Striding back inside, Nathan grabbed the telephone, answering it, his voice sharp with anger.
Gabe Kinslow removed the telephone receiver from his ear and looked at it. He had never heard his friend sound quite so angry. "Nathan, it's Gabe; what's wrong?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.
Nathan took a deep breath, running a hand through his hair; he dropped into his chair. "Gabe, I am sorry, Quinn was here, and she left upset; I wanted to go after her, but Bill went instead," he said in a rush. He knew he hadn't explained it very well, but he was still reeling over how frightened Quinn looked.
"Still charming the ladies, I see," Gabe said, joking, hoping to lighten the mood.
Nathan knew what his friend was trying to do, but he couldn't let it go yet, "Gabe, she was looking into the Mountie office, and she looked terrified."
Gabe nodded, "Nathan, you need to remember Quinn was arrested and placed in a jail cell for several days, accused of being a murderer." Gabe swallowed, "arresting Quinn was the worst arrest of my career; she was so devastated, Nathan. Seeing her in the jail cell felt so wrong, and the look on her face..." shaking his head, he stopped talking, remembering Quinn's face, how she flinched at the sound of the cell door closing.
Nathan closed his eyes, imagining how Quinn felt as he listened to Gabe, his heart aching for her; he should have realised. He needed to see her and apologise, comfort her. "Sorry, Gabe, you were calling for a reason, not to hear my problems. What can I do for you."?
Gabe didn't let it go, "So Quinn, is your problem now?" curious at the tone of Nathan's voice and his distress when he answered the call. He had watched their reactions to each other before he left town, but this seemed to be a rapid development for his friend.
"Yes," replied Nathan, knowing that one word was enough to convey the depth of his feelings for Quinn to his friend.
"So, you truly have been charming the Ladies," he said laughing. "I am happy for you, Nathan! How does Allie feel about this development?" he asked, worried the young girl could get hurt again.
"Allie likes Quinn; she is being more cautious this time, not letting herself get her hopes up. Quinn understands, so I think we will be okay," he said.
Gabe sat back in his chair and smiled, pleased his friends had found each other. Knowing his friend the way he did, he knew this was different; he usually wouldn't talk about anything personal without being prodded. Understanding his friend was distracted, he quickly updated Nathan on a recent crime in Brookfield, they hadn't apprehended those involved, and he wanted Nathan to be alert.
Bill followed Quinn back to their offices, concerned she was so upset. Bill walked up behind Quinn, where she was standing beside her desk. "Are you okay?" He asked, gently placing a hand on her shoulder, frowning as she flinched at his touch.
"I am sorry, Bill, I didn't realise how jumpy I was. I knew I didn't want to go inside the Mountie office, but even I was shocked at my reaction. Nathan must feel terrible; I will apologise to him." Quinn said quietly. "Thank you for coming after me."
"Well, Nathan wanted to, but I made him stay at the Mountie office; he isn't too pleased with me right now." Bill told her, "In fact, I don't think I have ever seen him so angry, not even when I locked him up in a jail cell his first night in town." He said, smiling.
Quinn turned to him, "you locked Nathan in Jail? That's a story I want to hear."
"I'll let him tell you," he chuckled, "why don't you tell me what sent you looking for me in the first place," Bill said, curious to know what couldn't have waited for him to return to the office.
"There was a stranger in the cafe looking for me. I doubt it will take long for him to find me, and I didn't want to be alone when he did," she said calmly. "After everything that happened in Oakville, there were so many people trying to contact me, including reporters and people trying to profit from my father's death. I don't know who to trust anymore when it comes to strangers." Smiling, she said, "that doesn't include you, Bill; for some reason, I trusted you straight away."
"I guess Nathan falls into the category of people you trusted immediately, too," Bill said, grinning at her.
Quinn blushed at his comment, cursing her fair complexion, "yes, I guess he does, and Gabe and a few others too," she said, wrinkling her nose.
Sensing she was over the worst of her fearful reaction, Bill indicated she should follow him to his office, grabbing their lunch off the table where Quinn had left it; he went through ahead of her.
Sitting down at Bill's desk, they ate while discussing the visitor looking for her, Quinn picking at her food, not having much of an appetite. As Quinn described the man in the cafe, Bill realised that the mystery driver from the weekend was the one asking about her.
As they finished their lunch, they heard the door to the outer office and looked up expectantly. Bill walked out to meet their visitor as they entered the office. As anticipated, it was the mystery man looking for Quinn. Bill greeted him, saying, "nice to see you again, Mr Lydell, glad to see you have recovered from your incident; how's the car?"
Mr Lydell answered Bill briefly, clearly not interested in engaging in idle chit chat. "I have been told you are the person who can help me locate Miss Quinn Standing. Is that correct?"
"Why do you want to see Miss Standing? Bill asked firmly, loud enough so Quinn could hear him from within his office.
"That's confidential, I am afraid." He replied snottily
"Then so is her whereabouts. You can show yourself out," said Bill walking back to his office.
Mr Lydell, realising he wouldn't get any of Bill's help without sharing some information, called after him. "I am here representing Mr William Thatcher on a matter regarding Miss Quinn's father's company."
Bill stopped and looked at him sternly, "give me a moment. Wait here," he said, walking away.
Quinn looked at Bill, frowning, "do you think this is an offer for my father's business? I thought my lawyer would pass those on?" she said, confused. "What would Thatcher want with his business? They have never done business together before."
Bill shrugged, "you know William Thatcher?" he asked, curious, wondering if Quinn realised his connection to Hope Valley.
"Only by reputation," said Quinn, "my father's business operated out of Hamilton, but it supported the steel industry, not shipping, so there was never a connection between them. Will you stay with me?"
Bill nodded "let's see what he has to say."
Bill strolled back to his office after showing Mr Lydell out. It had undoubtedly been an interesting conversation, he thought. Mr Lydell finally admitted to Quinn that Mr Thatcher intended to form a partnership with the Fielding's, James, and his son Joshua, to run the business. If Quinn accepted William Thatcher's offer, she would be a wealthy young woman.
Of course, Quinn had firmly rejected Mr Thatcher's offer to buy her father's business; she had no intention of allowing the Fieldings to profit off her family. Quinn had left Mr Lydell in no doubt about her feelings about Mr Thatcher's offer, thought Bill, smiling as he remembered her response, Quinn showed her fiery side once again, and he was glad to see that side of her returning.
Quinn waited nervously at her desk, the day had come to an end, and she wasn't sure whether Nathan would be there to walk her home. Bill had already left; he had needed to get to Abigail's. After her behaviour earlier, she wouldn't be surprised if Nathan didn't turn up. She would be devastated if he didn't, but there was no way she would blame him.
Quinn heard footsteps on the stairs and held her breath, her heart racing, hoping it was him. The door swung open, she saw a flash of red, and he was there. Quinn watched his face as he approached her; he was so intense; she couldn't tell what he was thinking. Biting her lip as he came to stand in front of her, she waited.
Nathan stepped forward and took Quinn's hand in his without saying a word. He felt her tense; then she relaxed, her body shuddered as she let out the breath she had been holding. As Quinn's fingers tightened around his, the tension left his body. Nathan waited, content to remain where they were as long as she needed.
Without loosening her grip on his hand, Quinn looked up at Nathan and said, "I am so glad you came; I wasn't sure you would. I am sorry, I know I need to explain, but so much has happened today. I am not sure I even know where to start." Quinn lowered her head, letting his nearness calm her.
Nathan shook his head, "No, Quinn, you don't need to explain; I should have realised what it was like for you; I talked to Gabe today...he told me...I am sorry." Reaching up to caress her face, he asked, "forgive me?"
Quinn shook her head, the tears finally spilling over her cheeks. "Nathan, there is nothing to forgive." Pausing, she said, "I want to talk to you about today when you have time, but I don't want to make you late home to Allie. It can wait."
"Let me walk you home; Allie is at Opal's for dinner; we have time," Nathan asked, gently pulling her forward. Quinn hurriedly wiped away her tears and nodded, a small smile on her face.
Nathan walked Quinn home via the livery, hoping to give them time to talk about what had happened earlier. He still wasn't sure what had brought her looking for Bill in the first place. Arriving at the livery, they each greeted their horse, whispering to them. Nathan produced two apples from his pockets, making him popular with the animals and Quinn.
Nathan approached Quinn standing close to her as she stroked Misty's soft, warm neck. "We don't have to talk about it, Quinn, I do understand, and if you do want to, it doesn't have to be now?" he spoke gently to her. He waited for Quinn to respond; she only nodded, remaining silent. Nathan reached out to her, placing his hand against her back, letting her know he was there.
Quinn was glad for Nathan's patience and understanding. So many things were swirling around in her mind; she needed some time to process it all. "Thank you, Nathan," she said gratefully, "as long as you know it wasn't anything you did, and I will get over it; I have to, or I will never get to see where you spend so much of your time," she said with a small smile.
"I went to your office today looking for Bill because I heard a stranger asking after me at the cafe. I knew someone would send him to the Judge's office, and I wanted to make sure Bill was there when he arrived." Quinn declared. She turned to look at him as she felt him tense at her mention of the stranger. "He represents a business owner from Hamilton who wants to make an offer for my father's business. I listened to him, but I won't be taking Mr Thatcher's offer, he wanted to form a partnership with the Fielding's."
Nathan exclaimed, "William Thatcher, Elizabeth's father? not instantly recognising the Fielding name.
Quinn frowned; "I am not sure; I didn't know Elizabeth was a Thatcher; I only know her as Thornton. Do you think she knows about me? What happened?" She asked, her voice anxious.
Nathan stated firmly. "That's the last thing you should worry about; the people of Hope Valley are kinder than you know; they wouldn't care even if they did hear about it."
Quinn nodded, hoping he was right. What had started as an exciting day had certainly had its up and downs, she thought, What next?
Nathan reached out his hand to her, "ready to go home?" Quinn looked at Nathan, returning his smile; she was grateful for his support. They had only known each other for a short time, but Bill was right; she trusted him. Placing her hand in his, she smiled, "yes."
Walking with Nathan through the town, she took the time to look around. She was worried that one day, likely soon, the people in town would find out her history, and she wasn't sure how they would react. She hoped Nathan was right; she hoped they would understand. As they reached Abigails, Nathan paused, and she looked at him questioningly.
"I wasn't sure if you were ready to go, or you would like some company?" He said a little nervously. "We could have dinner at the cafe, or we could go to the Saloon."
Quinn smiled brightened, "I am not ready to go yet; Nathan and I would love to have dinner with you; I wasn't able to eat much earlier. But I have another suggestion. How about we get some dinner to eat down by the Dock? I don't want to be around a lot of people at the moment."
Nathan nodded in agreement, "sounds perfect."
Nathan organised the food for dinner, chatting to Bill while Quinn went upstairs to freshen up and fetch a jacket. Once they had the food, they strolled to the pond. Nathan deliberately kept the conversation light, talking about Allie and her school, Nathan's day, Quinn's first day, trivial things. Quinn appreciated what he was doing; she was hesitant to bring up what had happened outside of the jail, but they had to talk about it.
As they approached the Dock, Quinn knew she had run out of time to avoid talking about what happened at the Mountie office. Quinn's stomach was churning with nerves, and she knew she had to clear the air. She owed it to Nathan to explain.
"Nathan, about today...what happened at the jail? I want to apologise again, I overreacted to you, and it wasn't your fault in any way; it was me." Quinn's face was earnest as she glanced at Nathan standing next to her.
"When I think about the jail, it represents all the bad things that happened to me recently; it isn't just about being in the cell; I mean, Gabe didn't even lock me in; he just closed it." Quinn saw Nathan raise his eyebrows at that comment and said hastily, "we don't need to tell anyone that right."
Nathan chuckled and reached over to take her hand, "I may keep it up my sleeve to use against Gabe later, but no one official has to know." Giving her hand a gentle squeeze, he encouraged her to keep talking.
"When Gabe came to arrest me, it didn't feel real, none of it, well my father dying yes, but not the accusations against me. Finding out the Fielding's, our closest friends made those accusations, and the people I had known my whole life believed them," Quinn paused, taking a shaky breath. "I was devastated".
Looking at Nathan, she continued softly, tears in her eyes, "that's when I realised it was all true; as I heard the cell close, it was when it became real."
Nathan watched Quinn as she tried to control her emotions, understanding better why she had been so affected today at the Mountie office, and why she had rejected Mr Thatcher's proposal. Knowing what Gabe had done also helped him understand why she didn't associate the Mounties with the bad feelings the jail gave her. He had to remember to thank Gabe for that.
All Nathan could do now was make sure Quinn knew she had his support, that he understood. Turning, he gently tugged on the hand he was holding, so she faced him. "Thank you for trusting me, for telling me this. I am sorry for what you had to go through, and I am here if you need me." His hand slowly stroked up and down her forearm as he spoke quietly to her. "If I can help in any way, let me know."
Not trusting herself to speak, Quinn nodded in response, grateful for his understanding. Quinn looked up at him, saw the tenderness in his eyes and stepped forward, placing a soft kiss on his cheek. Beneath her lips, Quinn felt Nathan's cheek lift in a smile. As she rested her forehead against his solid chest, his arms drawing her close, contentment washed over her.