Elizabeth gripped the telephone receiver tightly, pressing it against her ear, struggling to take in what she was hearing. A murderer? When she asked Julie to look into Quinn, she had suspected they might find out some society gossip, a broken heart, a romance gone wrong, not murder. Elizabeth had almost forgotten she had asked Julie to do this; It had been weeks ago, and when she hadn't heard, she assumed there was nothing to know.
Julie could barely contain herself, talking a mile a minute, "they say she snuck out early one morning and killed her father; it has to be true Elizabeth, her very best friend was the one who first heard. The woman who had been like a mother to her told everyone and then, of course, disowned her. You can read about it yourself; I sent all the newspaper clippings I could get my hands on."
Elizabeth was lost for words; there had to be more to the story; too many good people thought Quinn was a worthy person; indeed, they wouldn't if there was any truth to the accusations. Elizabeth's head was spinning as she tried to take in everything Julie said. "Julie, you can't just believe everything you read in the Newspapers; where did you verify this information? Are you sure it's accurate, and if you are, why did you wait so long to tell me?" she asked her sister.
"Of course, Elizabeth, I wouldn't have told you if it wasn't. It took so long because after hearing father and Mr Lydell talking about it, I tracked down the court documents and read the whole thing myself." Julie took an excited breath, "The judge said the cause of Harold Standing's death was misadventure; that doesn't mean his daughter didn't cause it; they just had no evidence, so she didn't face charges."
"The whole town turned against her Elizabeth; no wonder she fled to your little town; who would think to look for anyone somewhere like Hope Valley?" Julie stated, finally winding down.
Elizabeth pursed her lips, not for the first time in this conversation wishing she hadn't involved her sister. Julie probably didn't even realise that she had just insulted her, putting down her chosen hometown. Elizabeth loved Julie, but she could be so self-involved.
"Thank you, Julie, for doing this, but you can stop now; I will read the articles you sent me and decide what to do next." Elizabeth hung up the telephone, stunned by what she had heard. Elizabeth struggled to reconcile the Quinn Julie had spoken of with the Quinn living in Hope Valley. While Elizabeth and Quinn were not friends and barely interacted, she couldn't see Quinn being responsible for something like this.
Elizabeth admitted to watching Quinn a lot, especially around Nathan and Allie; It was clear to even a casual observer how close they had become. She trusted Nathan's instincts about people. Everyone who spent time with Quinn loved her, while Elizabeth didn't like that, it added to her difficulty accepting Julie's information. Elizabeth decided she would review the papers but not tell anyone what she had found out, not until speaking to Bill or unless it was necessary.
After dropping the receiver back onto the stand, Elizabeth turned to speak to Florence, "Florence, you don't happen to have a package for me, do you? My sister Julie said she sent something for me?"
"There is a stack of mail out the back I need to sort through; some it had been damaged, so I wanted to take the time and check them as I sorted; let me see," Florence stated, stepping quickly into the storeroom. "Ah hah", she exclaimed, "found it." Stepping back into the larger room, she said apologetically, "yours does appear to be one of the packages damaged, Elizabeth; I hope it wasn't fragile." As she placed the package onto the counter, the packaging tore, worse than before, exposing the contents. Florence looked down at the papers inside, and her eyes, wide with shock, flew immediately back to Elizabeth's.
Elizabeth reached out and grabbed the package, hiding the contents. "Florence, this may not be what it looks like."
"But Elizabeth, a murderer? What if it is what it looks like? That is a picture of Quinn Standing, and she is in a jail cell. What about that headline, 'From Devoted Daughter to Murderer'? Do we need to let people know, so no one gets hurt?" she said, alarmed.
"Let me check the information first, please, Florence. If we are hasty, we could ruin Quinn's reputation for no reason" Elizabeth knew her sister could be overly dramatic sometimes. "Bill has employed her to work with him; surely he knows more about this; let me talk to him before you say anything. Promise me." Elizabeth held Florence's gaze; her face resolved.
Nodding her agreement, Florence dropped her eyes. Elizabeth smiled at her, "thank you, let me see Bill now and tell you what I find out."
Elizabeth hurried toward Bill's office, desperate to speak to him, surprised at herself for defending Quinn so strongly; despite Florence's promise Elizabeth knew she wouldn't be able to keep this information to herself for long. Elizabeth had meant it when she told Florence she trusted Bill would see the truth, and he wouldn't employ her if he believed she was capable of murder. Elizabeth also knew that Bill would never allow Quinn to be around Nathan and Allie if she posed any risk to them or anyone else.
Quinn sat opposite Bill at the desk in his office, explaining some of the financial records involved in their investigation. Bill had asked Quinn to dig into the business records of the defendant accused of fraud, and she had found some anomalies she wanted Bill to know about it. Quinn knew Bill would be interested when he heard Waldon's name in her information. The trial Bill had hoped would only take two weeks was now in week three, and they were keen to finalise it.
Mid-sentence, Quinn paused, hearing the door to the outer office burst open. Frowning, she looked to Bill, wondering who it could be, knowing whoever it was, the issue was urgent as footsteps hurried toward them. Quinn was shocked to see Elizabeth walk through the office doorway, briefly glancing her way before focusing on Bill.
"I must talk to you, Bill; it's urgent." Elizabeth said, looking to Quinn, she added, "and private."
Quinn collected her files and walked out of the office without saying a word, leaving Elizabeth and Bill to sort through whatever was happening. Quinn couldn't deny that she was curious about why Elizabeth was so out of sorts, assuming it had to do with the envelope she held tightly to her chest. Maybe it was Lucas who had caused her distress. Shaking her head to clear it, she worked on her files, hoping Bill would fill her in later.
Bill stood, searching Elizabeth's face for a sign of what had her so upset. "What's wrong, Elizabeth?" he asked urgently. "Sit down quickly and tell me how I can help."
Elizabeth settled herself in the chair, wondering where to begin. Realising words weren't necessary; instead, she handed him the newspaper clipping. The clipping was the front page of the Oakville Oracle, with a grainy but identifiable picture of Quinn in a jail cell, the terrible headline that had caught Florence's eye. "Bill, I have heard some alarming information about Quinn Standing, and I need you to tell me what you know about it."
Bill raised an eyebrow, "What did you get this and how?" he asked, his tone stern as he reviewed the paper in his hand.
"I reached out several weeks ago to Julie in Hamilton and asked her to find out what she could about Quinn; she told me all about her father's death and the accusations against her, that she had been arrested, accused of his murder." Elizabeth rushed through her response to Bill, knowing he wouldn't be happy; she still felt guilty despite feeling vindicated. "She called me today and sent through these newspapers articles as well. Is it true, Bill? I need to know?"
Bill stood and walked to the corner of his office, perusing the books on his shelves; he needed to do something to give himself time to calm down before he responded. Turning to Elizabeth, he asked, "you investigated Quinn; you asked Julie to dig for information on her? Why would you do that?" Bill couldn't remember the last time he felt this level of anger, especially toward Elizabeth; he thought their talk in the cafe had changed things, but clearly, it hadn't, and it was evident in his tone he wasn't happy with her.
"Is that the most important thing to focus on, Bill?" Elizabeth asked, blushing, some of her righteousness fading under his scrutiny.
"Elizabeth, I am shocked at you. You had no right to do that, and you know it. Does anyone else know what you found out?" he demanded, his voice still angry.
Squirming, Elizabeth whispered, "Florence saw the clipping, the package from Julie was damaged."
"Florence", Bill bellowed. He put his head in his hands, then taking a deep breath, he looked back at her. "Elizabeth, do you realise what you have done? If this gets out, and people don't know the whole story, this could destroy Quinn; it almost did when it happened." Bill started to walk out of the office, leaving Elizabeth staring at his departing back.
"Where are you going, Bill? Come back; we need to talk about this," Elizabeth exclaimed, indignant.
Bill spun on his heel, "No, we don't; I have no intention of speaking to you about this; it is none of your business or anyone else's." he growled. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he said sadly, "I need to go out there and tell Quinn her worst nightmare is coming true. I have to explain that someone who had no business prying has found out about the worst lies ever told about her, and that same person managed to share the information with the town gossip."
"Stay here, Elizabeth," he said, walking away from her, ignoring the stunned expression on her face; she wasn't the one he was concerned about right now.
Quinn took one look at the crumpled paper in Bill's hand and the look on his face, and she knew. Tears filled her eyes; while she knew this might happen, she wasn't ready for it to be now, and of course, it had to be Elizabeth to do it. Nathan had told her people would understand, but she wasn't sure, especially if Elizabeth's reaction was how everyone would treat her; she hadn't even bothered to talk to Quinn, to give her a chance to tell her side.
Quinn stood on shaky legs, "who else knows, besides Elizabeth?" she asked quietly. Waiting for his response, she didn't think she could feel any worse, but her heart dropped when he whispered 'Florence'. Quinn adored Florence, but she knew she wouldn't be able to keep a secret like this.
Bill started to say something, but Quinn raised her hand, stopping him, shaking her head, "it's okay, Bill, there's nothing you can do; it's done." Tears spilled over onto her cheeks, "I have to get out of here, Bill; I need to think about what I will do,' she said, her voice thick with tears. Quinn walked out of the building on unsteady legs, heading to the livery. She needed to go for a ride.
Bill heard Elizabeth's footsteps approaching from behind, and he turned to her, "I hope you are proud of yourself, Elizabeth, and ready to face the consequences of what you have done." he said grimly. Bill watched as Elizabeth's face reddened in shame, but he felt no sympathy for her at that moment. He needed to find Nathan.
Nathan looked up as footsteps sounded on the boardwalk outside the Mountie office. Bill walked in, closing the door behind him; seeing the grim look on his face, Nathan stood up behind the desk, wondering what news Bill had brought; it couldn't be good.
"It's Quinn, Elizabeth had Julie dig into her background, and she knows about the accusations. Florence saw this." Bill explained as briefly and plainly as he could, holding out the newspaper clipping. Bill watched Nathan's face, watched the colour drain away, and his lips press together in anger as he looked at the picture of Quinn in the clipping.
Shoving the paper in his pocket, "Where did she go?" he demanded, anger and concern apparent in his voice and the way he tensed, "and this time, don't think you are going to stop me going after her, Bill," he said, grabbing his hat from the hook on the wall.
"I wasn't going to," Bill said, "she headed to the livery."
Nathan walked out of the office, glad Newton was outside waiting for him; anyone seeing them trot rapidly through the Town would know Nathan was on a mission to get somewhere important. While they may recognise his urgency, none would recognise the ferocious expression on his face, never having seen their constable so consumed by anger.
As he passed the Judge's office, he saw Elizabeth pause mid-step, stopping on the steps, reaching for the railing, watching him. Opening her mouth to speak, she quickly changed her mind; his eyes were blazing with fury directed entirely at her. Elizabeth dropped her eyes, unable to face the condemnation from Nathan; she knew she deserved it.
Approaching the livery, Nathan halted Newton, giving himself time to control his anger before seeing Quinn. He needed to be calm and comforting, focused on her, not distracted by his emotions. Taking deep breaths, Nathan leaned over to stroke Newton's neck, using the action to steady himself. Hearing a commotion from the livery, he saw Quinn and Misty burst out of the stables. Nathan called out to her but got no response; Quinn yelled out, 'Ha,' and he saw Misty break into a gallop, taking the signal from her rider.
Nathan hesitated for only a moment before urging Newtown forward after her, Quinn had a slight head start, but he knew Newton could catch them. Riding after them, Nathan watched Quinn leaning forward over Misty's neck, encouraging the mare to run. Knowing their path would take them to the meadow, Nathan was content to let them lead. Understanding the ride would help Quinn shed some of her tension; Nathan and Newton stayed close by without intruding as they followed Quinn to the meadow.
Quinn felt the wind rushing past her tear-streaked face, glad Misty Dawn was sure-footed and knew where they were going. Quinn needed to get away from the Town and its people. Thoughts tumbled through her mind. How long, she thought, how long do I have before everyone knows? How could Elizbeth do that to her? How long until the rumours and whispers reach Allie? Quinn was so grateful she'd been given a chance to tell Allie her story, but still, how would it affect the young girl when people started calling Quinn a murderer. That photo, she cried; she hated that photo, the journalist catching her at her most vulnerable moment, and now everyone in Hope Valley would see it. Thoughts of Nathan filled her mind; she had tried to push them away, not ready to think how this would impact them. Nathan knew her story, of course, but how would he respond when people found out their Mountie was courting an accused murderer.
As they approached the edge of the clearing, Quinn sat back in the saddle, communicating to Misty to slow down. As they slowed their wild run, she became aware of hoofbeats behind her and turned in the saddle to see Nathan approaching on Newton. Quinn wasn't sure she could face him; what was she going to do?
Quinn dismounted and stood waiting for Nathan to reach her, taking the time to wipe the tears from her cheeks. She couldn't believe she felt so nervous; this was Nathan! Her stomach clenched as Nathan reigned Newton in, dismounting before they had stopped entirely. Nathan didn't break stride; he walked straight up to her and gathered her in his arms. "Are you okay? Bill told me what happened," he whispered in her ear.
Nathan could feel the tension in Quinn's body as he held her; she didn't embrace him back, standing stiff in his arms. He could feel her breath shuddering in and out as she tried to hold back the tears; he was content to wait, holding her as long as she needed and would let him. he never wanted to let her go.
"I am sorry, Quinn, I hate that you're hurting right now," he murmured, gently rubbing his hand up and down her back soothingly. Suddenly, Nathan felt her relax against him, pressing her face into his Serge; her arms went around him tight, and she sobbed like her heart was breaking. He hugged her tighter and held her while she cried as she leaned into him, waiting until the tears subsided.
Quinn stood in Nathan's arms, her head resting against his chest; she could hear the steady beat of his heart, feel the warmth of his body surrounding her. Nathan's hand rubbing her back and stroking her hair had been gentle. His arms wrapped around her were strong, and she felt safe and protected. She wished they could stay this way forever, she did not want to give this man up, but she would have to. She couldn't let him risk his reputation for her. Until someone uncovered the truth about what happened to her father, her reputation would always be tainted.
Quinn stepped out of Nathan's embrace, wiping her eyes, not making eye contact. She felt Nathan move, and he gently tilted her head back, wiping the remainder of her tears.
"Thank you, Nathan, for checking to see if I am okay," she said, looking up at his concerned face, taking a deep breath, smiling as she said, "I will be. It was just a shock. I actually feel better after crying all over you, so thank you for that too." Quinn knew her smile was fake, but this was how it would be going forward.
Nathan frowned at her, "Quinn, this is me; you don't need to do this with me." Stepping forward, needing to touch her, he was surprised when she stepped back, away from him. "Quinn, what's going on? I know you're upset but talk to me." Worry showed clearly in Nathan's eyes and pain that she was shutting him out when he wanted to help.
Her eyes flat, she said, "look at what's happened; they didn't even wait for the story to come to them; she went looking to find something awful about me." Her eyes full of despair, she said, "Nathan, I think it is better if you distance yourself from me before everyone finds out. People won't understand."
"No," Nathan said calmly; "I won't accept that," he said, "you haven't done anything wrong, and I won't act like I think you did." Reaching for her hand, he was grateful she didn't pull away, "Quinn, I care about you, I want to be there for you, don't push me away, please".
Shaking her head, she remarked with a harsh smile, "Bill had agreed to go to Oakville and investigate, you know; he was waiting for this trial to be over; he thought it would be over quickly, and now it's too late." Upset, her heart aching, Quinn continued, "as a Mountie with an impressionable young daughter, you can't associate with a suspected murderer. Until I can prove otherwise, we can't be together."
Quinn released his hand and turned away, quickly gathering Misty's reins preparing to mount her horse. Before she could put her foot in the stirrup, Nathan stepped toward her placing his hand on her shoulder; although she didn't turn to look at him, he continued speaking to her, his voice sincere, "I am not going to let you go, Quinn, not like this, not because of rumours out of your control." Sliding his hand down to her waist, his voice husky with emotion, he said, "I love you, Quinn'. His voice a whisper, he said, "this isn't how I planned to tell you, but it's true."
Nathan thought his heart would beat out of his chest; he had been in this exact position before and had his love thrown back in his face. He held his breath, waiting for Quinn to respond to his declaration of love. It was different this time; her answer was more important; he knew it and wasn't sure what he would do if Quinn didn't feel the same.
Quinn leaned forward, resting her head against Misty's neck, silent tears rolling down her cheeks. Quinn heard Nathan's words; she had hoped for so long he felt the same way she did about him. Unfortunately, Quinn thought, being in love and being together were two different things, and in this situation, she couldn't let him risk it all for her.
"Nathan, I ..." Quinn started to speak before Nathan interrupted her.
"Quinn, if you are going to be noble and say you want to protect Allie or me, please don't say it." Taking a deep breath, Nathan said, "the only thing that could make me leave you is if you tell me, you don't feel the same about me, that you don't love me." Nathan had never felt so vulnerable; he was at Quinn's mercy.
Quinn's resolve broke; she could never lie to him and say she didn't love him, not when she did with her whole heart, she would never hurt him like that. She wanted to be with Nathan and Allie, and if he was willing to accept the risk, selfishly, she would let him; she didn't want to be without him. Reaching out to him, she grasped his hands, "I love you, Nathan Grant, with everything I have, never doubt that."
Nathan closed his eyes, letting out the breath he had been holding. His emotions overwhelmed him, his eyes filled with tears, "Quinn..." His voice broke as he said her name.
Quinn threw her arms around him. Nathan held her tight, not wanting to let her go. Quinn buried her face in his neck, inhaling the masculine scent that was uniquely Nathan.
Nathan allowed himself to relish the feel of Quinn in his arms, her body pressed against him; she loves me, he thought, thrilled. Unable to resist, Nathan drew back, and, smiling, he lowered his lips onto hers, expressing how much he loved her without words.
Quinn made a soft sound in her throat as Nathan kissed her. Their kiss wasn't rushed or demanding; it was sweet, his lips moving across hers slowly and intimately, the passion building as the kiss continued. Quinn's hands tangled in Nathan's hair as his hand drifted up, cupping her head in his hand.
They broke apart, knowing they had to slow down; they needed to slow down; Quinn blushed, embarrassed at her show of emotions. Nathan reached out and lovingly touched her face, clearly enjoying seeing her flustered from their kiss. Nathan held her gaze, his happiness radiating from him. "I love you, Quinn Standing," he said, finally able to look into her eyes as he said it. His patience was rewarded when her eyes lit with joy.
"I love you, Nathan Grant."