Walking over to a chair, Bill plopped down, hard. "Would you mind repeating that?"

Lucas made his way back to the chair he had vacated and sat. "I know it sounds...bizarre but let me explain. Weeks ago, I felt something was... off... when I spoke to Elizabeth. Something was different about her. I chalked it up to excitement over the wedding and the Coulter's baby coming, but her response to me talking to her about building her a house is when my suspicions came to life.

"Elizabeth told me that the rowhouse was her home and basically, she refuses to move. That she would never feel at home anywhere else."

"I knew she might not be happy with your plans without talking to her first, but she really said that last part?"

A nod was his answer.

"Ok, so let's say she was moody. Women get that way."

A laugh from Lucas followed. "Don't say that in front of the women we know in town."

"I won't. But what you are saying is nothing unusual by itself. Got anything else?"

"Since we have been a couple, we have spent a lot of time together..."

"Canoodling," Bill added.

"Whatever you want to call it. And yet, now and for several weeks, Elizabeth hasn't spent much time with me. And she is out riding a lot these days. Every day."

"I can see where certain things would cause concern, but you are claiming she isn't Elizabeth, which is a preposterous statement. Have you tried talking to her?"

"Well, no, and there's more. Don't laugh, but her kisses feel... atypical. I know Elizabeth's kiss and lately, something has changed. Please don't ask me for details." A slight blush covered the tops of his cheeks. Bill wanted to press him, but this conversation was so strange he decided not to. Just as he started to speak, Lucas beat him to it. "Even the way she walks is different. Her speech patterns. Inflections. Mannerisms."

"The way you are talking, she has an evil twin who has taken over her life." The words sounded so absurd they both laughed nervously. "But I'm pretty sure you are of sound mind, so let me do some thinking about this. I didn't want to admit it, but I have seen some changes myself that I attributed to nerves with the wedding coming up. Come see me tomorrow and we will talk again."

"Thanks, Bill. And I'm sure you will keep this confidential..."

"Of course."

"And Bill. If this isn't Elizabeth, what has she done with her?"

"One thing at a time, Lucas."

Bill watched Lucas walk out the door and then picked up the phone. "Florence, get me the Hamilton Vital Records."

###

When dinner was over, Lucas put Jack to bed while 'Elizabeth' was taking care of the dishes. After reading the boy a story, he turned to leave.

"Buddy." The voice caused him to walk back and sit on the edge of the bed where Jack's sleepy eyes wouldn't stay open much longer.

"Yes, Buddy. Did you need something?"

A big yawn preceded Jack's closed eyes. "I just hope my old mommy is back soon. G'nite."

The words made Lucas freeze as he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. Old mommy?

Leaning over to kiss Jack's forehead, Lucas made his way down the stairs to find his dinner companion sitting on the couch. Giving him a coy smile, she patted the couch next to her. When he sat, she leaned into him, taking him by surprise. "Is Jack asleep?" she asked playfully as she ran her fingers through his dark tresses.

"Yes," Lucas answered nervously and then swallowed the lump in his throat.

"So... we're alone..." she replied, scooting herself closer and capturing his lips with hers. Lucas returned the kiss briefly, before backing away.

"Lucas, we're practically married. Why so shy?"

Clearing his throat, Lucas stood to his feet. "Uh... Elizabeth... I need to go back to the hotel. I forgot I have to finish checking some ledgers. Goodnight." He hurried to the door and exited, taking a deep breath of the cool night air. This was definitely NOT his Elizabeth.

Jumping in his car, he rushed back to town, surprised to see Bill sprinting in his direction as he pulled up in front of the hotel. "We need to talk," the judge said, taking Lucas's arm and escorting him to a quiet spot.

"What did you find out?" He could tell the news was important by Bill's actions.

"I've been on and off the phone all evening. It seems your suspicions may be correct. Elizabeth had a twin sister- there were some complications during birth and she was given up for adoption. Mr. Thatcher confirmed this information."

"So, I was right, and this isn't Elizabeth."

"That's a distinct possibility and we need to confront her. She has Little Jack," Bill replied as he headed for Lucas's car.

"Wait, Bill. If she has hidden Elizabeth somewhere and knows her ruse is up, the woman may never tell us where she is. I have a better plan. She has been tending Jack for some time now and seems to care for the boy, so he should be safe with her another night. Every day she rides off and is gone for a couple of hours in the afternoon. I say we follow her tomorrow. I think she will lead us to Elizabeth."

"I hope you are right, Lucas."

"So do I, Bill. So do I," Lucas replied as he solemnly headed into the hotel.