Carson's first stop before dealing with the Mei situation was to check in with Faith and see what was on the schedule. As he got close, he saw Mei quietly enter the infirmary and crept closer, cracking the door so he could hear what was going on.
"Has Carson said anything about me to you?"
"No, should he?" Faith asked.
"I noticed the Yosts talking to him last night. How long is he here for anyway?"
"No, Carson hasn't said anything about you, though if he does, why should it matter? As for how long he is here, that would be for at least the next 18 months while I finish out my residency and probation. Which is why I really don't think I can be of help to you with whatever your situation is."
"But Faith, you have to help!"
Look, I telephoned Jeffrey yesterday, but I have yet to get a response. Mei, if something's happened, then Carson…"
"Nothing is wrong, Faith. I just want to make a new life. On my own. But I'll need your help."
"You're asking a lot, Mei. I hardly know you.
"I can do this job better than Jeffrey. You wait and see."
"I'm in enough trouble with my probation, and it's my career on the line. Besides, you'll have to convince the Yosts if you want to remain their pharmacist."
Mei glared at her. "Just don't try and call Jeffrey again. Can you do at least that much for me?"
Carson decided to reveal his presence at that point but not the fact that he heard what had been said.
"Good morning, Faith," he said cheerily, then as if he just realized that Mei was there. "Oh! Good morning to you as well, Mei."
Mei smiled and said, "Hello, Carson. I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to talk last night during the evening. Perhaps we can rectify that soon?"
"I would enjoy that," Carson said casually. He could see that Faith scowled at the mention of the two of them having supper. He sighed, knowing they had more than just Mei and the probation to discuss.
"Well, I'll leave you to two to get on with your day," Mei said, "Think about what I said, Faith." She locked eyes with Faith momentarily before leaving. She had left the door open, and he watched her walk towards the Mercantile before flipping the closed sign and shutting the door, then turning to Faith.
"All right! Mind telling me what is going on?"
"I don't know what you are talking about?" Faith replied, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Stop it! Don't play me for a fool, Faith. I heard everything outside the door as well as the conversation from yesterday. Ned and Florence also approached me last night about their concerns and your supposed lack of response." Carson said, raising his voice. He was quickly becoming angry.
Faith bristled. "Then you obviously don't need me to answer now, do you?"
Carson closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to calm down, but her attitude wasn't making it easy. Finally feeling a bit calmer, he attempted to ask again.
"Faith, I understand that you are upset and have a plethora of other emotions," Carson said, but she interrupted before he could say more.
"I don't need a babysitter Carson, and you're the one who left anyway," Faith said, her resentment and hurt evident. "I read over the paperwork, and I don't see that I was wrong in the decisions that I made. I can't help but wonder what its real purpose is and why you are here."
Carson saw red at her accusations registered. "I AM NOT THE ENEMY, FAITH!" Carson yelled. He took a deep breath and paused, trying to calm down some before continuing. "Nor am I going anywhere until the 18 months is up. As much as we both would wish otherwise, until it is, then you are working for me essentially. If you don't like it, then there is the door. I will arrange for another doctor to come to Hope Valley and then let the board know you are unwilling to accept the conditions, which you should know will probably remove your ability even to be a nurse."
As the words registered, she deflated, and her arms fell to her sides. He could see that she felt humiliated and overwhelmed. He didn't want to add to that. "If you want, we can go back through the warnings and see what we can clear up and remove from your record. Maybe then the board will cut down some of the time." Carson said, trying to ease the strain between them.
"Why not arrange for another doctor to replace you, and I follow them? Why did you have to be the one?" He could hear the bitterness enter her tone.
"Because you already wouldn't listen to Dr. Anders and because I was the one who recommended you to the program and agreed to be the supervising physician. Because of your arrogant attitude, we are both stuck working together," Carson said. "Honestly, I was shocked and didn't believe some of what was in that report. But now I can't help wondering if I made a mistake."
They both stood glaring at each other when Molly walked in, smiling with exuberance. "Good morning, you two. It's so wonderful having the team back together again."
But neither acknowledged her as they were too embroiled in their discussion. Sensing the tension, Molly remained quiet and stood nearby, observing what was happening.
"Also, as for your other insinuation that I might have personal motives let me assure you that I don't. I have moved on and am courting a lovely woman named Megan. This wasn't how I would address things with you, but you left me no choice in the matter. Once I get things settled, the plan is for her to join me here."
Faith and Molly stared at Carson in shock. A few moments later, Faith schooled her features and said cooly, "I see!"
"I'm sorry, Faith," Carson said softly, drawing closer and moving to comfort her. He had seen the pain in her eyes before she hid it.
"Don't!" Faith said harshly. "Don't touch me! I neither want nor need your comfort. I prefer to keep things strictly professional if you don't mind."
"I understand, and that is also acceptable to me," Carson said. "Now answer my question about Mei Sou."
"The pharmacist?" Molly asked.
"Yes," Carson said. "Ned and Florence approached me last night with concerns, plus I have some of my own based on conversations I overheard between Faith and Mei."
"She seems like a lovely girl, though a bit mysterious, and is very friendly. I think she has eyes for Nathan and Lucas. Oh dear, I hope we don't wind up with another situation of a woman choosing between Nathan and Lucas. Of course, a certain other someone may be interested too, right Faith?" Molly teased, trying to help her friend save face in front of Carson.
"Yes!" Faith said, getting the hint. "I find him quite attractive myself. Maybe I should ask him to supper."
"Of course, there's also that hunky Doctor Nelson," Molly said, then added. "Though he did walk Elizabeth home, so maybe…."
"Molly, can you give us the room for a moment!" Faith asked. She knew that Molly was going into gossip mode and wasn't in the mood for it just then.
"No problem. I will see if we have anything to pick up at the Mercantile." Molly said, practically running out to talk to her friend.
After she left, Faith took a deep breath and ran her hands down her skirt, smoothing away the invisible wrinkles before speaking. Her emotions were running all over the place at Carson in courtship with another woman who would be joining him and being here, plus everything going on with Mei.
"All right," Faith said resignedly as she moved to sit at the desk. "If you heard both conversations, you know most of it. What is it you want to know?"
Carson perched on the edge of the desk. "Who is Jeffrey Lewis, and how do you know him?"
"I knew him from medical school as he did our lectures on pharmacology. He helped me gain a better understanding before the exams. That was actually how I met Mei since she worked in his pharmacy as well as the hospital occasionally. I knew she was one of his students but only saw her half a dozen times. If that. I certainly didn't interact with her enough for her to say we were friends."
"When Ned and Florence said they were looking for a Pharmacist, I recalled Jeffrey mentioning that he would love to move and seemed interested in the frontier life, so I suggested his name to Ned. I'm not even sure now that he even got the information."
"Do you have any concerns about her qualifications?" Carson asked.
"None. Jeffrey had her working independently in his pharmacy, and I know she was a student."
"All right, I will handle this from now on. Faith, if she comes to you again for a private chat, refer her to me. At the moment, I don't see any reason for us to bring this to the board, as I'm inclined to agree with your actions."
"Thanks, Carson," Faith said, smiling at him.
"You are very welcome, Faith. I genuinely only want to see you succeed because you are a good doctor, and this is just a bump in the road. Now how about you tell me what you have set up for the day and any changes you made while I was gone."
By the time Carson reached Bill's office, Nathan was heading over; they walked in and sat in front of Bill's desk.
"I think there is an issue with Mei Sou, the new pharmacist," Carson said.
"Oh?" Bill said, instantly perking up.
"Last night Florence approached me concerned about her. Plus, in the past 24 hours, I have encountered two separate conversations where she asks Faith to advocate for her and not speak to someone named Jeffrey Lewis. I also heard Faith say that she tried calling him yesterday but didn't get an answer. From what the Yosts said, Mei Sou told them they were corresponding with her, although she wrote them as Jeffrey." Then Carson filled them in on everything Faith had told them.
"That's committing fraud," Nathan said, "Although Jeffrey Lewis would have to be the one to press charges."
"Why didn't they come to us?" Bill asked. "More importantly, if they are concerned, why is she working in the pharmacy?"
"I don't know; you must ask them," Carson added. "As I said, they had hired Jeffrey based on her recommendation, not knowing it was Mei Sou. My concern for now, though, is whether her credentials are completed; I'm also concerned about how this might affect Faith,"
"You mean her probation," Bill said as it dawned on him. Then he realized Nathan was in the room and said, "That's not to leave this room."
Nathan nodded with a glare to Bill. "Of course. Are you trying to say I have a problem with information?"
"No, sorry, Nathan, I am just on edge about something else, and now this," Bill said with chagrin.
Carson turned to Nathan and said, "It's part probation and part finishing up Faith's residency under a licensed physician, which is why I'm back for the next 18 months. Anyway, I tried reaching Jeffrey, but he wasn't available. What should we do here?" he asked, looking back at Bill.
"I think for now, we need to get a hold of Jeffrey. Do you have any connections at the school where you arranged for Faith to become a doctor? Maybe at least reach out to them." Bill suggested.
"I saw a degree hanging on her wall," Nathan said. "So maybe we should send something to them also? Before we act on things, we should probably get all the facts together."
"Good idea," Carson said. "Faith did say that Mei Sou worked independently at the pharmacy that Jeffrey Lewis owned, so there aren't any immediate concerns though I won't be sending her prescriptions. She can still sell the ice cream and the non-formulary medicines. I also plan to let Dean and Daniel know since they are doctors who would also write prescriptions. I have enough knowledge that if needed, I could do it or arrange delivery of them like we did before."
There was a knock on his door before Bill could say anything, and he could see Elizabeth was on the other side. "Come in."
Elizabeth entered with Jack, who, upon spying, Nathan lit up and went over and climbed up on his lap for a hug!
"Hello, Carson!" Nathan, it is nice to see you." She added softly, trying to imprint the picture of Jack and Nathan together in her memory.
"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to interrupt your meeting. I'm heading to the Nelsons and wanted to remind you that Julie would be riding Hero if it is still all right. Dean is going to give Sargent a check-up."
"Sure, that will be fine. I trust that you will watch out for him. While you are at it, can you have Dean take a look at him as well? It has also been a while for the old boy, and it wouldn't hurt. How was counseling?"
Elizabeth sighed. "It is going to be a painful process, but I know it is long overdue. However, its benefits will outweigh the pain and ultimately lead to a healthy and happy future. At least that is what I keep telling myself."
"Well, if Lucas gives you any problems, please let me know," Bill said.
"I will," Elizabeth said with a heavy sigh of regret as she looked once more where Nathan and Jack sat whispering to each other. Carson and Bill couldn't help but notice the longing in her eyes, which were also brimming with tears.
"Thanks, Bill. I'll let you get back to your meeting then. Julie is waiting for us at the livery. Come on, Jack, we need to go."
"Okay, Mama!" Jack said, giving them all hugs. "Love you!"
After they left, Bill sat there frowning. "What's wrong, Bill? Why did you ask about Lucas?" Nathan asked.
"Because he accosted her earlier today when she was going into town. Even grabbed her arm, and I wouldn't be surprised if there were bruises.
"He grabbed her?" Nathan said, jaw clenched. Then recalling Julie's concerns, he blanched. "Do you think what Julie worried about could be a real issue?"
"Before today, I would have said no," Bill said, "Now I'm not so sure because he doesn't seem to want to accept it and vowed to fight for their love." The men rolled their eyes at his words.
"As if she would ever want to get back together with him. I feel she made that perfectly clear when we arrived in town." Carson growled. "The last thing she needs is him harassing her while she is attempting to pick up the pieces of her life and doing counseling. He also doesn't need to be around Jack."
"No, he doesn't," Nathan said.
"From the conversation I heard, I gathered that he taught some unsavory things to Jack that she only recently found out about," Bill said.
Nathan's jaw clenched, and his hand fisted on his lap as white-hot fury rolled over him. "What?" was all Nathan could say because it was taking all his strength to stay seated and not go to the saloon.
"Elizabeth mentioned on the train that Lucas taught Jack that lying was okay as long as nobody got hurt and sometimes necessary. He also said that a good poker face will get you anything in life and is all you need to be successful. Of course, I am paraphrasing, but that was the gist of what William Thatcher told Elizabeth. I know she was planning on asking the two of you and Lee to talk with him since you are all men of influence in his life." Carson said carefully, knowing that the two men would have issues.
"I didn't even think he was ever alone with Jack." Bill said, "He never included him in anything."
"From what Elizabeth said, he wasn't. I think she said he covered for Laura a time or two for short periods, but that was it."
"I need to go," Nathan said, his mouth grim.
"You are excused only if you promise me that you will not approach Bouchard, Nathan," Bill stated. "I can make it a court order if I need to though I don't want to have to go there."
Nathan took a deep breath. "You have my word Bill that I will not speak with him. Now may I go?" Nathan seethed.
"Of course. If you need anything, let me know."
Nathan was out the door without another word.
Later as he was entering the livery with Newton to bed him down, he saw that Elizabeth, Julie, and Jack had returned from the ranch. He stiffened briefly, still angry about what he had learned in Bill's office. He couldn't help that he blamed Elizabeth for that, and it just added to the resentment he already felt towards her though that probably wasn't fair.
"Mountie Nathan, guess what?" Jack said, breaking him out of his thoughts.
"What's that, buddy?"
"Sargent got a checkup, and Dr. Dean said he is healthy as a horse."
Nathan chuckled. "I guess that is a good thing since he is one."
"Uh-huh!" Jack giggled. "Dr. Dean also took me out, showed me some cows and chickens, and even let me help him in the barn. I can't wait to go again. Mrs. Blinda invited us to supper tomorrow. I can't wait."
Nathan felt a pang of hurt which completely took him by surprise. Rather than question it, he tamped it down to file away though he strongly suspected it might be jealousy.
"Well, that's just great, Jack," Nathan replied, not making eye contact with Elizabeth or Julie. "I'd better get Newton tucked in, but I'm glad you had a good day, little man." Then gave him another hug before moving on to the stable. Elizabeth must have picked up on his desire to be alone and quickly ushered Jack towards home.
Nathan was locking up when Faith approached him. "Hey, Faith, I'm surprised to see you out so late. Not overworking yourself, are you?"
"No, I was waiting for you." She replied nervously.
"Oh? Something wrong?"
"No, it isn't a Mountie issue but something more of a personal nature," Faith replied. "I wanted to see if you would have supper with me tomorrow night."
Still stinging from his encounter with Jack and Elizabeth, he quickly accepted and escorted Faith to her door before heading home for the night, looking forward to a nice supper with a friend.