A firm knock sounded at the door to the Coulters' house. Lee went to open it while Rosemary remained on the settee with Elizabeth, holding her hand. Jack was sitting on the floor, playing with blocks, blissfully unaware of the emotional turmoil his mother was facing.

Elizabeth was thankful her son's innocence was still intact. Her life felt utterly shattered, but Jack was playing and chattering and enjoying his time with Auntie Rosie and Uncle Lee as if nothing had happened. That brought her a small measure of comfort.

Lee's voice drifted over from the door. "Hey, Nathan. Come on in."

Nathan's presence filled the room. Elizabeth was surprised to find that she instantly felt a sense of relief and safety as he came into view. She wondered at her reaction. What was it about Nathan that made her feel that way? She instinctively knew it was more than the serge that he wore. She'd felt the same way last night when he was in civilian clothes.

A stab of pain shot through her as she remembered their conversation in his office mere days ago. Or, more accurately, she remembered the words she'd spoken to him as he stood in stunned silence, hurt emanating from him as she said she'd been looking for Jack in him.

It wasn't true. It had never been true. What had made her say those words? Had she been so desperate to ignore the feelings she harbored for him? Was she that afraid of letting herself fall for a man with the same profession as her late husband?

Elizabeth pushed the thoughts away. It was too late now. She was with Lucas. Another shot of pain filled her. She knew Nathan had told Lucas what happened, yet Lucas hadn't come to see her. A part of her wasn't surprised; the shock must have been bad, and her reaction to him earlier hadn't exactly been warm. She wondered if he would visit once Gowen Petroleum closed for the day. With a jolt, she realized it was Sunday.

Gowen Petroleum wasn't open on Sundays.

She closed her eyes, trying not to think of what that meant. Maybe things were very busy at the saloon. Maybe he had been hurt by her reaction. There were a hundred reasons why he hadn't come by yet.

Maybe she just needed to be patient.

A tiny voice inside nagged at her. Abigail used to say that one should never enter a serious relationship before knowing how a man dealt with unexpected problems. Anyone could be there when things were going well. It took a strong person to be there when things went wrong.

She looked up to see Nathan standing in front of her. He's always there. He crouched in front of her, allowing her to look down to meet his eyes. "Hey," he said softly, his eyes full of gentle strength. They drew Elizabeth into them, curling around her wounded heart and offering solid ground to her shaking foundation.

"Hi," she returned. She felt Rosemary squeeze her hand, also offering strength and support. Though she was reeling, Elizabeth recognized that she was blessed to have the care and love of her friends during this time. She squeezed Rosemary's hand back, looking at her and giving her a little smile.

A movement in front of her captured her gaze. Jack had stood and was climbing onto Nathan's thigh, clamoring for the Mountie's attention. Nathan rocked back slightly, carefully sitting down so that neither of them fell. He settled the boy in his lap. "How are you today, Jack?"

"Good," the toddler replied. "I'm building! Wanna help?"

"Sure," Nathan said easily. The two worked together to build what looked like a wall. Elizabeth watched them, thankful for the distraction. She leaned her head on Rosemary's shoulder. For a few moments, she let herself forget all that had happened and simply rested in the presence of some of the most important people in her life.

When they finished, Jack scooted off Nathan's lap and grabbed his toy horse. He placed the animal inside the wall, clapping his hands in delight. "Neigh-Neigh has a home!"

Nathan laughed. "Is that what we built? A pen for Neigh-Neigh?"

Jack nodded, eyes alight. "A good pen!" He yawned, suddenly blinking slowly. He looked at Elizabeth, walking over to her and resting his head in her lap. "Mama, I'm sleepy."

Elizabeth roused herself, picking up her son. She was used to his quick transitions from awake and alert to tired and sleepy. "Do you want to go upstairs to take your nap?"

Jack shook his head, rubbing his eyes. "I want my bed. Can we go home?"

Elizabeth froze. The thought of going into her house was a terrifying prospect. She hated that her home had become a place of horror. Even the thought of stepping foot inside caused a visceral reaction within her.

Nathan saw her dilemma. He crouched down once again, at eye level with Jack. "Jack, I need to talk to your mama for a bit. Is that okay? Maybe you could take a nap here?"

Jack looked uncertain. "Will Mama be here too?"

Nathan nodded. "Yes, she will."

"Okay," Jack said, agreeing to the plan. Rosemary reached for the little boy, who went to her willingly. "Come on, sweet boy. Uncle Lee and I will read a story to you while Mama talks to Mountie Nathan, okay?"

The Coulters took Jack upstairs, leaving Nathan and Elizabeth alone. Nathan stood, motioning toward the back door. "Would you like to sit outside?" he asked. "The fresh air feels good this afternoon."

Elizabeth took the hand he offered her. As soon as he pulled her up from the settee and made sure she was steady, he let go. She immediately missed the warmth and strength from the short contact. Wrapping her arms around herself, she followed Nathan to the backyard. They sat on the porch steps. Silence reigned for a few minutes, but Elizabeth found it comforting. Sitting with Nathan and just being was exactly what she needed in the moment. She didn't bother to analyze why. She just knew it felt right.

Nathan remained quiet, letting her choose the right time to start their conversation. Elizabeth was content to sit for quite a while. Eventually, she drew in a breath, knowing Nathan was here for a purpose. "What is it?" she asked, her voice barely audible.

Their hands were resting on the porch. Nathan looked down, deliberately letting his hand cover hers. Elizabeth closed her eyes, letting his strength wash over her.

Nathan's voice was calm and steady. "Bill received a call today, a call from Mountie Headquarters in Ottawa. It turns out Spurlock escaped from prison several months ago. Apparently he wanted revenge on people who he thought wronged him. He was put away for the murder of several Mounties and…" He stopped suddenly, his throat working.

Elizabeth's body tensed. Nathan didn't have to continue. Spurlock was the kind of man who wanted to instill fear and assert a sense of power over his victims. If he had killed Mounties, and if those men had families…

"He assaulted their widows, didn't he?" Her voice was a breathy whisper. Nathan nodded, his hand tightening over hers. Elizabeth sighed. "Did he come to Hope Valley because of Jack, Nathan?"

Nathan looked down. "We don't know that for sure, Elizabeth. But based on what he said to you about seeking revenge…" He sighed. "I'd say yes."

Tears filled Elizabeth's eyes. She leaned into Nathan, her free hand coming to rest on his arm. Another period of quiet filled the space between them. The wind blew gently across the yard. Letting out a sigh, Elizabeth spoke softly. "If he escaped from prison, that means he'll be going back, right?"

Nathan nodded. "Yes," he said, a tremor in his voice. Elizabeth looked up at him, seeing the anger burning in his eyes. "He was sentenced to life in prison before he escaped. He'll be going back to that, and measures will be taken to ensure he stays there this time." He looked down into Elizabeth's eyes. "He won't be able to hurt anyone again."

Relief flooded Elizabeth. "Then I don't have to testify in court," she said. "Do I?"

"No," Nathan said gently. "Spurlock will be in jail permanently. You and all his other victims will have justice in that."

Elizabeth let out a breath, allowing herself to lean more heavily into Nathan. "Thank God," she murmured. She paused for a few moments, still feeling the relief but also a sense of anger. Nathan must have sensed the change in her. He shifted so he could see her face. "What is it?" he asked.

Her eyes sparked. "How did he escape from a federal prison, Nathan? How could a man who committed such horrendous crimes have slipped the justice system?" She sat up straight, her anger lending her a righteous indignation. "And why did the phone call come now? Of all days, it comes on the one after I was assaulted?"

She saw a flicker in Nathan's eyes before he could hide it. Dread curled in her gut. "What?" she asked, the one word full of questions.

Nathan looked at her with pain written all over his face. "Elizabeth, they got word yesterday that Bill was looking into both Spurlock and Walden. The inspector was busy with another case and couldn't call until today." Tears shone from his eyes. "I'm sorry."

The implication of his words stunned Elizabeth. Her breaths started coming in shallow gasps. A cry escaped her. She stood abruptly, walking down the few steps and pacing the yard. Anger, hurt, and frustration welled up inside, so much so that she couldn't help letting out an anguished yell. She raked her hands through her hair and crouched down, rocking back and forth. Once more, sobs burst forth. Elizabeth thought she had cried as much as was humanly possible over the course of the day.

She was wrong.

She fell to the ground, facedown in the grass. Hands curled into fists, she pounded the ground as sobs shook her body. The unfairness, the injustice of the entire situation landed on her with full force. Cry after cry tore from her throat, loud enough for anyone with open windows to hear.

Elizabeth didn't care if they heard. Pain poured over her in torrents. She felt she would burst if she didn't release the emotions coursing through her body.

She felt rather than saw Nathan kneel beside her. He placed an arm over her back as she wept, drawing her near, trying to provide comfort in a hopeless situation. Elizabeth didn't think; she reacted. She pushed herself off the ground and threw herself into Nathan's arms, clinging to him desperately. She buried her face in his serge. It quickly became wet with her tears. Nathan held her close. Elizabeth could feel his emotion in addition to her own. She knew without a doubt that Nathan would take away her pain and sorrow if he could.

But he couldn't. No one could. Elizabeth knew this was a wound that would take a long time to heal. She wondered if she would ever be the same.

As the intense feelings lessened, Elizabeth slumped against Nathan, drawing in deep, shuddering breaths. She gradually became aware of moisture seeping into her hair. Confused, she pulled back slightly and looked up at Nathan. What she saw made her catch her breath.

Tears streaked Nathan's face. He hadn't made a sound, hadn't made any indication that he was weeping with her. But tears were falling steadily down his cheeks, leaving two wet trails from his eyes to his jaw. Elizabeth reached up, a sense of wonder breaking through the pain, wiping the tears from his face.

She'd seen him hurt and she'd seen him in pain. But she had never seen him cry. The fact that he was crying for her made her heart squeeze in her chest with an unnamed emotion. "Nathan," she whispered, her fingers splayed on either side of his face. No other words came, but she hoped he could hear the feeling in her voice.

He closed his eyes, leaning his forehead against hers. "I hate that this happened to you," he said, his voice rough with emotion. "I wish I could take your pain on myself."

A lump formed in Elizabeth's throat. "I know," she said, her hands falling to his chest. She truly did. Nathan's sincerity flowed from him. He was always honest, always true. He gave without thought of receiving. He lived his life for others rather than himself.

He cared for her even though she had ripped out his heart and stomped on it time and again.

Remorse filled her. She had been awful to him and to Allie. It was unintentional, but the fact remained that she had hurt them both deeply. Yet Nathan had been her rock thus far, the only one who could provide her with a sense of hope and comfort. The reality of it all washed over her in an overwhelming wave.

"Why are you doing this?" she asked, her voice broken. "After all I've put you through, you have every right to leave me alone in this trial. Why are you still here for me?"

Nathan's deep blue eyes stared intently into hers. He lifted a hand, cupping her cheek. "You know why," he said softly, his thumb grazing her cheekbone ever so gently.

Their eyes locked. Nathan's words pierced her like a ray of sun in the dark of night. She didn't have to ask what he meant. She could feel his love like a physical force, wrapping around her and holding her tenderly without asking for anything in return. She trembled in his arms.

Nathan misunderstood her shaking. "You must be cold," he said. He looped an arm around her and led her back to the house. "It's getting chilly out."

Elizabeth wasn't cold, but she didn't argue. The feelings pulling at her heart were too confusing. She allowed Nathan to bring her inside and help her sit on the settee. Lee and Rosemary immediately sat on either side of her, each of them taking one of her hands. Elizabeth managed a small smile at her friends, then looked up at Nathan. "When will Spurlock be transported?" she asked, thankful that the question didn't stick in her throat.

"As soon as possible," Nathan replied, standing with his hands behind his back. "Bill called Mountie Headquarters in Union City to see how quickly we could get a transport unit out. He's hoping we can leave tomorrow or the next day."

"We?" Elizabeth asked, anxiety curling in her stomach. "You're going too?"

Nathan nodded. "I need to see Spurlock locked up with my own eyes. I need to make sure he doesn't escape on the way."

"That's very noble," Rosemary said. "I'm glad you and Bill are going to make sure he's properly put away. He called while you and Elizabeth were outside. He wanted me to tell you that the Mounties will be here tomorrow morning. You'll be taking the ten o'clock morning train."

Elizabeth's stomach tensed at the thought of Nathan leaving so soon. "How long will you be gone?" she asked, her voice small.

Nathan knelt down, placing a hand on Elizabeth's knee. Normally the gesture would be considered forward and inappropriate, but Elizabeth knew Nathan's only thought was to comfort her. She placed a hand over his, missing the glances exchanged between Lee and Rosemary.

"The trip to Ottawa takes about three and a half days nonstop by train. Once there, we'll make sure Spurlock is delivered to prison, then spend the night in Ottawa before making our way back to Hope Valley the next morning. We should be back in eight days."

"Eight days," Elizabeth repeated faintly. She gripped his hand. "Be safe, Nathan."

He smiled, his eyes fixed on her. "I will." He stood, nodding at the Coulters. "Take care of her."

Lee stood as well, holding his hand out to Nathan. "You know we will," he said. "Safe travels, my friend."

Nathan nodded. He gave Elizabeth one last look, then headed out. Elizabeth felt his departure keenly. She would miss him while he was gone.

Eight days felt like an eternity.

"Do you have to go?" Allie asked, watching as Nathan packed a bag for his trip.

"I do," he said, placing a final shirt in the bag. He snapped it shut. "I have to make sure this criminal is put in prison."

"But why?" Allie asked, giving a dramatic sigh. "Judge Avery is going. Shouldn't that be enough? Why is this particular man so bad?"

Nathan drew in a breath. He sat on the bed, patting the spot next to him. Allie sat beside him. Nathan wrapped an arm around her, wondering where to begin. His daughter had no idea what had happened. She had never even seen Spurlock as far as Nathan knew. He wasn't sure how to explain the seriousness of the situation without giving away Elizabeth's secret.

Deciding to stick with the basics, Nathan started talking. "Mr. Spurlock did some very bad things, Allie. He killed several Mounties, simply because he didn't like that they followed the law. He did other things that are too awful for me to tell you." He hesitated. "He hurt someone here in Hope Valley. Badly. What he did will stay with that person for the rest of her life. I have to make sure he gets to Ottawa without trying to escape. Do you understand?"

Allie tilted her head. "Kind of. I know you value justice, Uncle Nathan. If you say you have to go, I understand." She sighed. "I just don't like that you'll be gone for so long."

Nathan ran a hand down her hair. "I know, sweetie. But you'll have fun with Opal. You said you love staying with her family."

"I do," Allie admitted. She was quiet for a few moments. "Uncle Nathan, can I ask you something?"

"Of course," Nathan said. "What is it?"

Allie bit her lip. "Opal said Mrs. Thornton won't be teaching us this week. She hasn't been feeling well. Mrs. Coulter is going to be our teacher. Is it bad that I'm relieved I won't have to see Mrs. Thornton?"

Feeling gut-punched, Nathan drew Allie closer, trying to formulate a response to her question. He knew his daughter had been hurt by Elizabeth's actions of late. Allie waited patiently for his answer, knowing that he tended to think before speaking.

"Allie, you're allowed to feel the way you feel," he said finally. "I know you've been hurt. Your feelings are a natural reaction to that hurt." He hugged her close. "Just remember to pray for Mrs. Thornton and try to forgive her. That won't be easy, but if you hold onto resentment, you'll only hurt yourself in the end."

Allie nodded. "I understand. I'll pray for her every night." She paused. "But I don't know about forgiving her, Uncle Nathan. It still hurts too much."

"I know, honey," Nathan said, his heart hurting for his little girl. His heart also hurt for Elizabeth. He knew if Allie was aware of Elizabeth's trauma, she might be more apt to forgive her teacher. But that wasn't his story to tell. He would respect Elizabeth's wish of secrecy.

He got Allie settled at Opal's, then bid her farewell. Bag slung over his shoulder, he met Bill at the train station. Spurlock and Walden were cuffed and surrounded by the four Mounties provided by headquarters. They were to ride in a private train car with two rooms, one for each prisoner.

The trip was a long, silent one. Nathan couldn't stay long in the room with Spurlock. He spent the bulk of his time in the corridor, making sure neither prisoner made it out of their cars. He needn't have worried. Cuffed to their seats, Spurlock and Walden couldn't move. There were two Mounties in each room, with Bill dividing his time between the rooms while Nathan patrolled the hall.

They made it to Ottawa without incident. It felt almost anti-climactic as Nathan and Bill marched their prisoners into the Mountie headquarters, where Inspector Madden was waiting for them.

"Does this feel too easy?" Nathan whispered to Bill, watching as Madden prepared the prisoners for transport to jail.

Bill shook his head. "Not at all. It feels like it's too late, though." He sighed. "I still can't get over the timing of all this. It makes me sick to my stomach."

"I understand the feeling," Nathan said grimly. "Elizabeth has a long road ahead." He paused. "I wonder how she's doing."

Bill reached out, placing a hand on Nathan's shoulder. "I know Lee, Rosemary, and Faith were going to take turns checking in on her throughout the day. Rosemary thought Elizabeth would be thankful for the alone time. She's always been more introspective than talkative when it comes to figuring things out. I'll bet she's doing a lot of journaling and internal processing. She's also likely spending lots of time with Jack. I'm sure he's a comfort to her in this time."

"I hope so," Nathan said. He noticed Bill had left out an important person in his list of those checking in on Elizabeth. "You didn't mention Lucas," he said, raising a brow. "Wouldn't he be one of the people making sure she's okay?"

Clicking his tongue, Bill developed a sudden interest in the carpet. Nathan's eyes narrowed. "Bill?"

"I wasn't going to say anything, because I thought it might upset you," Bill said, giving a little sigh. "I did go see Lucas before we left, asking him if he would be willing to check in on Elizabeth daily. I fully expected him to say yes." He hesitated. "He said he would do his best, but that the oil company and saloon had been extremely busy of late. He wasn't sure if he could get away that often."

Nathan was stunned into silence. He stared at Bill for a full thirty seconds before finding his voice. "What?" His voice sounded strangled to his own ears. "Elizabeth needs him now more than ever! He should make time to see her, business be hanged!"

"I agree," Bill said firmly. "It took every ounce of self-control I possessed to leave that room without decking him. If they are going to be in a relationship, he needs to be there for her in the bad times as well as the good." He shook his head. "Bouchard strikes me as the type who runs from problems in relationships. It's probably a learned behavior. Remember what happened after he witnessed your embrace with Elizabeth? He left town for months without so much as a goodbye." He let out a breath. "I'm not saying he's a bad guy. But I don't believe he's the right man for Elizabeth." He clapped Nathan on the shoulder. "I think she'll realize that before too long."

Nathan was silent. He wasn't so sure.

Inspector Madden walked over to them, effectively ending the conversation. "Thank you for escorting these men here," he said, reaching out to shake their hands. "You've given me peace of mind again." He crossed his arms. "We're about to take them to prison. It's only a fifteen minute ride in the transport wagon. Would you two like to come along?"

"Yes," Nathan said immediately.

Bill nodded. "Absolutely."

Madden nodded. "I thought that might be your answer. Wanting to see the prisoner safely locked away, I presume?"

"We do," Bill said, answering for both of them. They didn't just want to see him locked away. They needed to see it happen.

The ride to the prison was a quick one. Once they reached it, Madden allowed Nathan to escort Spurlock to his cell. The bigger man didn't make a sound. Once he knew he'd been beaten, he lost the cocky demeanor and was slumped in his defeat. Without a word, Nathan led him into the cell. He closed the door, shutting it with a bang. Madden handed him the key, and Nathan locked the cell. The lock clicked into place, the sound a relief and a consolation to Nathan.

It was the sound of justice.