Chapter 5

Cape Fullerton train station was busy, the hustle and bustle of city life something Allie was quite accustomed to although it had taken her some time to adjust after the quiet of Hope Valley. Now as they hurriedly took their seats in the private compartment she wondered how it would be going back. Although nervous, she was also excited.

She couldn't wait to see her friends Opal, Emily and Angela, smell the fresh country air again, meet The Coulter's young son Patrick and see how much Little Jack had grown. What would they all think of her? Would they see a sophisticated young city woman or just the same old goofy Allie Grant? She knew Uncle Bill would tease her, as he had the few times he had visited them, but surely the others would notice a big difference. She was sixteen, after all, a girl on the edge of womanhood.

She was looking forward to riding again, the sedate rides she managed here were nothing compared to the feel of the wind in her hair as she and her dad used to race across meadows of wild flowers. She loved that he still found as much time as possible to do things with her, despite him sometimes thinking she was still about ten years old. Maybe they would have a chance to go fishing. But she knew that he had serious work to do there, something that he emphasised when they had the family conference about what they should do.

Dad said he was worried about them being in danger if they came with him but then mum pointed out that if his suspicions were right then they could be vulnerable anywhere. Surely it was better to all be together. Allie loved how clever her mum was at getting him to agree to things and how wonderful it was to have her in their lives.

There were times she doubted that she and her dad would ever find happiness and then it happened. The memory brought a smile to her face as she looked across at her mother. Allie never tired of hearing Cecilia tell the story of their first meeting and the fact that she had been a part of it meant everything to her. Every little detail of the story was imprinted on her mind.

They were at another one of the boring functions she sometimes had to attend, stuffy old men in red serge everywhere and only if she was lucky would there be someone else her age to sit with and giggle at what was going on, instead of it just being her and a book. But this time was different because suddenly she heard the most wonderful laughter fill the air!

Cecilia Weston was in Cape Fullerton visiting with her uncle, the Chief Superintendent and Nathan's superior, and to carry out some research about the Mounties. She had been persuaded to attend that afternoon's function by her Aunt Winnifred, so she did as expected of her, accompanying her around the room and smiling politely at every introduction, entering into small talk with the wives of the officers and laughing at jokes as though she had not heard them told one hundred times before.

In the corner she spotted a girl, seemingly absorbed in the book she was reading but Cecilia knew that secretly she was watching everything going on around her. As the daughter and stepdaughter of a Mountie herself, she remembered what it was like to attend these functions when all you really wanted was to be somewhere else…anywhere else.

She watched as a tall dark haired man detached himself from her uncle's side and moved across the room to stand in front of the girl, bending down to quietly speak as he handed her a glass of lemonade he had picked up from the refreshments table on his way. Turning he looked out across the room and Cecilia found herself staring into the brightest blue eyes she had ever seen.

Oh my, he is handsome, she thought. Realising she had been caught out, she walked forward to introduce herself, intrigued by the crooked half smile on his face as he waited for her to approach. "Good afternoon, I don't believe we have met."

"I am certain we haven't as I can assure you I would definitely remember" he laughingly replied. His voice was not too deep and quite melodic, his large hand surprisingly gentle as he took hers and he dipped his head in an almost old-fashioned type of greeting. Whenever Cecilia told the story to Allie she claimed that was the moment she knew she had met the man she would marry.

But Allie's favourite memory of it was how this beautiful lady turned to her and spoke softly "I think reading a good book is probably much more fun than talking to all these stuffy old people. Would you like to shift across on the bench so that I can join you?" Allie immediately knew that this was someone special. She didn't dare hope, but oh how wonderful it would be!

From then every moment that wasn't tied up with Mountie duty, school work or research saw the three of them together. They visited galleries, took long walks or rides, dined together and then sat in the evenings talking about their lives before and their hopes for the future.

After a few weeks of this Allie turned at the breakfast table one day and said "Dad, don't you think it's time you started taking Miss Cecilia out just the two of you? Don't get me wrong, I love doing things with you both but if you are going to ask her to marry you then you have to court her first!"

Nathan didn't know whether to laugh or cry but one thing he was sure of was that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Cecilia. But the memory of how his friendship with Elizabeth changed after he declared his love for her made him fearful that it could happen again.

As if reading his thoughts Allie said "It's not the same, Dad. Miss Cecilia really loves us, I can tell. You need to move things along or we may lose her!'

When he came home that evening he informed her that during the morning he had sent a message to Cecilia asking if she would dine with him the following evening. Allie turned from where she was peeling potatoes, the knife pointed at him as she waited for the answer. "…and?"

"And…I'm taking her to that very nice French restaurant that we ate at for your birthday this year. Do you think that will do?" She jumped at him with excitement, Nathan just managing to catch hold of the knife as she wrapped her arms around him. "I think that will do very well indeed!"

Allie's reverie was broken by the sound of raised voices outside their compartment. She could make out two men arguing in French as they came along the corridor. She noticed her mother listening intently, a concerned look on her face. One voice sounded so familiar but she couldn't quite place it at first, then she realised it was Mr Bouchard. She turned her head to face out of the window as they passed, somehow knowing that it wouldn't be wise to let him see her.

Cecilia waited until the voices grew fainter before she touched Allie's arm, "It's alright, you can turn back now sweetheart. From what I caught of the conversation I am guessing that one of those men was Lucas Bouchard?" Allie just nodded, a bad feeling in her stomach making speaking difficult, but finally she found her voice "Yes, it was definitely him. Did you understand what they were saying?"

Trying not to alarm her daughter Cecilia kept her voice light "I only picked up a few words, not really much as they were speaking so fast."

This of course was not true and she was aware that Allie knew she spoke perfect French but what she had heard was worrying. She quickly rose and drew the shades on the windows of their compartment, then opening the door she called to the Mountie stationed along the corridor "Please ensure that we are not disturbed. I will give you our food order shortly but other than yourself no-one is to interrupt us."

She took a deep breath before turning back to her daughter, the smile on her face covering the uncertainty she was feeling. "We will have a busy time when we arrive my lovely so it is imperative that we both get as much rest as possible."

Inwardly she prayed that this journey would go quickly, she needed to tell Nathan what she had just heard. Meanwhile she checked her bag for the small pistol that he had insisted she carry, moving it carefully into the pocket of her skirt and hoping that she would never have to put into use the skills he had taught her.

Nathan knew that he had to speak with Elizabeth before Bouchard arrived back in town. As much as he would like to put off this meeting it needed to be done soon. Crossing the street to the newspaper office he was glad to see Rosemary at her desk, pencil in hand as she busily marked notes on the article in front of her.

"Why Nathan, I don't think I will ever get tired of seeing you back here with us" she laughed, her worried expression from the moment before suddenly gone. "Is this just a social call or is there something I can help you with?"

"As much as I would love it to just be a case of two old friends sitting down for a chat, you and I both know that sadly there is no time for that right now. I do need your help, Rosemary. It is a delicate matter, as difficult as it is sensitive, and one that I know will affect you personally. It involves Elizabeth."

Rosemary stood from her desk and approached the worried man in front of her, seeing already the toll this was having on him in such a short time. She was so glad that his family was arriving here to give him the love and support he so deserved, there was only so much that his friends and colleagues could do.

As excited as she was to see Allie again, she had to admit that her curiosity was mostly piqued by the woman who had captured the heart of this man. Only someone very special deserved to have his love and from the little she had heard she had no doubt Mrs Nathan Grant was exactly that.

"That is fine, Nathan, I am a big girl and I doubt there is very much that I could hear about Elizabeth that would be worse than what we have been through before."

His steady gaze did not waiver from her as he replied "It's not just Elizabeth though, it's also about Jack Thornton!"

Rosemary nodded, indicating to him to take a chair opposite her, then she sat down. "Tell me."

The rocking of the train had a lulling effect on them, Cecilia watching Allie try to stay awake before finally succumbing to the tiredness that days of excitement had brought. Once Allie's breathing had reached the steady rhythm of sleep she quietly let herself out of the compartment, double checking that the door was locked securely behind her.

Making her way along the corridor she headed in the opposite direction to where Lucas Bouchard had disappeared earlier, knowing that the Mountie contingent on board would be travelling in one of the carriages there. As they were posing as trainees these men would not be afforded any of the luxuries that their officer status would normally allow, instead having to travel second class on this journey.

She was aware of the interest she aroused as she made her way through the carriages, the fine fabric of her clothing brushing against the shoulders of the occupants as she passed by. Although she knew she was considered a beautiful woman, her outward appearance was not something Cecilia spent much time thinking about. To her, beauty came from the heart, from showing kindness and having a loving spirit.

On her travels she had seen some terrible sights. Injured or dying soldiers just needing to hear a loving voice, often believing her to be their sweetheart or mother. People with almost nothing who still managed to find something to smile about each day, for whom the toll of the evil war had only strengthened their determination to live. Others in abject poverty who would share the little they had with a stranger.

It humbled her to the point where she sometimes had difficulty understanding exactly what in God's plan allowed these injustices to exist in the world.

Spotting the display of red at the far end of this carriage she hurried forward to where the group of Mounties sat reading or dozing.

Looking up to see his Superintendent's wife approach, Corporal Gregory Aldritt quickly jumped to his feet. "Mrs Grant, is everything alright? Do you need something? We were not scheduled to do a check on you for another half hour."

Cecilia smiled kindly at the man and motioned him to sit down. "We are fine, thank you. Allie is sleeping and I need to arrange with one of you to have a telegram sent for me from the next stop. Could you do that please?"

"Of course, let me just get some paper." One of the other Mounties immediately went to hand up his notebook and pencil before she stopped him.

"There is no need, I have already written it down." She handed him the folded sheet. "It is short and simple but I am sure my husband will know what it means." With that she turned and headed back towards their compartment, hoping that Nathan would indeed understand the implication of those few words.

Nathan checked his watch again, knowing that only about five minutes had passed since the last time. He was glad that his conversation with Rosemary had been so easy in the end and that she understood the delicacy of the task in front of them, especially with so much about to begin with the investigation into Bouchard. Hopefully she would return soon having made the arrangement for Elizabeth to come to her office on the pretext of discussing Little Jack, so that Nathan could then join them there.

Stretching himself he stepped out onto the Boardwalk, relieved to see some smiles from people passing by. He had worked late last night, along with Edward and James, Bill having been sent home earlier so that he was ready to man the Mountie Office after his official judiciary duties were completed.

The three Mounties had headed out on rounds late the previous afternoon, Nathan wanting to establish the different areas they would cover and take the opportunity to show them the immediate surrounds of the town, their route taking them through the woods at the back of Bouchard's warehouses.

A high fence had been erected and he had been told that guard dogs were let loose at night to protect the yards. Nathan knew that this was common practice in many of the seedier areas of larger towns and cities, as well as the possibility of armed security men there out of sight, but it was something he never thought he would see here in Hope Valley.

A shout from the direction of The Mercantile drew his attention and he looked up to see Ned rushing down the stairs, with what appeared to be a telegram in his hand. "Oh Nathan, I'm glad I caught you before you headed off on your training for the day. This just came in for you and it's marked urgent!"

He handed the envelope over, confusion and concern in his eyes as he waited for Nathan to open it. "That's fine Ned, thank you."

"I thought you might want to send a reply."

He knew that he could rely on Ned for confidentiality and discretion but there were too many ears on the street for him to want to say anything, if at all. "I'll come back to you in a moment if I need to do that, in privacy."

Ned nodded in understanding "Of course, of course. I'm sorry Nathan if I…."

"It's all good my friend, thank you for getting this to me so quickly."

With that he turned back into the Mountie Office, indicating to the other two sat outside to join him, before closing the door behind them. Opening the envelope he drew out the paper and looked at the few words written there….Shue Moy's people on train. x CC.

Nathan felt his blood run cold at the name in front of him. How did a Chinese mobster in Vancouver fit into what was happening here in Hope Valley? Just what trouble had Bouchard brought to these people?

More worryingly, what had Cecilia found out and in how much danger did that place his family?

Once Bill arrived Nathan gave instructions to his other two colleagues on which directions they were to take out of town on their investigative rounds. They made a point of discussing some aspects of it as each mounted his horse, continuing the subterfuge of it being a training exercise. Bill stood at the door, making sure anyone within earshot heard him remind Nathan that the other Mountie trainees would be arriving on that afternoon's train.

Riding out towards the cemetery Nathan was once again glad for the feeling of quietude he had when it was just him and Newton alone together. He spoke freely to his equine friend, believing that he understood every word and knowing that his confidences would be safe.

"This is bad Newt. Shue Moy is not known as the King of the Gamblers for no reason. Although officially he only has interests in a few gambling dens in British Columbia, it is believed that his influence stretches far wider and that all of these are used as a front for bootlegging, gun running and other illegal activity but so far there has not been enough evidence gathered to arrest him. As soon as the Mounties have found someone willing to talk they disappear. I have no doubt at the hand of one of Shue Moy's flunkies."

As he turned down the road towards the cemetery he could see a lone woman there, kneeling at the foot of a grave with head bowed. The droop of her shoulders told of a great sadness, the weight of loss obviously bearing heavy on her. Nathan slowly dismounted, tying Newton to the branch of a tree for shade. He walked quietly to the gate, not wanting to startle the mournful woman by approaching from behind her so he started along the path around the edge of the rows. Drawing nearer he could hear small sobs and see tears falling down her cheeks, the depth of her sorrow seemingly almost too much to bear.

The crunch of his feet on the gravel alerted her to his presence and she looked up, wiping her hand across her face as she nodded in his direction. "Nathan." she said quietly. "Oh dear, I wasn't expecting anyone to find me here like this. I'm so sorry."

He stepped further down the path to where she knelt, reaching down with his hand to help her to her feet. "Please don't apologise, Fiona. I know what Mike meant to you, how devastating his death must have been, especially with no resolution still to what happened."

Producing a clean handkerchief from his pocket he handed it to her. "He was too good a man to die like that. I told you the other night, and I will say it again now, I promise I will find out who killed him and make sure that they are brought to justice. I know it won't bring him back but at least it will give those of us who loved him some peace."

Fiona nodded sadly. "It's hard to explain to people how I felt about Mike. We weren't in love and yet he was my soulmate. We just fitted together so well. Maybe because I grew up in a house full of brothers I was destined to not have a female best friend. Mike was perfect in that role. There wasn't really anything we didn't tell each other." She gave a little gulp and Nathan squeezed her hand before she continued.

"I was so worried when he said he was going to run for mayor against Lucas. Nothing I nor Lee said could dissuade him, he just felt so strongly that it was the right thing to do. He told me that somebody had to do it, someone had to stand up to the bullying and the intimidation. You know, that's all he ever wanted to do…make a difference in people's lives, no matter how small."

Her face crumpled and the tears started to flow again. "I was right there beside him outside the barber shop. We were laughing about whether I should buy him a colourful bow tie to wear if he was elected, something to make him stand out whenever he walked through the town. I heard what sounded like a crack of a whip, then suddenly he just crumpled in front of me, blood pouring from his chest. Faith said he was dead before he hit the ground, that he wouldn't have felt anything."

Nathan drew her close, wrapping her in his arms as her tears continued to fall. "My poor Fiona, to have experienced that is just unthinkable. I know Bill tried to investigate what happened but was met with a wall of silence. He told me that you organised everything afterwards, insisting on overseeing all the arrangements even though your heart must have been breaking. You are stronger and braver than you realise."

She gave a little sniff as the tears dried, wiping her nose with the handkerchief. "Most of the time I am fine, I just get on with my day always hoping that I am making him proud, but today is his birthday and it just seems so much harder. I guess there are too many memories sneaking out of my eyes and rolling down my cheeks." She laughed a little at that analogy. "I know you've had your share of pain Nathan. Somehow, seeing you come through it and reach the happiness you have now is just what I needed. You have always been worthy of love. Easy love. Uncomplicated. Consistent. You deserve someone who is sure of you, who you are sure of. I'm so glad that you have found her. I hope there is someone out there like that for me."

Nathan placed his hand under her chin, his eyes on hers "There are good honourable men out there Fiona. What Mike gave you is the benchmark that they will have to live up to and one day, probably when you are not expecting it, someone will come along who gives you all the things you need. You can tell him about your friend, be honest about how much you miss him and if he truly loves you he will understand. He will take that part of you and carry it within him as well, because he will know that anyone you have loved and lost will always be missed and he will want to take some of the pain away from you."

Fiona stood up on her toes and pressed a kiss against his cheek. "You are a wonderful man Nathan Grant. I know that Mike thought the world of you and Allie. He would be glad that you have come back."

They talked a bit longer, reminiscing over good times spent with their friend and as Nathan rode on he felt he was leaving her in a more peaceful place.

Rosemary glanced up as the door to her office opened, Elizabeth entering looking anything but pleased to have been called in there for something she knew nothing about. Lucas had made it quite clear that she could have limited time with her old friends and only if it was an important matter concerning Jack.

"What is so urgent that I had to come all the way into town, Rosemary? I know Jack isn't ill as I saw him only yesterday afternoon and again walking to school today, so I hope this is about something important."

At that moment, the sound of the door opening again made her turn. "Excuse me, but we are about to start a private meeting here!" she exclaimed, before her hand rose to her face. "Nathan! So it is true, you are back. I wasn't sure if Molly was just being mean to me saying that."

"Hello Elizabeth."

Her heart skipped as she resisted the urge to reach out and touch him. He was still so handsome, a little grey around the temple but his blue eyes were as magnetic as ever, and that wayward lock of hair still escaped onto his forehead. She thought she saw sadness in his eyes, then realised it was pity. Pity for her and what she had become.

Seeing that was almost more than she could bear. His face was just as she remembered, his head tilted slightly with that crooked smile of his, and she felt the panic rise up within her. "Rosemary and I were about to discuss a matter relating to Little Jack, perhaps you could come back to see her later."

"Actually, its you I need to see. I asked Rosemary to arrange this meeting. She knows what it is about and I think it would be better for you if she stays. If you don't want that she has agreed to wait outside in case she is needed."

Elizabeth looked puzzled. What on earth did Nathan have to talk to her about that may require Rosemary's assistance. Finding a hidden resolve she looked from Rosemary to Nathan, "Of course she may stay, I can't imagine we would have anything to discuss that would be secret from her. After all, you did leave me nearly four years ago without the courtesy of even saying goodbye so I consider that the end of our relationship. I guess you weren't the impeccable man I thought you were after all."

Nathan let her comment pass. "I think perhaps we should all sit down then."

He waited until they were settled before beginning. "I have some news about Jack Thornton, something that you may find upsetting. I'm not quite sure where to begin so I apologise if I jump around a bit in what I am telling you."

The mention of Jack's name got Elizabeth's attention and she watched as Nathan removed a plastic wrapped notebook from his pocket and put it on the desk in front of him. Alongside that he placed a small jeweller's bag.

Taking a deep breath, he began. "When Jack was killed, the conditions at the site were extremely dangerous. So dangerous that a recovery attempt had to be abandoned….."

As he spoke Elizabeth felt the walls that she had built around herself for so long come crumbling down and a darkness descending. Now the only good thing she had been able to hold onto was gone, written there in Jack's own hand.