

Elizabeth smiled, "I can understand your reservations regarding this. You and Lucas have never gotten along. I have to say it isn't because of anything he has done. You don't like him for some reason. But yes, my thinking is clear."

"Elizabeth, it's not that I don't like him. I don't want him to hurt you."

Elizabeth raised her eyebrows. "Nathan, I know I just dropped this on you suddenly, and I apologize for that. But Lucas is kind, and giving. He has shown me in every way possible how much he cares for me. He would never hurt me."

"Elizabeth," Nathan said as he rose, "Thank you for your honesty. But I don't trust him. All he cares about is his gambling and his fancy clothes. And I wish I had the confidence in him that you do."

"I think I know him a little better than you do. He's a good man. I wish you could see that."

Nathan nodded then headed for the door. He stopped and turned around, "Elizabeth. Just remember, you have a son to think about. I'm not sure Bouchard knows anything about taking care of a child."

Elizabeth stiffened at the mention of Little Jack. "I assure you, Constable, my son is always in the forefront of my mind. And before I had him, I knew nothing about raising children either. Good day to you," she said and waited for him to walk out the door. When he did, she let out a huff.

"Calm down, Elizabeth," she said to herself. Then she went back to her typing thinking that Lucas would indeed hurt her if he decided to move to Montana.

###

Nathan walked back to the office and found Bill sitting at his desk. He exhaled in exasperation as he sat down, causing Bill to look up.

"Well I assume from the look on your face that you are trying to get my attention. What's going on Nathan?" Bill asked.

"I just had a talk with Elizabeth," Nathan answered.

"I take it that didn't go well?" Bill said.

"It seems she has decided she cares about Bouchard. And I guess I have you to thank for that."

Bill laughed slightly, "I will take a little credit for helping her clear up her thoughts. I have known for some time she had feelings for him. Anyone with open eyes can see it."

Nathan looked at Bill, "Then I guess I've been keeping my eyes closed. I mean, what does she see in the guy?"

"He's handsome, a sharp dresser, generous, attentive, a good businessman…"

Nathan raised his hand to stop Bill, "I don't trust him."

"And exactly why don't you trust him, Nathan?"

"Because he is just like my father. And he will hurt Elizabeth like my father hurt my mother."

Bill nodded in silence then spoke. "Now we are getting somewhere. You finally admitted what your problem is with Bouchard. And it has nothing to do with your feelings for Elizabeth. Just how do you feel about her?"

Nathan thought. "Bill, I'm not sure how to answer that question. She matters to me. I told her so."

"Don't I matter to you? Doesn't the whole town matter to you? I'm pretty sure I know how Bouchard would answer that question if I posed it to him. Nathan, maybe it's time you admit you aren't in love with Elizabeth. Your concern stems from the way you were brought up. And your comparison of Bouchard to your father."

After Bill spoke, Nathan went silent and pondered his words. Then he stood. "Bill, I am about to head out. I have to go say good-bye to Allie. I will give your remarks some thought while I ride. Oh, can you keep an eye on Fiona? Something seems to be bothering her. I get the impression she is in danger, but she hasn't shared with me what is going on."

"Fiona. What in the world could it be, I wonder?" Bill asked.

"I don't know. She said she got some bad news in a letter from home. But something is wrong. She seems anxious. Just wanted you to be aware. See you later."

"Safe travels," Bill said as Nathan walked out the door.

Bill shook his head and went back to work, wondering what was up with Fiona. And why Nathan was suddenly so concerned about her.

###

"You're thinking of Elizabeth, aren't you?" John asked as they rode in silence for a while.

Lucas smiled, "I am. My thoughts always seem to come back to her no matter what I am doing."

John laughed, "That is because you finally found that soul mate I heard so much about when we were young. You always had the girls trying to chase you around, but you were never interested in them. Only in finding 'the one.'

Lucas looked over at John, "I think you have that all wrong cousin. It was you the girls were chasing around."

"More like I was chasing them," John said with a laugh. "But you drew their eyes when you came to visit. You were just too shy and focused to give them the glances they begged for."

"I learned a lot from my father. I have always wanted the kind of relationship my parents have. But, until I met Elizabeth, I never understood what love truly looked like for me. Now, I cannot imagine being with anyone else."

"If the looks I saw her giving you on Sunday are any indication, you don't have anything to worry about. I would bet my horse she cares for you."

"Outlaw? Or the borrowed one tagging along behind?" Lucas asked jokingly.

John chuckled. "I'm glad you came with me to look at the land. It is perfect for what I have in mind- some rolling hills but mostly beautiful pasture land. That small house and barn are an extra bonus. I will build bigger in time but they will get me started. It's just as pretty as Montana. Looks like you will have me close by, cuz. I can't say I am disappointed about it."

"I'm happy you will be nearby. My parents will love seeing you if I can ever get them to come visit. They were always partial to you," Lucas replied.

"I would love to see them. It's been too long. Looks like we will be back to Hope Valley soon. Do you plan to speak to Elizabeth?"

"As soon as I can. You were right. It is time I told her how I feel."

"Then let's get a move on. Can't keep a lady waiting," John responded.

###

Fiona had her back to the bar organizing the shelves. "Fiona," Bill said, noticing her startle and turn around wide-eyed. "Are you okay, Fiona? You look frightened."

Fiona laughed nervously, "You just surprised me, that's all. What can I get for you Judge?"

"A beer would be good." Fiona poured it for him and placed it on the bar. "Thanks. I had heard you were working here. How do you like it?" Bill asked as he took a drink.

"I like it. Keeps me busy," Fiona answered. "Can I get you anything else?"

"I just want to make sure you are alright. You seem uneasy."

Fiona thought for a moment. Did she want to share with Bill? Should she just put it behind her and hope Savage wouldn't come this way? She heard Nathan was gone for a few days, and Johnny wasn't here. She should probably wait until one of them was back.

"I'm fine Judge. Just a few things on my mind. I need to get back to work. Enjoy your beer." Fiona went back to working on the shelves. Bill watched her for a bit while he finished his drink, pondering what could possibly be wrong. Then he put a coin on the bar and walked out.

###

Molly had just put a call through when she looked up to see Albert smiling at her.

"Good afternoon Molly Sullivan. I was hoping to find you here."

Molly had trouble finding her voice but finally spoke, "Mr. Johnson. How can I help you today?"

Albert said, "I'm not in the habit of being so forward, but I was wondering if you would like to have dinner with me sometime. I don't need an answer today, I'll let you think…"

"I'd love to," Molly interrupted.

Albert smiled again, "Wonderful! Let me check my work schedule and get back to you. I look forward to getting to know you over a meal."

Molly blushed. "Sounds lovely."

"I better get over to the saloon. See you very soon Molly Sullivan."

Molly watched as Albert turned and left. "Not soon enough," she said to herself.

###

Lucas and John rode into Hope Valley in the late afternoon.

"Lucas, I'm going to go get the horses settled at the livery. Do you want me to take yours?" John asked.

"Not just yet. I'm going to go see Elizabeth. I'll try the library first, then her house if she isn't there," Lucas replied.

"Good luck, cuz," John said as he continued toward the livery.

Lucas watched him for a moment then was about to head to the library when he heard someone calling him and turned the horse around. It was Opal running towards him.

"Mr. Bouchard! Mr. Bouchard!" she called in a panic.

He dismounted and stooped down, reaching out to touch her arm. "Catch your breath, Opal. What's the matter?"

Opal took several breaths. Lucas noticed the tears running down her face. "It's Allie. We were playing by the old oak tree, the one that way," she pointed back the way Lucas had come.

"You mean the big one by the creek?" Lucas asked.

Opal nodded, still crying.

"Where's Allie now?" Lucas questioned.

"She fell and hurt her ankle. I couldn't help her, she rolled down a hill."

"We better go get her uncle," Lucas said.

"He left town this morning. I didn't know what to do, then I saw you. Please, can you help her?"

Lucas thought for a moment. He looked toward where John went but he was already out of sight. He didn't know how badly Allie might be hurt, so he didn't have time to find anyone else. "Is she conscious? Did she speak to you?"

"Yes. She said she was okay, but she couldn't walk on her ankle. Oh, Mr. Bouchard, I'm so worried about her! She was crying in pain."

Lucas was concerned about how upset Opal was and wanted to calm her down. Maybe a distraction was in order. He reached in his pocket and pulled out his watch. "Here, I want you to hold this for me until I get back. I wouldn't want to drop it and break it. It was a gift from my father. Can you do that for me?"

Opal nodded as she reached out and took it.

"Okay," Lucas said opening the watch, "Now, see what time it is? I want you to time me. Can you go tell your mother what is going on? Tell her we will be back within an hour from right now. I am going to go get Allie and bring her back to Dr. Shepherd's office. Don't worry, everything is going to be just fine," Lucas reassured her.

Opal smiled and Lucas was glad to see she was calmer than before.

"Alright Mr. Bouchard. I will go tell her."

Lucas mounted his horse and watched Opal as she walked quickly towards home, looking down at the watch as she went. Glad to see she had settled down, he headed back out of town to rescue Allie, hoping it wasn't too serious of an injury.

###

Elizabeth knocked on Rosemary's door. "Good afternoon, Elizabeth," Rosemary said as she opened it. "Hi Jack." Rosemary picked him up and hugged him, bringing him into the house.

"Rosemary, I was hoping you would have a few minutes to talk," Elizabeth said.

"Of course, I do. Lee isn't home yet, Please, have a seat."

Elizabeth sat down and watched as Rosemary set Jack on the floor. He ran over to the corner where Rosemary kept his toys for when he was there.

"Now, what's on your mind?"

Elizabeth watched Jack for a moment then she spoke. "It's about Lucas. Rosemary, I am wondering if perhaps I have been reading him all wrong."

"Why…whatever do you mean, Elizabeth?"

"Well, I thought he was starting to have feelings for me. Then I hear he is leaving for Montana. I finally realize how I feel about him and it makes me wonder how he could just up and leave if he cares for me like I think he does. Now I'm not so sure I should jump out there and tell him I care for him. Maybe he never meant I was his soul mate. He never actually said the words. And then there is Little Jack…"

Rosemary put her hand on Elizabeth's arm. "Elizabeth. I know Lucas has never actually told you how he feels, but it is written all over his face every time he looks at you. Believe me, that man is in love. And what about Little Jack?"

"Just something Nathan said about Lucas not knowing anything about children. Rosemary, Lucas always speaks to Jack and asks about him. He always shows an interest in him. I don't know why I'm even questioning him now."

"So, you spoke to Nathan. You'll have to tell me about that later. Elizabeth, Lucas knew the first day he met you that you have a son. It is not like it came as a surprise to him. He knows you are a package deal- so to speak. I'm sure he cares for Jack and realizes if you two got together that he would be raising him as his son."

Elizabeth nodded. "That's true. I'm doing it again. Trying to confuse myself. I knew you were the one to talk to. But how could Lucas think of leaving if he is indeed in love with me?"

Rosemary smiled, "I think that may be something you are going to have to ask Lucas."

###

"She really wasn't that hard to find."

"No, I didn't expect her to be."

"We were lucky to run across this abandoned cabin so near the town. It's a good hideout."

"We won't need it for long."

"We will move as soon as you say, Savage. I'm ready when you are."

"We move tomorrow night. It's about time she pays for killing my brother."