Chapter 2

Bill Avery was busy shuffling papers around on his desk looking for a document that he knew had to be there while mentally agreeing with Molly about his lack of organisation. What would he do without her to sort out the mess he made, both here in his office and at home. It had taken a while but eventually she had broken through the wall he had placed around himself since his divorce from Nora and shown him that he was worthy of love and that she was the right person for him.

Twenty months married and he wondered why he hadn't done it sooner. It had been a bright spot in what was certainly a difficult few years for Hope Valley and the people who Bill thought of as his own. He questioned at times how he had managed to get past the loss of those closest to him and knew that was another reason why he was grateful to have his dear Molly.

After the pain of losing both Martin and Jack, Nathan and Allie leaving had been the hardest thing for him to bear. Seeing this man he thought of as a son be almost destroyed by the rejection from Elizabeth, trying to battle through his own pain as he watched his daughter struggle to overcome the loss of the one thing she wanted more than anything, Elizabeth to be her mother, was heartbreaking. Bill knew that they had no choice but to move away from Hope Valley.

Elizabeth had treated them cruelly, there was no doubt in Bill's mind about that. In fact it was something that those around him had all agreed on. Her final words to Nathan, something that few actually knew, would crush most men and yet Nathan had stood tall, his only concern being Allie.

He glanced at the clock, suddenly realising that the morning had disappeared on him and he needed to get a move on if he was to get home in time for Nathan's arrival. It was with mixed feeling that he was welcoming him, glad to have him back in Hope Valley but praying that it wasn't going to be at too much cost to the happiness Bill knew Allie and he had both found.

The decision for Nathan to come alone to start was a wise one. With so much for him to absorb Bill wanted to give him time to get things sorted in his own mind before having to deal with family matters as well.

He chuckled quietly to himself as he thought of the time Nathan first arrived in Hope Valley. He was certain that he never imagined he would be arrested and marched off to jail on his first night.

Things had been a bit touchy between the two of them then and Bill admitted a lot of that was down to him. He struggled to accept anyone replacing Jack, was worried about how it would affect Elizabeth and secretly wasn't ready to relinquish the role he had taken on for the town.

Nathan's skills as a Mountie had quickly proven to be substantial and slowly the quiet reserved young man had won him over. Allie's natural exuberance and charm had been the icing on the cake.

Hurrying along the street he again wondered how he could almost have let Molly go, his reluctance to commit to a relationship nearly driving them apart before he finally realised how empty his life would be without her.

It was she who understood that it would be difficult for Nathan to move into her rowhouse, just a few doors away from Elizabeth. When she suggested that they stay there instead and give up their home for Nathan he was surprised but quickly realised the sense of this. His dear wife had sorted everything with the minimum of fuss, as was her nature.

The sound of a car drawing alongside brought him out of his thoughts as he reached the front gate and he turned towards it. Nathan smiled at him and suddenly Bill felt both relief that he no longer had to carry the troubles of the town alone and sadness that once again this good man was having to give up so much to help, although what the answer was he didn't know. Then there was the matter of Elizabeth.

"Bill" Nathan said, stretching his long legs as he climbed from the car before clapping the older man on the back and into an embrace, "It's been way too long. Married life is definitely good for you, that pasty old man pallor seems to have disappeared!". Both men knew that was not entirely true as the weight of responsibility for Hope Valley had certainly taken its toll on the judge.

Moving aside to let him pass Bill ushered Nathan up the steps of the house, not wanting word of his arrival to spread until they had managed to have a good talk. "Molly was hoping you would be here in time for lunch and, as hard as it is for me to admit, I have to say she cooks even better than me!"

On cue the front door opened and before Nathan could do anything he was engulfed in folds of flowery cotton as Molly wrapped him in a warm hug. No words were needed, he could tell from her face just how much it meant to her to have him here again to work alongside Bill.

Stepping into the darkened hallway he took time to adjust his eyes before looking around at the warm homely interior. Bill had certainly landed on his feet with Molly he thought, glad that his friend and mentor had at last found happiness in his personal life. Now it was his job to give him peace in his public role as they worked together to solve the problems around them.

Lunch was a delicious beef stew, with vegetables that had been grown in the garden Nathan could see through the windows at the back. They ate in the kitchen, the informality right for this reunion of old friends. Nathan brought them up to date on Allie's recent exploits, although he assured them that she would regale them with everything in full detail when she arrived in a few days.

He knew how much Allie had missed her "Uncle" Bill over the past four years, the chance of spending time with him again one of the reasons she had been so keen when they had discussed this assignment.

It had been hard for her to leave Hope Valley, no matter how certain she had been that it was the right thing for both of them. Now he was glad that she was returning with all that long ago disappointment well and truly gone. Instead she often stated that she believed it had all been part of a bigger plan for them, they just didn't realise it at the time.

Once lunch was finished the two men moved through to the living room, each taking a chair on either side of the fireplace which was already set for lighting when the early evening chill set in. Nathan knew it was a time for him to remain silent as Bill wrestled with where to start what they both understood was going to be a long and difficult discussion.

Finally he began "Nathan, this town is not the same anymore. It almost seems as though the heart went out of it when you left, that without you here to give them strength and security so many people struggled to keep going when things began to change. I know you think the town was supporting you but the reality is we needed you just as much, if not more".

Nathan looked down, not quite sure how to respond, before eventually deciding not to say anything but wait for him to go on when he was ready. Finally Bill sat back in his seat and spoke, "Let me start at the beginning, how things changed after you and Allie left. For many of us it was the first time we acknowledged to ourselves and each other how much we had failed you both".

Nathan started to interrupt but Bill raised his hand and continued "We saw how Elizabeth was treating you, leading you to believe that you had a future together, but instead of calling her out on it we put it down to grief over Jack's death and her struggle to let him go. We put what we thought were her needs first and that was unfair to you and probably to Elizabeth as well. I promised Jack Thornton that I would always take care of her and I didn't. I should have stepped up when I saw her taken in by the deviousness of Bouchard, because in the end all that has happened comes back to him".

Nathan was aware that unwanted problems never seemed to be too far from the saloon owner. Although at his request Bill had kept any information about Elizabeth and Lucas out of his communications, word had reached him through Mountie channels that all was not as it should be. Hope Valley was a place that regularly came up whenever discussions turned to troubled towns and, while full praise was given to Bill Avery for dealing with what was certainly a difficult situation, the men at the top knew that it could not continue any longer as matters were coming to a head.

"I am aware of some of the problems you have had here Bill, certainly with regard to the Mounties who came to Hope Valley after me, but I think for clarity it would be better for me to hear the full story from you. So why not start by telling me exactly what Bouchard has done here?"

Bill looked him directly in the eye and said "That's the problem Nathan, I think there is much more than we actually know and that's one of the reasons I need you. The situation with Elizabeth we will come to later and then we can decide how we deal with what you have to tell her".

Molly's knock on the door to bring coffee was a welcome interruption for both men. They knew that if they were to talk through this and work out a way to get their beloved town back then they had to try to keep emotion out of it, which was not an easy ask.

Nathan did have knowledge of some of what was happening here but understanding everything was imperative if he and Bill were to find a solution. Waiting until they had both taken a good drink of coffee he nodded to Bill to continue.

"It's not quite so simple as one thing Nathan, more an evolution of events over time. So let me go back to when you left and we'll take it from there". He stood and moved over to lean against the fireplace and Nathan could see he was gathering his thoughts before beginning.

"There was a numbness about the town after you left as we were all aware that things would not be the same again. It had taken so long to recover from losing Jack and, as you know, no-one was particularly happy to have a new Mountie arrive. In time we realised that you were the right man to heal our wounds and it goes without saying that we all grew to love you and Allie. Then you were gone and we had to start again and there was a growing unease about the direction the town was heading."

Nathan sat back listening patiently, letting Bill tell the story and build the background to the troubles that were to follow. Although he probably knew more than Bill realised he wanted to hear everything from this different perspective.

"They came back married," he said, almost in a whisper. "There was a time when I don't think I would have been able to say that to you that but now I know that it won't affect you in the same way. Lucas persuaded Elizabeth to get married before they left Hamilton. His mother arrived unexpectedly, or so he said, and he persuaded her that it was the perfect time to do it."

Nathan looked up, a sad smile on his face as he said "I know Bill. I've known for a long time, in fact from very soon after. When someone from a family of Elizabeth's standing gets married it does tend to make the news. I will be honest and say that it hurt at first but then I realised that finally it drew a line under everything. It actually gave me the courage to move on, not just physically but emotionally as well."

He could see the relief on his friend's face and understood how much it must have hurt him to keep that news to himself, even though he was respecting Nathan's wishes. However, that was short lived as Bill went on. "Of course, you realise with the marriage Lucas suddenly had access to Elizabeth's wealth. Over the years we had forgotten who she was, where she came from, as she was just our beloved Elizabeth. One of us. But she changed with Lucas. Suddenly everything was showy. They came back in a big car, she wore jewels and clothes that stood out in a place like this and poor Little Jack was dressed like a miniature of Lucas, not allowed to be a boy anymore".

Nathan could see the Bill's distress as he thought of the child.

"Would you believe that for a while there Lucas even made him call him "Buddy", as though that would have people think they had a close relationship. It was clear to most of us that Little Jack was lost and didn't know what to do. His mother was too busy being Mrs Bouchard and he was passed from one person to another to be cared for. Lucas quickly made it clear to Elizabeth that being with him should take priority and sadly she acquiesced. It broke my heart Nathan. It would have done the same to you as I know how much you loved Little Jack!"

Feeling the breath catch in his throat Nathan thought about how much he had wanted to be a father to him, give him a sister in Allie and teach him all the things that he knew Jack Thornton would want his son to grow up learning. This was as much a part of his having loved Elizabeth as anything else. He would have given the world to that boy.

Did he abandon him by leaving, he wondered? But then he thought of Allie and realised that had they stayed it could well have destroyed her. It could have destroyed him too. But what if the price for their peace was paid by Little Jack? Was this a guilt that he had to carry?

Nathan stood and crossed to the window, looking out along the street towards the main part of town. "I'm not sure I can do this Bill. I told myself that coming back would bring closure to that whole episode, for both Allie and me, even though I wasn't sure either of us needed it anymore. But now that I'm here I am having doubts. What if this just opens up old wounds again?"

Bill moved across to stand beside him, his words measured in reply. "I understand, it is a lot to ask of you and your family. If you choose to leave now I would not think any less of you, I promise. They can send someone else to do this."

Nathan glanced sideways at him. Was Bill being his wily old self, knowing that it was not in his nature to back away from trouble without having given it his all. By offering him the chance to walk away, was he actually giving him another reason to stay?

"Let's go for a walk before we continue this, Bill. I need to get the feel of the town now, see how people react to me being back and then I can decide. All they have to know for now is that I am here visiting you, nothing more".

The colourful spring flowers were in abundance in Molly's front garden but Nathan noticed how things changed as they walked up the road to the main street. Gone were the lovingly painted buildings, bright flower boxes and general air of pride that he remembered. Sidewalks had broken planks in places, some windows were boarded up and there was a general air of neglect about the town.

He could hear music and loud voices coming from what had been The Queen of Hearts, the sign above the door now proclaiming it to be The Little Gem Saloon. He looked at Bill who just shrugged his shoulders and said "All day and night….it never seems to stop".

The Mercantile stood proud amongst the shabbier buildings, with a carefully tended front and displays of goods at the top of the steps. Nathan was dismayed when he saw two young boys run up and knock some of the carefully stacked items across the porch. Ned appeared at the door, broom in hand as he shouted after them, yet it was easy to see that there was little fight in him and a sense of resignation lay in the droop of his shoulders.

It was only when he looked up and saw Nathan that a slow smile appeared, in disbelief at first then as the smile grew bigger he called back into the store "Florence, come quickly, whatever you are doing just drop everything and come!"

He was down the steps faster than Nathan ever thought he could move, his emotions evident as tears appeared in his eyes, before he came to an abrupt stop. By the time they reached him he was smiling broadly, unable to do more than just stand there and nod.

"Nathan, it really is you. I never thought we would see you back in Hope Valley, this is just so wonderful."

Before Nathan could reply he was hit by a force and looking down he found Florence's face against his chest and, just like her husband, tears in her eyes. Pulling away she tried to speak but no words came out. She just looked up at him, her hand reaching up to his face and finally she whispered, "You've come back to us! I prayed so often that you would find your way home and now our prayers have been answered".

Nathan felt his heart break for these good people and wondered just how bad things had become to put them in this state of despair. He looked over Florence's head at Bill and just nodded at him. Whatever the personal cost he knew he would deal with that as he couldn't turn his back on this town again.

Suddenly he realised that people around had stopped and were staring at this group in front of The Mercantile. He scanned the faces for someone familiar but there was no-one. Turning towards Ned he quietly said "Shall we go inside, we seem to have attracted quite an audience here".

Florence stepped back, brushing down her blouse and skirt, looking a little embarrassed by her outburst but not wanting to take her eyes of Nathan in case she was imagining him there. "Yes, that's a good idea. We are almost due to close so we'll just lock up early and then we can talk."

Turning to Bill she asked "Shall we send Paul to tell the others to come over. He won't say why, just that there is something they are needed for immediately?"

Bill nodded his agreement and they moved up the steps, Ned still looking up in wonder at this man, their friend, who they thought was gone forever.

Once inside Ned quickly dealt with the few customers waiting at the till, while Bill and Nathan had stopped out the front to gather up the toppled items from the stand and carry them and other things inside. The door was then bolted and the closed sign firmly placed.

Nathan looked around, feeling a sense of familiarity standing there but also seeing the difference. Shelves were much emptier than he remembered, the range of goods seemed more limited and the luxury items that Ned had prided himself on stocking no longer in evidence. Florence bustled about moving chairs and making space in the back room, placing the kettle on the stove and filling trays with cups.

A knock at the back door made them all turn, then Florence reached out to open it slightly. "Lee" she said, "is Rosemary not with you"?

Nathan heard the familiar voice of his friend reply "She's on her way, she just had to ask Laura to collect the children from school for us. I do hope this is something important Florence or you know what she will have to say!"

At that moment Nathan stepped forward as the door was opened further. Lee looked in amazement, shaking his head as he took in the man in front of him.

"I don't think she will complain when she sees you my friend", he said.

Then he laughed "In fact I don't know how we'll keep Rosie from screeching so loud that they'll hear her all the way in Union City"! He reached out and grasped Nathan's hand, a look of gratitude and hope on his face.

Nathan looked around the room, happily listening to these well remembered voices from his past and hearing in them a lightness that he knew had not been there very often in recent years. He was so glad that his being here had done that for them, a warmer welcome he could not have wished for from his dear friends.

He was sat at a table in the corner with Faith, who was making apologies for her husband who couldn't be there as he still had patients to see. Molly had the foresight to go along to the surgery after Nathan and Bill had left the house, as she was sure everyone would gather quite soon and she wanted Faith to be free.

A huge grin on seeing Nathan standing there and the affection in her eyes told him just how much she had missed her "heartbreak amigo", as they once jokingly called themselves.

They had grown close towards the end of his time in Hope Valley, both healing from lost love as she struggled with the thought of both a private and working life without Carson, while Nathan fought to overcome Elizabeth's rejection. The bond between them had been so close that people had begun muttering about a possible romance, something they privately laughed about knowing that what they felt for each other was no more than a sibling type affection. She had been sad to see him go but knew he was doing what was right for him and Allie.

When he had watched Faith waddle across the room, a baby obviously due very soon, it was like a burst of light approaching. A radiance shone from her face and he was overjoyed that this dear friend had finally found her personal happiness. "Look at you" he said with a smile, "a ray of sunshine in what I know has been a dark time here".

Before Faith had a chance to answer the door opened suddenly and like a whirlwind Rosemary Coulter had swept into the room, heading straight toward Florence as she demanded "Just what the heck was so important that I had to rearrange my afternoon, Florence Yost?"

Lee gave a small cough behind her and when Rosemary turned he just tilted his head in Nathan's direction and waited for her reaction.

The others gathered around started to laugh as it was not often Rosemary could be silenced but her mouth had dropped open and as her hand reached out for the back of the nearest chair she just plonked herself down. "Oh my goodness, Nathan, you are the most wonderful sight. Are you staying long? Where is Allie, is she with you? You must tell us everything about what you have been doing."

"Rosemary!" Lee interrupted, "Nathan will answer all our questions in good time".

"Of course, I'm sorry Nathan, I just can't believe you are here", and with that she rose and crossed the room to where he sat, "Seeing you is truly a blessing. How did you know we need you? That Elizabeth needs you?".

Nathan felt the old familiar stab at his heart, something he had worked so hard these past

years to leave behind him. He knew that his feelings for Elizabeth were no longer of a romantic kind but there was still a lingering need in him to know that she was safe and well. The path she had chosen had not been an easy one and he hoped that what he had to tell her, what he was bringing, would have a cathartic effect rather than sending her further into what he feared was the dark place she now inhabited.

Very quickly the room filled and Nathan was overcome with the many joyful greetings he received. Laughter filled the air as stories of the good times were recounted, while in other moments tears were shed as they spoke of people no longer with them. He found it overwhelming at first, trying to keep his emotions in hand but soon he was joining in with the chatter, knowing that this was a welcome respite for them all from the difficulties they faced in their daily lives in Hope Valley.

Fiona had come with her barber's apron still on, as she had hurriedly closed the shop to find out what was so important to have them all called to The Mercantile. On seeing Nathan she stopped at the door, not sure how to react, until the arrival of the Canfields immediately after propelled her forward into the room.

With hands over her mouth and tears in her eyes, she suddenly burst into laughter as she declared "I need something to nibble on right now Florence or I think I will explode with excitement. Or am I nervous? I'm not sure! Oh, there is so much to tell you Nathan, so much to hear, I really don't know what I am feeling". She quickly glanced around the room "Has anyone explained things yet? Have I missed that?"

As Nathan took a step forward a hush descended. He slowly turned around, taking in the faces of this tight knit group of honest townspeople.

"I know that there is a lot for me to learn about what has been happening in Hope Valley and I do want to hear as much as possible from each of you over the next few days. Tomorrow I will officially begin my position here and that is when I will need to have the people I trust on my side. I can tell you that over the next week other Mounties will be arriving here, ostensibly as trainees in tracking and survival under my mentorship. However, these will in fact be highly trained men. They are my team, hand picked to provide the necessary protection and investigative skills that Hope Valley requires. I am trusting you all to keep this to yourselves and to treat them as you have any other trainees I had when stationed here before".

He looked around until he found Rosemary and she nodded "I know, not a word!"

"So what do we call you now", Ned asked.

Bill laughed, "Well I certainly hope that you have all remembered his name! Nothing has changed, he is still your same friend. But officially I would like to introduce you all to Superintendent Nathan Grant."

Applause filled the room until Nathan waved it down, waiting to speak again. "For this evening, I want to just enjoy being here with you all and let the locked doors keep your troubles out for a few hours. In the morning you will once again have a Red Serge presence on your streets, one that you can feel safe in knowing has this town's interests at heart. I promise you I will not rest until Hope Valley is once again a place where you can all live in peace".

As the buzz of conversation rose again Nathan moved across to Minnie and Joseph Canfield and quietly said "I wonder if I could begin tomorrow with the two of you. I need to hear about Elizabeth, from people who can tell me honestly how she is, and I know that your faith has kept you walking alongside her on this journey whether she wanted it or not".