Nathan stood before his house, staring at the front door. He needed a moment to prepare for the conversation he needed to have. He told himself to think of this as an undercover mission. Lisa was a criminal who needed to be taken down; this wasn't personal. He knew he was lying to himself; of course, this was personal. Lisa was in his home, hurting his family and trying to manipulate him and others in the Town.

Nathan stepped up to the door and swung it open, smiling as he looked around the lounge room where Colleen sat with Allie. He was glad Lisa wasn't there but knew she wouldn't be far away. He needed to be quick to get Colleen on board with the plan.

"Hey, Colleen, Hey, Allie, how are you both?" Nathan exclaimed, making sure his voice was normal.

"Uncle Nathan," Allie called as she ran over and threw herself into his arms. "I missed you today."

"Did you have fun with your Mum?" Nathan paused a beat before asking, "and Lisa?" watching to see if there was any reaction. He tensed when he saw Allie's face drop at the mention of Lisa.

Colleen smiled at Nathan and said, "Allie was a very good girl, I slept a lot today, and she was very quiet, so she didn't wake me."

"Did you need to increase your medication? Nathan asked her, concerned.

"No," Colleen replied, shaking her head. She did feel groggy, which was unusual given the small amount of medicine she did take. Faith was due for a follow-up visit tomorrow, and she would ask her if it was normal.

"Have you been eating and drinking properly?"

"Yes, Lisa has insisted on making me snacks and lunch."

"What about you, Allie? Does Lisa make your snacks?"

"Nope, mama only lets me eat the lunch she makes me," Allie said innocently. Nathan looked at Colleen, who stared back at him, one eyebrow raised in challenge.

"You're lucky you have such a wonderful Mama who wants to look after you and get your lunch." Nathan twirled Allie around, using their movement as an excuse to get closer to Colleen. "I think your Mama should keep doing it too."

Nathan placed Allie on the floor and knelt, so he was closer to her height, "You know who else would love to look after you?"

"No, but it isn't Aunt Elizabeth, Miss Thornton is it?" Allie said sadly.

"Well, she would love to look after you," Nathan said, "but this time, I was thinking about Mrs Stanton."

"Really?" Allie said, eyes wide with astonishment.

"Really?" Colleen said, echoing her daughter, although suspicion underpinned her tone.

"Oh yes, Mrs Stanton asked if I knew of any little girls who would like to visit her and help her try out her new cakes and desserts; she said it might take a few days."

"I could help her; I like cake," Allie said earnestly.

"Your Mama has to agree," Nathan said, laughing at his niece's gracious offer.

Allie turned to face her mother with a pleading look on her face.

"I guess that would be okay, Allie." Colleen hugged Allie to her as her daughter threw herself into her arms. "Why don't you head upstairs and start packing? We will be up to help you shortly."

"Make sure you pack for several days, Allie," Nathan called after her.

"Tell me what is going on, Nathan. Now." Colleen said sternly, staring at her brother angrily. "Why on earth are you sending my daughter away from me."

Nathan sat close to Colleen, "not you," he whispered. Nathan opened his mouth to continue but was interrupted by Lisa bringing the washing inside.

"Hi, Nathan," Lisa said, smiling widely at him. "It's good to have you home so early. Will you be staying here for the night?"

"I do need to go out for a little while, I am taking Allie to spend some time with Abigail Stanton, but then I will be home."

"Oh, what a shame; Colleen will miss her while she is gone." Strolling toward Nathan, she stood too close as she said, "and so will I. We have become close friends."


Abigail was waiting for Nathan and Allie in the kitchen at the Cafe. There was hot coffee and hot chocolate ready for them, along with a small snack. Abigail had to admit she was looking forward to Allie spending time with her; she missed having a child in her home. If only the circumstances of why she was staying were better.

How could she have been so wrong about Lisa? Bill and Nathan had come by earlier and shown her the information they had found on Lisa; she had been shocked. She considered herself a shrewd character judge, but Lisa had fooled her this time. Other people had suffered because Lisa had deceived her, including Allie and Elizabeth. Abigail was determined to find out what Lisa had said to Allie to make her turn away from Elizabeth.

Abigail jumped up to answer the knock on her door, opening it to see Nathan and Allie waiting.

"Allie, Nathan. Come in, please." Abigail exclaimed happily. "I am so glad you agreed to come and help me, Allie. I am not sure what I would do without you here to taste test for me."

"I'm very good at tasting cakes," Allie assured her.

"I'm sure you are," Abigail said, laughing.

Nathan and Abigail smiled over the little girl's head "why don't you run upstairs to the spare room? It's at the top of the stairs on the left. I will pour you some hot chocolate and have it waiting."

Once Allie reached the top of the stairs and was out of earshot, Abigail turned to Nathan. "Was Colleen alright with Allie coming here?"

"She was a little confused; I didn't get a chance to explain because Lisa was still there. I will tell her later tonight when we are alone."

"I'm so sorry, Nathan. I wish I had seen through her; I would never have supported her being around Colleen and Allie."

"Abigail, it was my idea. Not yours. Lisa is cunning and knew exactly how to manipulate me and others to feel sorry for her." Nathan's face was grim when he said, "that ends now."

"Has Bill come back to you about the specialist he wanted to call in?"

"Not yet, but I don't expect he will hear until the morning at the earliest."

Allie's footsteps grew louder on the stairs as she came down. "Uncle Nathan, the bed upstairs is huge."

"Well, then you should sleep well for Mrs Stanton. Please give me a hug and say goodbye. You don't want your hot chocolate going cold."

Nathan said goodbye to Abigail and Allie, hurrying towards Elizabeth's row house; he needed to explain the plan to her before she heard it from someone else.


"I still don't understand what happened with Allie, Nathan. Why doesn't she want to be around me anymore?" Elizabeth was devastated that the little girl she had become so close to had become cold toward her but would happily leave her mother and go and stay with someone else.

"I believe it's all part of what I have told you, Elizabeth. Lisa is poisoning her mind toward you." Nathan explained. "This is why I needed to get Allie away from her."

"What about Colleen? And everyone else in Town?"

"That's next. I need proof that Lisa is responsible for the thefts from patrons at the Saloon; I need to find evidence that she is cheating at cards to obtain things dishonestly. I need to understand why she is doing the things she is; once I do, I will be able to catch her and find her accomplice."

Nathan hesitated; he wasn't sure if he should tell Elizabeth everything Bill had learned about Lisa, especially the possible connection with Lucas Bouchard. He worried Elizabeth would feel obligated to tell Rosemary, and things would escalate out of his control. For now, he would only share his concerns regarding Lisa's behaviour in Coal Valley. He would explain the rest after it was over.

"So, how do you plan on catching her out, Nathan? If she is as cunning as you think, she will be challenging to pin down."

Elizabeth watched as Nathan's cheeks reddened, and he looked away from her, unable to maintain eye contact.

"Nathan!" Elizabeth exclaimed, hands on her hips. "Please tell me you aren't planning on doing what I think you are."

"It's the only way, Elizabeth. I need to get close to her. I need her to feel comfortable attempting the same tricks on me that she has with others."

"And just how far are you willing to go to catch her, Nathan?"

Nathan needed to figure out how to answer Elizabeth's question. Could he hurt Elizabeth to get the job done? He was determined to get Lisa out of their lives before she could hurt anyone more than she had already.

"I won't do anything risky or place anyone else in danger."

"I guess it depends on what you consider risky," Elizabeth stated coldly. "Is allowing her to continue to care for your sister dangerous? Is encouraging intimacy with her dangerous? Is humiliating me and ruining your reputation risky?"

"Elizabeth?"

"No, Nathan. Why does it have to be you? Why can't it be Bill?"

"Because it's me she wants," Nathan said succinctly, shrugging his shoulders. "I'm the bait."


Colleen lay on the lounge, finally starting to feel more alert. Earlier she had felt dizzy and disorientated, like when she had taken her pain medication. She hadn't taken any all day, deliberately. She didn't trust Lisa and worried she had been putting medicine in her food and tea.

When Faith visited tomorrow, she would ask her to check the amount remaining; if it were lower than expected, she would know for sure Lisa was to blame. The only person with access was Nathan; she trusted he would not do that to her. She wished Nathan would hurry home; she wanted to share her suspicions with him; of course, it would have to wait until Lisa left for the night.

"Would you like a cup of tea or hot chocolate?" Lisa asked sweetly.

Colleen looked up, startled; it was as though she had conjured Lisa up by thinking about her.

"I think I will wait for Nathan to get home. If you want to head home, please feel free to give yourself an early mark," Colleen smiled widely, hopefully disguising her distaste for the woman in front of her. "With Allie gone, I am sure Nathan, and I can fend for ourselves."

"Oh, No. I wouldn't dream of it. I promised your brother I would care for you and intend to do that unquestionably." The last thing Lisa wanted to do was spend less time with Nathan. If she could keep him away from Elizabeth and manage his time with Colleen, she was sure he would come around. Allie already adored her and had distanced herself from Elizabeth. Now she needed Nathan to do the same.

"Thank you, but I will wait for Nathan before I have anything else. That way, I can rest a little longer before I need to get up."

"Of course, I will go back into the kitchen and start dinner."

Nathan entered his home much more quickly this time than he had done earlier. He wanted time to talk to Colleen about his concerns about Lisa and how he planned to fix what he had started when he brought her into their lives. He was unhappy with how he had left things with Elizabeth; she didn't like the plan at all, and he knew she was upset about what might happen.

Nathan was pleased to see Colleen was sitting in the lounge room, much more alert than she had been earlier. He caught her eye and smiled at her quickly, shutting down her curious look. He saw Colleen's quick frown followed by a short nod and knew she understood. He was pleased he and his sister were so close, they would talk later, and she would follow his lead.

"Nathan, you're back!" Lisa exclaimed, her smile wide, her eyes full of excitement at seeing him. "I have dinner ready whenever you and Colleen want to eat."

Nathan looked at her and forced himself to smile, eyes sparkling just for her. "That's wonderful; thank you, Lisa. If I don't tell you enough, I appreciate all you do for Colleen and me." Nathan never thought about his looks and their impact on women, but he hoped Gabe was right about them this time. He needed to dazzle her, so she didn't see through what he was doing.

"It's my pleasure; I love being here, with you...and Colleen and Allie," Lisa said, happiness lighting up her face. "You go and freshen up for dinner, and I will help Colleen."

"Sure," Nathan replied. "I just need to go out and get some wood; it's meant to get cool tonight." Nathan knew it wouldn't be that cool, but Colleen struggled to stay warm, and it was easier on her if the house was warmer than most. Nathan refused to look at Colleen, unbuttoning his serge jacket and draping it over the nearest chair as he headed out the back door.

Colleen allowed Lisa to help her to the table, and although she didn't need her assistance, she played along, unsure if this was what Nathan expected of her. While waiting for Nathan to come back, she observed Lisa. She had concerns about the woman before she came to help; she knew what Lisa had tried to do with Nathan and couldn't believe her brother had brought her into their home.

Colleen knew Lisa's type; she had seen women like her before; now, with Nathan acting so strange, she wondered if there was more to her than she had realised. Colleen didn't care what Nathan was up to; she wanted Lisa out of her and Allie's life and house as soon as possible. Her thoughts drifted to Elizabeth, wondering how she felt about this strange turn of events.

Lisa stood with her back to Colleen, unaware of her scrutiny. She was consumed with watching Constable Nathan Grant chop wood. She was mesmerised by the look of concentration on his face. She felt her face heat as she observed the play of his muscles under his Henley as he raised the axe above his head and slammed it down on the log. She hoped the change in his attitude was a reason to hope her plan was working, that he was starting to see her as necessary to his life. Surely it wouldn't be much longer until he realised Princess Elizabeth wouldn't last in a town like Coal Valley and she was a much better choice.

Lisa knew she had to be careful; she had become complacent when working at the Saloon, knowing how easy it was to dupe the men that travelled through the Town. Her activities were very lucrative, and she had to resist gloating when she reported her success to her brother. Her brother thought he was calling the shots, controlling her from a long distance. He had no idea about her plans for a life with Nathan and didn't need to. When the time was right, she would tell him, but until then, she didn't talk about the Townspeople, only the men she could trick out of money, or property, whatever they had that was worth something. Nathan didn't need to know about the full extent of her activities either, it wouldn't do for a Constable's wife to behave the way she had.

Dinner was an ordeal Nathan hoped he wouldn't have to repeat too many times. Lisa was too attentive, hanging on his every word, serving him food, and offering more of everything. He was glad of Colleen's presence but couldn't help wondering how much worse it would be if she wasn't there.

Once dinner was over, he wanted nothing more than Lisa out of his house, but he knew he needed to keep the charade going a little longer. He wasn't sure how it happened, but he found himself walking Lisa back to the Saloon.

Nathan stepped out of the house, hurrying Lisa along when she seemed determined to draw out the walk. He responded to her chatter, answering her questions, and laughing in all the right spots. Lisa seemed pleased with his attention, and he was uncomfortable as she held onto his arm as they walked. When the tavern lights appeared in front of them, he was more pleased than he could say.

"Thank you so much for walking me home, Nathan." Lisa cooed.

"Of course, although I don't think walking around Coal Valley is dangerous. At least, I hope it isn't."

"How could it be with you here to protect us all."

"Well, I better get home to Colleen. I don't want to leave her alone too long." Nathan stepped back from Lisa as she swayed toward him.

"Of course, Nathan," she said as she gazed up at him. "I will see you tomorrow, sleep well," she whispered, her voice husky.

"You too."

Nathan watched her walk to the door of the Saloon, swallowing uneasily, especially when she turned and gave him an encouraging smile as she paused before going inside. When the door closed behind her, he sighed with relief. He hoped his plan worked; he didn't want to spend any more time than absolutely necessary around that woman.


Abigail paused, wondering if she had imagined the sound from Allie's room. As she listened, another small sob came from the bedroom, and she hurried in.

"Allie, sweetheart, are you okay?"

"I'm okay," the little girl said, wiping her tears away.

"You can tell me what's bothering you; I would like to help.'

"Do you think I am in the way?" Allie asked in a small voice.

"i\In the way?" Abigail asked, confused. "In the way of what?"

"Uncle Nathan."

"Tell me what you mean, Allie."

"Lisa told me that Aunt E...Miss Thatcher thinks I am in the way of her and Uncle Nathan. She said she heard her say she wished I wasn't around all the time."

"No, Allie. Lisa must have misheard. Elizabeth loves you, and she wants you to be around all the time. Is that why you play in your room when she comes over?" Abigail tried to keep her voice calm, but inside she was seething with anger. Gathering the little girl in her arms, she said. "I promise you; Elizabeth loves you very much. When she finds out you are here with me, I bet she comes over for breakfast with us because she wants you to be around."

"Really?" Allie hiccoughed as her tears subsided.

"Cross my heart," Abigail said, smiling. "Now, how about you get back into bed? I will stay with you until you go to sleep."

Allie nodded and slipped off Abigail's lap. Abigail stroked her hair until she fell asleep. She walked downstairs, still seething and decided she needed a cup of tea to calm down before even thinking of going to bed. A soft knock sounded on the door, and she peered out the window to see who was there.

"Nathan, come in. I am glad you are here; we need to talk."

Nathan listened to Abigail, his heart breaking at what Lisa had done. He had only called in to see how Allie had settled in, but now his suspicions were confirmed, and he had proof. He agreed with Abigail Elizabeth needed to show up for breakfast tomorrow, and he decided to go to her now and ask. He would not allow Allie to be hurt any longer than necessary.


Elizabeth and Rosemary were startled by the knock on the door; it was late for visitors. Rosemary rose and went to the door, opening it, her surprise evident when she saw Nathan standing there.

"Nathan, this is a surprise. Would you like to come in?"

"I won't, Rosemary. Could you ask Elizabeth to come out, please?"

Elizabeth rose immediately and went to the door, curious as to what would bring Nathan here at this time. Without a word, she grabbed a shawl, stepped around Rosemary, and onto the Verandah.

"Is everything alright, Nathan? Is it Colleen?" Her voice was concerned; Elizabeth looked into his face, trying to understand what was wrong.

"No, it's Allie."

"Allie?" Elizabeth exclaimed, reaching for him.

Nathan explained what Abigail had found out, his voice was even, but he knew Elizabeth could feel his anguish. As he looked down into her upturned face, he saw his distress mirrored in her eyes and was grateful once again she had come into his life.

"Of course, I will be there for breakfast, Nathan. I will be there as early as possible and arrange for someone to look after the lessons tomorrow." Elizabeth wasn't sure yet what tomorrow would bring, but she would make sure it was extra special for Allie.

"Thank you, Elizabeth. You don't know what this means for Allie and me."

Elizabeth didn't say anything; she just wrapped her arms around him, giving him what comfort she could. As she leaned against his chest, she swore Lisa wasn't going to get away with what she had done; she would make sure she paid for hurting Allie and Nathan.