Authors Note: We'd like to thank to lindysue8388, Anniec50, Ann Leonard Dalton, Kksaunt1, Charlotte Griffin, Jan Ciccarelli, Joyce Bryant, Heartie Observer, Holly M Davis, Nikki Longnecker, Margie SM, Sheila Applegate,lynnkersting, Jami Wa, Denise Childs, ArleneLee, sherried, True2LucEli, Tammy,SharEP, naroz, Tammy Weil, sailawaywildflowers, Linda Merriss, Margaret Redmon, guests and others who have left reviews on this forum or elsewhere. You are a blessing! Your reviews are the only way we have to gauge how we are doing and mean so much for us as authors. We look forward to seeing them every single time so please, KEEP THEM UP!

The beginning of this tale is painful, no doubt. But, if you'll stick with us, we promise there is good up ahead - some of which you'll find in this chapter, which we now leave you to.


Florence Yost stood by the window looking toward the Infirmary. It had been five days since the shocking events at the Queen of Hearts, and she had seen people coming and going, but with Molly out of town visiting relatives, there was little concrete information concerning Lucas. Oh, she had heard rumors, most of which frightened her. But now, what frightened her most was that Minnie Canfield had taken food over to the building a full twenty minutes earlier and had thus far not exited the building. She was moments away from calling Nathan.

"Florence?" Ned said, having tried to be patient with his wife's concern but having a store full of customers to attend to. She didn't respond.

"Florence!" he said much louder. Patrons around the store poked their heads around the shelves, curious to see what the racket was about. Ned waved them away.

"Florence, dearest, may I see y….

"Oh! Thank goodness! There she is!"

Ned threw up his hands as his wife rushed out of the store and into the street to Minnie, who was exiting the Infirmary. Slowing down briefly for a passing car, Florence sped up again until she reached her pastor's wife, greeting her with a hug.

"Uh…good morning, Miss Florence. I'm happy to see you too!" Minnie said, confused.

"I'm so glad you're okay! You aren't hurt, are you?" Florence asked.

Canfield narrowed her eyes. "Hurt, um….no….I'm….why…?"

"You just saw Lucas, didn't you?"

"Yes, just brought him his breakfast. It's good to see his appetite returning."

Florence's eyes widened. "Weren't you afraid?"

Minnie cocked her head. "Afraid?"

"Well, Joseph wasn't with you!"

"Who's afraid?" Joseph asked, coming out of the café with his Bible in hand to go and see Lucas, as he had been doing the past three days.

Florence looked nervous and stuttered a little. "Well, with everything that's happened, for a woman to go over there by herself…."

Minnie and Joseph looked at one another in confusion, then back to Florence.

"Um, I am not afraid to be around Lucas by myself," Minnie said.

"You're not? Is it because they still have him tied up?" Florence asked.

"Lucas isn't restrained," Joseph said.

Florence gasped. "He's not?! You mean…..he's loose?"

"Of course! As a matter of fact, he's up and out of bed," Joseph said. "I was just going over to see him."

Florence furrowed her brow. "But aren't they afraid he'll escape? Go on a murderous rampage?"

Minnie looked concerned. "Florence! Lucas isn't insane, and he sure isn't going to be going out and murderin' anyone. He's not a violent man."

Florence raised her eyebrows. "But he killed…."

"Someone who had done something very bad to him and his family. Now, I know that's not the best way to approach things, but if you knew the full story, you'd probably understand," Joseph said, putting his arm on her shoulder. "So, if you want to do something to help the situation, I say simply pray for him. Lucas needs your prayers. He's still struggling with some things and needs the Great Physician to come and bring him healing."

"Pray?" Florence asked, slightly confused. "Are you sure there's not something else we can do?"

"Prayer is the very best service for a soul in need," Joseph replied. "The one indispensable thing."

"Florence?" Ned's voice called out from the Mercantile entrance. "We have customers."

"Okay, well, thank you both," she smiled a half smile. "I um….I have to go. Happy you're alright."

The Canfields watched until Florence and Ned disappeared back into the store, then Joseph shook his head. "Hmm," he said.

"What is it, Joseph?" Minnie asked.

"You know what I call that, baby?" Joseph responded.

"What?"

"Sunday's Sermon!"

Joseph tapped on the door and entered the Infirmary, surprised to see Bouchard alone.

"Good morning, my friend. Has everyone abandoned you?" the pastor said lightheartedly.

Lucas paused, then nodded, wiping his mouth with a napkin and watching as the pastor sat opposite him at a table by the window.

For the past three mornings, the pastor's discussions with Lucas had started out slowly, so he was used to Bouchard's quietness. But this morning, an even darker cloud seemed to be hovering over the room than before. Joseph thought he knew the reason why.

"Where's Miss Elizabeth this morning?"

"With Jack," Lucas said, looking out the window. "He needs her."

"So do you," Joseph said.

Lucas nodded, tapping his fingers on the table. "Yes. But I may not be good for her."

Canfield took a deep breath, gauging his mood. He sat back in his chair. "Why do you say that? Elizabeth loves you."

Lucas reached toward his teacup. "She does. But perhaps I'm not what she needs," he said, taking a sip. He set the cup back down. "When you officiate a ceremony, you ask the groom if he promises to love, cherish, and protect the bride."

"Yes?"

"Well, we see what my protection brings. I couldn't protect Jenny, and I've brought nothing but trouble upon our lives by killing her assailant."

"Lucas. My friend. Feeling guilty over being unable to stop what happened to Jenny is you doing the devil's work. The Bible says Satan is the great accuser of the brethren, and he'd like nothing more than to keep you down about something you truly had no ability to stop. And in terms of that man in the saloon, don't you know God understands that too? Don't you know that His grace is sufficient for even that? He knows you're sorry."

"But I'm not."

Joseph tilted his head, and Lucas looked outside the window.

"I'm not sorry. Although I do not remember doing it, I feel no regret over it." Lucas looked toward the pastor. "That bast- …that snake ripped the only friend I had, my little sister, from out of our lives and did who knows what to her. I can't even imagine what she went through, Joseph. She was a six-year-old child, helpless and alone when I had sworn I would protect her. After that, Mother was so despondent that she locked herself in her room for a year. It was that or the asylum – which, by the way, we visited, and I don't want to tell you what happened there – just suffice it to say, it was awful. Father soothed himself with work, and I, a seven-year-old child, was left to look after myself. That man destroyed our family, and I'm glad he's dead. Does that make me bad?" By the end of Lucas's speech, his eyes were glistening. Joseph could tell this was a man struggling with anger, grief, and so many other emotions that he had not yet gotten ahold of. He was a troubled soul.

Joseph considered his words and then shook his head. "No, Lucas. That doesn't make you bad. That makes you human. What happened to you was terrible. It was terrible. The fact you managed to make it through all of that and have come out on this end such a good, generous, well-adjusted person – well, that's the grace of God there. But, if it had been Angela or Coop that was taken in such a dreadful way, I can't say I would have behaved any differently. I probably would have been worse."

"Worse than killing a man?"

"I would have done it with deliberation and wouldn't have looked back," Joseph said sincerely.

Lucas allowed a tear to fall. "So, I'm not a hopeless cause? God can forgive me?"

"Lucas, God's eyes are not blind to our struggles. He is also aware of the many injustices in this world. The Bible tells us that His eye is on a sparrow that falls and that we are of much more value than many sparrows. So, at the end of this life of trouble, I am confident that righteousness will be rewarded and evil will be judged.

Regarding that man, the Word also tells us that vengeance belongs to God. But sometimes, He uses human beings to carry out that justice. You can't even remember stepping out and doing that, so I have to believe it was the hand of God working through you. The man you killed was a very evil man who reaped what he sowed. I believe it is fitting that he had his comeuppance at the hands of one he traumatized. God forgives Lucas. But I'm not certain there is anything here to forgive.

And in terms of hope, there's always hope."

Lucas sighed. "I wish I believed that preacher."

"Don't try to figure it all out right now. You'll overwhelm yourself. Do what we talked about yesterday, and just let yourself rest. God will show you the path to healing."

"Thank you again for watching Jack, Rosemary," Elizabeth said as she dropped her little boy off at the Coulter's house for another day's stay. The prior evening was the first night since the incident that she and Jack had spent at home, and her heart felt so much more at ease when he greeted her with a smile, not at all seeming bothered she had been away. When she explained that she was visiting Lucas, who had been sick but was getting better, he understood all the more. She had certainly picked good guardians for her boy.

"It is always a pleasure, Elizabeth. You know that," Rosemary replied. "Plus, with this little one on the way, Lee and I consider it good practice. Although, I'm positive that any child of mine will not be nearly as well-behaved as your little boy."

Elizabeth chuckled. "He or she will be wonderful – just like you are. You've been so kind and generous watching him. Really, everyone has been. With Minnie taking over my classes for a couple of days and then Fiona, and now Henry! My students may not want me back!"

Rosemary sighed, "I sincerely doubt that. Tell me, how is Lucas? Is he doing better?"

Elizabeth shook her head. "Yes. His thinking is clearer, almost back to normal – although I can tell he's ruminating over various things. I wish I could get him to open up to me. I think he doesn't want to scare me or make me feel sad, so he still holds so much inside."

"That's not good," Rosemary said.

"No, it's not," Elizabeth agreed. "He's been talking to that psychiatrist and to Joseph, and it seems to be doing him a lot of good, but what about after the doctor leaves? I wish I knew the answer. Thank you for watching Jack again. I'll be back around seven-thirty to get him. Lucas and I will be having dinner together."

"Take your time," Rosemary replied.

"Jack, come say goodbye to Mama."

Jack jumped up from the table and hugged his mother. He then handed her his old stuffed dog he'd had since he was a baby. "Here. Give this to Buddy."

"You're giving him Dog?"

"Mmhmm….he can borrow him. He always makes me feel better when I don't feel good."

Elizabeth smiled and then kissed Jack's forehead. "That is very thoughtful. I'm sure your buddy will appreciate it."

Jack smiled with satisfaction. "Love you – and I love Buddy too. Tell him I said so."

"I will," Elizabeth replied. What a boy.

XXXXX

Whatcha got there, Lucas?"

"It's an arrowhead."

"An arrowhead?"

"Yes. You know, the thing that Indians put on the ends of bows when hunting. Want to see?"

Jenny moved over to where her brother crouched on the ground and took the light grey stone from his hand. The striated piece of flint was expertly carved and in perfect condition to the point that it would still be useful if someone wanted to try to use it.

"It looks like a snow-covered Christmas Tree."

"Kind of," Lucas said.

"Is it sharp?" she asked, reaching out and touching the tip with her bare finger. "Ouch!" She recoiled, dropping the object onto the ground.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"It bit me!" she said, sticking her finger into her mouth.

Lucas chuckled. "It didn't bite you. It's a piece of rock. Let me see your finger."

"No," she pouted.

"Jenny…."

"Oh, alright!" she responded, sticking out her hand.

Lucas examined it and then patted her on the head. "It's not too deep. Just a scratch. You'll be okay."

"I know that," she replied. "I was just putting on."

Lucas laughed. "Putting on, huh? Well, you are pretty brave."

He bent down and picked up the arrowhead, which now had a smudge of Jenny's blood along its top. He then wrapped it in a handkerchief. "Here. Take this. It's a trophy for your war wound."

"Thank you," Jenny smiled before slipping the object into her pocket. "You're a good brother, Lucas Bouchard."

XXXXX

"Look, he's smiling," the soft sound of Elizabeth's voice woke Lucas from his dream.

He opened his eyes, surprised to see not only Elizabeth but his parents and Drs. Carter and Bennett were present. The two doctors stayed to the side, comparing notes and seeming to be having a conversation of their own, though Lucas suspected that he was under observation.

"You're awake!" Martin said, patting Lucas on his leg.

"Mmm…" Lucas intoned, sitting up with a yawn and then stretching. "Just taking a little nap."

"You don't have to explain," Elizabeth said. "We're just happy to see you resting so peacefully. Like a baby."

"Just like when you were a little boy," Helen said.

"I'm surprised you noticed," Lucas responded.

Helen lowered her eyes and pursed her lips.

"I'm sorry," Lucas said immediately. "That was unkind."

Dr. Bennett stood from his desk. "But was it truthful?"

The group turned toward Bennett as the doctor continued. "Lucas, why did you immediately apologize to your mother?"

"Because he was rude," Helen said.

Bennett looked at Lucas's mother. "Ma'am, I was speaking to Lucas. You see, part of the reason we are in this situation is that your son has been walking on eggshells around you and your husband for over thirty years to the neglect of his own needs."

"I beg your pardon!"

"When Lucas was a child and was crying, what did you do?"

Lucas closed his eyes as another memory invaded his mind.

XXXXX

Lucas swiped his arm across his face as he ran into his house, sucking back a sob even as the tears streamed down his cheeks. He stopped in the hallway and peered into the main living room but saw nobody there; then, he remembered the nanny had the day off. He closed his eyes. There was only one option. Taking a deep breath, he turned toward his right, straightening his posture as he slowly approached the door at the end of the hall. He knew she was in there working. He knew it was against the rules, but what choice did he have? He looked down at the bleeding wound upon his hand and considered the ramifications, then reached up with his other hand and knocked. More tears fell. He quickly brushed them away.

"Mother?" he said timidly. He was met with a silence that wasn't unusual. A feeling of upset rose in his chest, but he quickly quashed it down. "Mother, it's Lucas," he said a little louder.

"You may enter." His mother's voice was heavy with annoyance, something that Lucas was also quite familiar with. Slowly opening the door, he walked into the room, still sniffling but trying to control it.

"Lucas. Haven't I told you never to interrupt me when I'm working?"

"I'm sorry, Mother," he sniffed, "but I didn't know where else to go. Father isn't home," he said, trying to control his tears as he knew she didn't like them.

"And Alice has the day off," Helen recalled. "Alright then, tell me what's so important so I can return to work."

"Mrs. Macgregor's cat bit me. And it hurts really bad."

"Do you mean the cat I have told you a thousand times to stay away from?" A burdensome sigh followed the statement as she stood and walked over. "Let me see."

Lucas offered up his arm, basking in the rare feeling of human touch upon his skin as she examined the wound. Funny how with that one act, though the wound still hurt, it made him feel better.

"It's nothing serious, hardly worthy for you to carry on so. Go. Wash it off with soap, and wipe your face. You'll be fine."

As soon as she released him, he took a couple of heaving breaths and managed a smile. "Thank you, Mother. I'm alright now."

"Good. I will see you at dinner," she replied with a pat on his shoulder and a slight smile of her own before turning back to her desk.

Lucas knew he was dismissed and turned to leave the room, carefully closing the door quietly before walking back down the hallway to the powder room. Following his mother's directions, he cleansed the wound carefully before drying his arm. It still hurt, but at least it had stopped bleeding.

"What's wrong, Lucas?" He didn't know that Jenny was downstairs; normally, when she wasn't outside with him, she was upstairs in the playroom.

"Oh, nothing. That old tomcat of Mrs. MacGregor just jumped out and bit me," he replied as he walked out of the room.

"Oh, my goodness! Let me see," she said, reaching out her hands.

Lucas held his arm up for her inspection, Jenny turning it this way and that before shaking her head. "Does it hurt?"

"A little," he replied, not letting on that it still hurt like the devil. After all, he was the big brother here.

"You poor thing! That must have been scary having that mean old thing jump on you like that," she said. Lifting his arm, Jenny placed her lips on the injury and kissed it; Lucas heard the smacking sound before she looked up at him. "All better?"

"All better." He replied. The routine had been done many times before, but always with Lucas taking care of Jenny, never the other way around. He smiled at the irony.

XXXXXX

Lucas opened his eyes after long last his mother answered Dr. Bennett's question. "I tried to be caring and compassionate."

"I'm sure that's what you believe, and I do not doubt you tried. But for a little boy who simply needed his mother's love, you were cold and distant. Lucas was afraid to go to you with problems for fear of upsetting you."

"I did my best."

"You placed a heavy burden on a child. And you, Mr. Bouchard, did nothing to stop it."

Martin looked down toward the floor. "That's true. I wanted to keep Helen happy and then was always busy. I'm afraid I was of little help. But I'd like to help now. What can we do?"

Before he could answer, a tap came on the door, followed by Bill and Nathan entering the room.

"Sorry to interrupt," Bill said, "but I've got some good news."

"Good news is good!" Faith said. "Let's hear it."

"We just got word from Mountie Headquarters and the Commissioner's office on the case. He's read the extenuating circumstances and Dr. Bennett's assessment and is not going to press charges," Nathan said. "He said, and I quote, 'Mr. Bouchard accomplished what decades of law enforcement work hasn't been able to and should be commended rather than prosecuted. Apparently, they know this guy well, and they've been working hard to get him for a while."

"Yes, and the name Solomon Drake was new to them, too," Bill added, looking toward Martin. "So, thank you for that. They've requested U.S. Authorities send them his records there as well. They think it may help solve some cold cases along the border."

Lucas inhaled sharply and shook his head. "So, what does this mean?"

"It means you're free," Nathan said.

"Free?" Lucas asked, unsure he was hearing correctly.

Bill stepped forward. "Lucas, in the eyes of the law – you are NOT GUILTY. You are absolved of any wrongdoing. You can now concentrate on getting your life back. You're free to go."

"Oh! That's so wonderful!" Elizabeth stated, hugging him closely. Lucas closed his eyes to avoid breaking down.

"What a relief!" Helen said. "Now, all that needs to happen is for Lucas to be discharged. When do you suppose that might happen?" she asked.

Dr. Bennett crossed his arms. "I was actually just about to discuss that. I'd like to release from the Infirmary on a trial basis."

"Oh?" Elizabeth said.

"He wouldn't go straight home, and I don't want him to be alone. But that's what I'm thinking."

"Oh. Well, he can stay with me and Jack," Elizabeth offered.

"You?" Nathan asked.

"Yes? I there a problem?"

Nathan wrinkled his forehead. "Yeah, there's a problem! You're not married!"

"So?"

"So…..you shouldn't be living together. You have a reputation to protect."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "It's not anyone's business. Besides, where else does he have to go? He can't go home, and I imagine the Queen of Hearts is out."

"That's correct," Bennett said. "I do not want him working during this trial period, and due to the events, I believe it would be best to slowly reintroduce himself to the area where the unfortunate incident occurred."

"So it has to be me," Elizabeth said.

"Um, no," Nathan replied.

"Nathan! It's not like we're going to be doing anything inappropriate."

"You can't say that."

Elizabeth put her hands on her hips, and Lucas shifted uncomfortably at the direction of the conversation.

"What exactly are you suggesting, Mr. Grant?" she asked.

Yes, exactly. What is he suggesting?

"I'm not suggesting anything. I'm just saying…."

"Saying what? That you think we can't behave ourselves? That we'll behave like animals?"

"Hey! It's not like half the town hasn't seen the two of you canoodling behind every building in sight."

"And some buildings not in sight," Bill joked under his breath.

Elizabeth's jaw dropped open, and she stood. "We do not canoodle!" she said with widened eyes.

"Alright, snogging then. Kissing. Making out!"

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips, then turned and grabbed Lucas's pillow. Immediately she started beating the Mountie with it as hard as she could, to everyone's shocked surprise.

"Hey! Stop….Elizabeth, stop it! Bill! Make her stop!"

"This is your mess, not mine," Bill said calmly.

Faith covered her mouth, and Martin embraced Helen, neither knowing what to think about the display.

"You will take that back immediately, Nathan Grant, or I'll…."

At that moment, another sound pierced the air – a welcome sound for everyone in the room. Elizabeth stopped, and all eyes turned toward Lucas, whose hand rested on his forehead as his shoulders shook.

"Lucas?" Elizabeth asked, slowly moving his way. "Are you….laughing?"

Lucas laughed harder, glancing up at Elizabeth and then at Nathan. "Guilty as charged, Constable," he said, causing chuckles throughout the room.

"Oooh! Lucas Bouchard!" she said, turning back to him and gently hitting him with the pillow. "You're supposed to be on my side!"

He reached up and grabbed her at the waist, pulling her to where she was sitting on the edge of the bed.

"I am on your side. But this time, Nathan is right. As much as I would love to stay with you, I fear it would be unwise. You must understand a man does have his limits."

Elizabeth opened her mouth to say something but closed it, realizing he was protecting them both.

"Maybe get Gustave," Bill suggested.

"No, I have a better idea!" Helen said. "Martin and I can move in with him."

"You….what?" Lucas asked, alarmed.

"It's perfect. Dr. Bennett believes that we need to work on more open communication and you need someone to stay with you short term. It'll be like old times."

"The idea does have its merit," Martin said. "What do you say, Dr. Bennett?"

"Well. I'd say it's worth a shot," the doctor replied.

"Do I have a say in this?" Lucas asked.

"NO!" they all replied.

"So, it's settled," Helen said. "The Bouchards will be a family once again. Martin, see if you can arrange to have our things moved to Lucas's place."

"My house is too small," Lucas said.

"It's big enough, or it will be once we relocate all of your suits," Helen replied. "Besides, you have hardly any furniture except for that ugly leather couch."

"I like that couch!"

"Like it or not, it's got to go. You will not be permitted to go to the saloon, so Mother and Father can help you to furnish the house as it should be."

"Helen, don't wear the poor boy out," Martin said.

"Nonsense. It will be fun."

Lucas got out of bed, rubbed his neck, and stood by Bill, who was watching with amusement.

"I thought you said I was going to escape punishment," he said.

Bill chuckled. "This too shall pass."

Lucas sighed.

"Say, there was something about what you said earlier about what happened with your sister that's been bugging me," Bill said. "You said that Drake basically kicked you off the wagon before it drove away."

"That's right," Lucas replied. "That's what I remember."

Bill paused a moment, then looked at Bouchard. "Who was the other man?"

Lucas looked confused. "Other man?"

"The driver? If Drake had Jenny and the wagon pulled away, it didn't drive itself. He had to have had an accomplice."

Lucas furrowed his brow as it dawned on him that Bill was right. Drake wasn't alone, which meant whoever the driver was could still be at large.