Quinn rose early after a restless night's sleep, wanting to ensure she didn't miss Bill before he left for Oakville. Her lips curved up into a sad smile; Bill reminded her of her father; she missed him every day and couldn't wait for Bill to find out what really happened the day he died. She was so grateful to have someone like him in her corner, someone she could trust who was willing to go above and beyond for her.
Quinn thought about Bill waiting for her and Nathan to get home last night, wanting to let them know what Rosemary had told him. A shudder rippled through her; who was it? What did they want? The story had already been told so she doubted it was a reporter, but it could be someone else interested in her father's business who had decided to bypass Sam. Whoever it was, Quinn couldn't relax until she knew.
Walking down the stairs and into the kitchen, she was not surprised to find Nathan there with Bill. "Good Morning, Gentlemen; we are all having an early start today," she said cynically, smiling to soften her words.
Nathan smiled back at Quinn, wondering if there would come a time when he wouldn't be stunned by her beauty and his heart wouldn't skip a beat when she smiled at him; his heart lifted to see her. "Good morning, beautiful," he responded," walking over to place a kiss on her cheek, not caring, Bill was witnessing his display of affection.
Quinn grasped Nathan's upper arm, squeezing it gently as he leaned in to kiss her, delighted this man was part of her life, that he loved her and didn't care who knew it. Breaking away from the greeting, Quinn glanced at Bill, watching them with a smile on his face, "Would anyone else like coffee?"
As Quinn bustled around pouring coffee and settling herself, she listened as he and Nathan discussed the stranger staying at the Saloon, the investigation in Oakville and how he proposed tackling it, particularly getting the Fieldings to open up to him. Quinn listened intently; this was her life they were talking about, and she wanted to be involved.
"Are you going to see the stranger in the Saloon before you leave, Bill? See what he wants before you go to Oakville?" Quinn queried; she needed to know who was looking for her and what they wanted; she couldn't rest until she did.
"That's my plan, Quinn, I need to do that, and one other thing before I go, I need to find someone to replace me as Judge," Bill said. "I can leave the town without a judge, but I am not leaving town without having someone to spend the day in the office with you." Smiling at her, he said, "Lee and Rosemary have offered for you to stay with them until we get to the bottom of this. I am sure that Nathan will take care of looking after you the rest of the time."
"Wait, Bill, no. I don't need a babysitter. I will not stay with Lee and Rosemary," Quinn declared stubbornly. "I am going to stay here, this is my home, and I don't need someone watching me all day and night." Imploring Nathan to support her, she looked at him but could see he supported Bill's idea.
Throwing her hands in the air, she asked, "how can I convince you two I will be okay, that I don't need a babysitter?" Quinn demanded. "Actually, I don't care about convincing you;" banging her cup down on the table, she stated, "I am not leaving here overnight, and I am more than capable of working by myself."
Bill looked amused, and Nathan was concerned as he said, "Quinn, please..."
"Nathan, please don't treat me like I can't take care of myself, not you," Quinn begged. "I need you to believe that I can take care of myself, to support me."
"I do, Quinn, but I can't let you place yourself at risk or in harm's way to prove a point," Nathan replied. "I love you, Quinn; I won't allow something to happen to you because of your pride." As he finished speaking, he reached over and placed his hand over hers, squeezing it, "Please, Quinn.''
Nathan's words penetrated Quinn's resolve, and she softened in the face of his care for her. "I will think about it, okay, but I don't want to move to Rosemary and Lee's. Can we think of an alternative that we can all live with?"
Nodding, satisfied with her answer, Nathan and Bill resumed talking about the investigation. Nathan's hand remained on Quinn's. As she listened to the two men talking, making plans to help, her heart filled with love; despite the reasons, she was happy she had found Hope Valley.
"I would start with Joshua Fielding; he is the weakest of the family and the one that took what I told him to his Mother. If anyone is going to break, I think it will be him; you need to separate him from his parents; they will try and keep him from speaking to you." Quinn said firmly. Mary Fielding had always been very protective of her son, often taking his side against her husband.
Bill nodded in response to her suggestion and said, "Sorry to ask you this, Quinn, but what was your relationship with Joshua Fielding?" He looked at her; he seemed embarrassed to be discussing this with her and in front of Nathan.
"We were close, Bill, like siblings; there was no romance in our relationship," she said. Quinn could sense Nathan's interest in her answer, feeling his hand tighten on hers.
"Are you sure, Quinn, it wasn't just you who felt that way with Joshua's feelings running deeper?" He queried.
"Not that I was ever aware of; our whole lives, we were told our mothers intended us to marry, but we both laughed about it; there was never any seriousness to it," Quinn said, sure she was right about Joshua. She turned her hand underneath Nathan's over as she spoke, so their palms met and their fingers intertwined, letting him know her thoughts were with him.
Nathan needed to get back home as Allie would wake up and need to get ready for school. He asked Quinn to accompany him, and she rolled her eyes, letting him know how badly he had disguised his attempt at babysitting her.
Nathan laughed at her, kissing the back of her hand, "you know Allie will want to see you; she probably spent half the night thinking up a nickname for you."
"You are playing dirty bringing Allie into this Constable, but I will go with you to see her," Quinn said, smiling at him this time. Quinn looked at Bill and asked, "Will you let me know what you find out about our friend at the Saloon before you go? Please." Satisfied with his nod in response, she left the Kitchen with Nathan and headed to his home.
Nathan and Quinn walked arm in arm through the town toward the row houses; while it was early, the town had started to stir. As they got closer to home, Quinn saw Rosemary on her Veranda, quietly watching them approach.
"Good morning, you two," Rosemary called, although not at her usual volume, "did Bill find you last night Quinn, to tell you what I heard?" she asked kindly.
"Yes, thank you for letting him know. I do appreciate it. Can I ask why you were so concerned, Rosemary?" Quinn wanted to know what Rosemary knew and how she felt about it; she wondered if Elizabeth or Florence had told her.
"I was concerned given what happened to you before you left Oakville Quinn. I am ashamed to admit it, but when you arrived, I could tell there was more to your story than being here to help Bill. I investigated you discreetly, Quinn, and found out everything. I have known about your history since you arrived in Hope Valley." Rosemary told her, her voice calm and without dramatics, matter of fact in her telling of what she had done.
Quinn was shocked at what she heard, "you have always known, but, but...you never said anything or acted as though you knew about the accusations!"
"Of course, not Quinn. I didn't believe them for one minute." Rosemary declared, some of her usual spark coming back to her conversation. "From the moment I met you, I knew there was something fishy about the story, and I told Bill so. I am thrilled he is going to investigate."
"I hope you will come and stay with Lee and me this evening," Rosemary said sincerely, "I would truly love to hear all about what happened; it's very intriguing! It would stay between us, of course; I wouldn't publish a word," she promised Quinn.
Nathan looked between Quinn and Rosemary and started to speak before Quinn interrupted, "I would be delighted, Rosemary, and thank you for putting yourself and Lee out for me," she said before holding Nathan's hand. "Please, let me shout the two of you to dinner at the Cafe to thank you. Hopefully, I can convince Nathan and Allie to join us."
After agreeing and making the arrangements for dinner with Rosemary, Quinn and Nathan went home to find Allie and get her ready for school. As they walked into the house, Nathan gave Quinn a quizzical look and said, "I have to ask, not 15 minutes ago, you refused to stay at Rosemary and Lee's and now you are, and we are having dinner with them? What changed?
Quinn laughed at his confusion, "because she knew about my past, Nathan, and she didn't believe it, she chose to judge me for me. Only a few people have been willing to do that; Nathan and I appreciate it. Besides, it is only for tonight." She leaned forward, rose on her tiptoes, and placed her lips gently on his, happy when he responded, drawing her close to him and framing her face with his hands, kissing her back without hesitation.
Footsteps on the stairs broke them apart, although anyone observing Quinn's red cheeks would know in a moment what they had been doing. "Good morning, Allie; glad to see you up and awake," said Nathan, clearing his throat.
"Good morning, Dad, Miss Quinn; why are you up and about so early?" Allie asked, yawning as she entered the kitchen, "are we having breakfast at the cafe?" she asked hopefully.
Nathan looked at Quinn, then replied to Allie, "we are eating here, but we are going to the cafe for dinner if that makes it any better." He and Quinn laughed as she nodded, her face lighting up.
They worked together to get breakfast, so the pancakes and bacon were ready in no time. They sat at the table, said grace, and chatted easily about their upcoming day. Nathan decided not to talk to Allie about what was happening; he felt knowing a stranger was in town asking after Quinn would worry her unnecessarily, especially when they didn't know who it was or what they wanted. He would ask her to be vigilant around strangers, though, her and the other children.
Bill entered the Saloon and was spotted immediately by Lucas, who was drying his teacup with a cloth at the bar. "Bill", he called out, "I am surprised to see you here so early."
"No, you're not Bouchard; you know why I am here," Bill stated, walking over to him. "I want to know who is looking for Quinn. Are you going to give me what I need without arguing for once in your life?"
Lucas had the good grace to look down before saying, "I have to protect the privacy of my patron's Bill. I can't give you any information." Throwing the towel onto the counter, Lucas moved away, heading toward his office. "It's nothing personal against Miss Standing; of course, I would do the same regardless of who was involved."
"Bouchard, even though you know how he found out where Quinn lived, you still won't help me out?" Bill asked angrily.
Lucas turned to him, confused, "what are you talking about, Bill? I have no idea how he found out Quinn was living here. I didn't even know it was a secret."
"Surely Elizabeth told you what she did to Quinn, asking Julie to investigate her; she told me she used your office and your phone to do it; how could you not know?" Bill exploded. "I would almost bet it's Elizabeth's fault this person is in Hope Valley, and if something bad happens, this will not end well for her. You can turn this situation around by telling me who this person is, Lucas and now."
"Bill, I truly don't know what you are talking about, but I don't want to see Elizabeth exposed," Lucas said after blinking several times. He had allowed Elizabeth to divert him last night when he overheard the conversation between her and Rosemary; he had no idea what she had done. "What do you want from me?"
"A name. I want to know who checked in here asking for Quinn. Actually, I want to know everything you know about the person." Bill said, changing his mind. "And I want the information now."
Bill was mulling over the information he had learned from Lucas and thinking of an alternative Judge when Quinn and Nathan came into the kitchen. "What's wrong, Bill? Weren't you able to find anything out from Lucas?"
"No, I found out the name, but that isn't what is bothering me. I can't find anyone to replace me and work with you in the Judge's office, and I can't leave knowing you will be alone," he said, his concern evident in his voice and demeanour.
Quinn looked at Nathan, frowning too, "why don't I work out of here? I don't need to be at the office, and I could leave a note for anyone looking for us. I could also work out of the Oil office and spend the day with Fiona. I have many options, Bill; you don't need to worry."
"Who is the person asking after Quinn, Bill? What were you able to find out?" Nathan asked, more concerned about the stranger in town than where Quinn would work; he would spend the day with her if necessary.
"Andrew Booth, his name is Andrew Booth; he told Lucas he was looking for Quinn to talk about her father's estate in Oakville. He is staying here indefinitely until he works something out with her." Bill explained, filling them in on what he had learned. "I don't have the time to investigate him before I go, but I think it is strange he volunteered that much to Bouchard; I will ask about him in Oakville." Scowling, he said, "I hate to leave before I know more about him, but that will pass to you, Nathan."
Quinn sat thinking about the name Bill had provided for the stranger. Booth was the maiden name of Mary Fielding; it must be a coincidence, she thought. It had to be.
"Quinn...Quinn, what is it? What's wrong" Nathan asked when he finally got her attention.
"Oh, probably nothing, Nathan; it's just that Mary Fielding's family name is Booth. I am sure it is a coincidence, nothing more; Booth is a common enough name," she replied, smiling at him to reassure him she was okay.
Bill and Nathan exchanged a look over Quinn's head, neither believing in coincidences. Nathan nodded to Bill, acknowledging his silent instruction about Andrew Booth and finding out more about him.
Nathan stepped toward Quinn and placed his hand on her shoulder, providing endless support for her; she covered his hand with her own, grateful for his help.
The three of them left the Cafe together, Bill to head off to Oakville and Nathan and Quinn to collect what she would need from her office to continue to work. Quinn hoped Bill found something quickly so he could return to Hope Valley; she hated to think he was placing himself at risk for her and wanted him home and safe.
Nathan was quiet as he waited for her to collect her things; he wasn't happy with either of Quinn's suggestions for where she would spend her day; he wanted her with him. "Quinn, I know how you feel about the Mountie office, but I wondered if you wanted to try and go there today? I would feel better if you were with me, not in the Cafe or with Fiona." Nathan said quietly.
"Nathan, I am not sure I can do it, even if I want to. I am just not ready yet." Quinn admitted to him. "I am sorry".
"No, don't apologise," he said, taking her in his arms. "I am being selfish, wanting to be the one to make sure you are safe," Nathan said, rushing to reassure her. "I shouldn't have tried to rush you." Smiling, he said, "It looks like Abigail's for a long lunch and then dinner today."
"Make sure you don't have dessert both times!" Quinn teased, "Allie would be jealous."
Walking into the kitchen at Abigail's, Quinn put her office items down on the small table near the lounge, smiling at Minnie in greeting. "I am sorry, Minnie; it looks like you have to put up with me today; I will be working upstairs and will try and stay out of your way."
"You get comfortable wherever you like, Quinn; this is your home," Minnie replied.
"Has anyone asked about Quinn?" Nathan asked Minnie, "a gentleman from out of town? He checked into the Saloon yesterday, and I can't imagine it would take too long for him to find out she was here; Mr Lydell found her quickly enough."
"There is someone I haven't seen before, Nathan, a young man, but he hasn't asked me about Quinn at all," anticipating his next question, she said, "he is sitting by himself at the table near the door."
Nathan thanked Minnie, and as Quinn watched, he parted the curtains and entered the café. She knew she couldn't go out there; she would have to wait until he returned to learn what he had found. Knowing she wouldn't be able to sit still, she started pacing around the kitchen under the watchful eye of Minnie. I must know, Quinn thought as she walked quietly to the curtain separating the two rooms; I must see him for myself. Quinn stepped up to a small gap in the curtain and peered through; she could see Nathan talking to a man around her age. Quinn couldn't make sense of what she was seeing and stepped back, her brow wrinkled in confusion. Shaking her head, she stepped forward again, intending to take another look, but, before she could, Nathan walked back through, almost bumping into her.
"Who did he say he was, Nathan?" she asked, her eyes searching his, her hand grasping his forearm tightly.
"Andrew Booth, from Union City, never been to Oakville and only heard of your father's business being for sale from an associate," Nathan explained, shrugging. "There doesn't seem to be any connection to what happened to your father or you, Quinn." As he explained what he had found out, he watched Quinn, her face turning white as the colour drained from it, her hand on his arm tightening painfully.
Shaking her head in confusion, still trying to make sense of what she had seen, Quinn whispered, "that can't be true, Nathan." Swallowing, trying to calm herself, to stop herself from shaking. "He is the image of Joshua Fielding; they could be twins, but Joshua is an only child."