"Good morning, Mrs Coulter, I have a telephone call for you."
"Thank you, Allie; please put it through." Rosemary replied and waited for her caller.
"Allie? Is everything all right?" Rosemary asked a few seconds later, confused when she didn't hear the telltale sound of the call being switched through.
"I'm sorry, Mrs Coulter," Allie apologised. "I thought you should know...the person, they sound funny."
"Funny? Funny how?" Rosemary said, surprised. In all the time she had been working on the switchboard, Allie had never once commented on the calls she was transferring.
"They are whispering like they were worried about being overheard. And they sound kind of scared."
"Oh!" Rosemary said, "well, thank you, Allie, please put them through. I am sure it will be fine."
Rosemary sat up straight; Allie was a level-headed young woman; if she said she had a strange feeling about the call, there was something wrong.
"Rosemary?" the voice on the telephone said, their muffled voice low and urgent.
"Yes. This is Rosemary Coulter. How can I help you?"
"I need you to listen, please, Rosemary."
Rosemary frowned and took the phone receiver away from her ear, staring at it as though she could look within and confirm the identity of the person speaking. The voice was familiar, but she couldn't immediately place the owner.
"I don't have much time. I called to warn you."
"Sofia?" Rosemary exclaimed, finally recognising the voice of her old friend Sofia Connelly. "What's happened? Are you in danger?"
"There is too much to explain right now; I promise to explain everything when I see you."
"You're coming here? Why? What do you want to warn me about?"
"You need to warn the Governor the threat to his life is not over. The danger is coming for him there."
"Who is coming here, Sofia? When?"
"Luca Rossi," she whispered, her voice catching. "He is going to finish what was started in Capital City."
The call disconnected, and Rosemary sat stunned at what she had just heard. Rosemary had heard whispers about Luca, 'The Razor' Rossi while covering the race for Governor. Luca Rossi strongly supported Governor Balfour, and it was said his support came with a price and certain expectations about prohibition laws in Capital City.
Rumours abounded that Luca Rossi had discouraged Mr Cunningham from opposing Balfour in the election, wanting him to run unopposed. He didn't interfere when Lucas stepped in at the last minute, underestimating the influence of a 'small-time businessman from an even smaller town'. Once the election was over and Lucas had won, Rossi vowed that he wouldn't keep the position for long enough to cause any disruption to his business interests.
One night, Lucas stepped out of his office and was confronted by Balfour's assistant, Mr Mitchell, and an unknown man. The car headlights had shone on the gun in the stranger's hand, and Lucas had seen the glint off the metal in time to turn away. The bullet had grazed his leg, just above the knee, and he had fallen, hitting his head, and losing consciousness. By the time those inside his office had reacted to the gunshot, the car and its occupants had sped away. Lucas had been unable to identify the man with Mitchell, who had not been seen since that night.
Bill, Elizabeth, and Nathan had rushed to Capital City to see Lucas and brought him to Hope Valley when he was stable enough to travel. Bill had wanted to stay and be part of the investigative team, but there was nothing to investigate unless Mitchell was found, or Lucas could identify his assailant. Bill had to contend with spending his time in Hope Valley 'supervising' Lucas's security team, whether they wanted him to or not.
Nathan looked up, frowning, as the office door burst open, and Rosemary rushed inside. He looked at her face and jumped out of his chair, standing before her in a few strides.
"What is it, Rosemary? You're white as a sheet?"
Rosemary relayed everything Sofia had told her in the call, followed by telling him what she had heard about Luca Rossi. In the lead-up to the election, she had paid attention to the gossip about the so-called 'mobsters' in Capital City. She had contemplated writing an article on prohibition and including some of what she had heard. What she had heard then had concerned her, and now, what she knew terrified her.
"What are we going to do, Nathan? We must warn Lucas. Of course, Bill needs to know. Will you contact Mountie headquarters?"
"Yes, I will. And Gabe, he is the closest Mountie to Hope Valley." Nathan grabbed his serge and threw it on, buttoning it as he opened the door for Rosemary. "First things first, let's find Bill."
Nathan hurried down the boardwalk beside Rosemary, heading to Bill's office. Nathan's stomach churned as he replayed Rosemary's words. Before they left Capital City, Nathan and Bill had discussed the risk to Hope Valley if Lucas returned with them, wondering what trouble would follow them home. They had remained on guard, and it was a relief that it had finally come to a head. Maybe now they could resolve it once and for all.
Bill reacted as Nathan expected him to, initially with anger, quickly followed by a steely determination to stop whatever trouble was coming to Town immediately and permanently.
"Have you let Gowan know? And Gabriel? Is he on the way?"
"We came straight here, Bill" Rosemary said, a little exasperated. "We have only known for a few minutes."
"I'm sorry, Rosemary, of course," Bill said as he began pacing, and Nathan could almost see the wheels turning in his head as he formulated plans and discarded them just as quickly. Nathan waited, allowing him time to process his thoughts; he had his own ideas, and when Bill was ready, they could discuss them all.
"Wait a minute?" Rosemary said, breaking the silence, "Did you ask if Nathan had told Henry?"
"Explain it to her, Nathan."
Nathan rolled his eyes at Bill but explained to Rosemary that he and Bill had brought Henry into their confidence, telling him of their concerns. Despite his current situation, Henry had, over the years, made many contacts who were spread far and wide and who operated on both sides of the law.
Although reluctant to reestablish those contacts, Henry agreed to reach out for information and keep his ear to the ground for who might have attacked Lucas. Henry had been disappointed so far; the identity of the shooter was being guarded carefully.
"I'll go and tell Henry; he is helping us by painting the Valley Voice offices," Rosemary offered as she looked at Nathan. Rosemary turned to leave, but turned back and said, "Nathan, you need to know...Allie took Sofia's call and knew something was wrong."
"Thank you for warning me; I'll...explain it to her later tonight when I call in to see her." Nathan ran his hand over his face, wishing he didn't have to explain anything to anyone.
"Will you explain it to Elizabeth, too?" Rosemary asked, eyes narrowed and the hint of a smile on her lips.
Nathan's eyes flicked to hers before he looked away. He knew Rosemary was aware he had been spending time with Elizabeth. With Allie babysitting little Jack, they had a perfectly innocent reason to spend time together. It was more than that for Nathan, but he was reluctant to admit his feelings for Elizabeth again, needing her to be the one to say it aloud first.
"Allie mentioned calling in to see Jack after her shift; I can tell Elizabeth at the same time." Nathan saw Rosemary's lips twitch, and from the twinkle in her eyes, he knew she was on their side, and he grinned, unable to help himself.
Nathan spent the remainder of the day making plans with Bill so they would be ready for Gabe's arrival. They contemplated calling for Mountie back-up but decided against it but asked Gabe to send a telegram to update them instead. If Luca Rossi was as close as they thought, they wouldn't get here in time to do anything anyway.
Bill had suggested Nathan stand down from the planned surveillance that afternoon. He wanted Nathan to go home and spend the evening with Elizabeth and the children, arguing they needed protection in case they tried to use her to get to Lucas. Nathan declined Bill's suggestion, saying that Hope Valley was his town and that he would be the one to lead the Mounties and no one else.
Bill and Nathan finally agreed they would have dinner at the Queen of Hearts, along with Gabe, disguised as regular patrons, while Henry spent the night at the Coulters. Rosemary and Lee would invite Elizabeth, Jack, and Allie for dinner. Having them all together made it easier to protect them, and it went a little way to making Nathan feel better, but not much. He hated not knowing when the danger would come and from where. They wouldn't even recognise the danger; no one in Hope Valley had seen Luca Rossi. He could be anywhere.
After updating Lee and Henry, Rosemary had gone home, lost for a way to occupy herself until Sofia arrived. She didn't know what to expect when she did arrive. Sofia had said 'they' were close. Was Sofia with Luca Rossi? Were they travelling together, was she following him, watching him so she could warn them? Rosemary was afraid for her friend; Allie was right; she had sounded scared on the telephone.
Rosemary thought about her conversation with Lee and Henry; something was niggling at her; what was it? Thinking back, she realised it was something Henry had said. He had said it had been a long time since Hope Valley had to contend with outlaws.
That was it! Sofia had used a similar phrase in her last letter. Rosemary rushed to her desk, searching through her papers, eager to find it. Not only had Sofia used that expression, but it related to the photograph she had included with her letter. It was a picture taken in front of the project she had been working on with her mentor and friend, an architect named Julia Morgan.
Rosemary found the letter and photograph and scanned it quickly, recognising Sofia and Julie. When she first looked at the photo, she hadn't paid the men any attention; she was only interested in her friend. As she studied the photo now, she saw the men were well dressed, or maybe 'sharply dressed' was a better description, and one man stood out from the others. He was of average height with dark hair and stared at the camera with an intensity the others didn't. There was something arrogant about his smile, a self-assurance that set him apart. Somehow, Rosemary knew he was Luca Rossi. Rosemary placed the photo on the desk and found the paragraph where Sofia spoke of the people in it.
The modern outlaws. That was how Sofia described them. Rosemary continued reading, noting that Sofia said they had been introduced by the person Julie was working for. The man in the photo had offered Julie twice what she was being paid to swap to his project, but she had declined. The man had then offered Sofia the project, but she had also declined. Sofia had joked she wasn't sure she should spend too much time with the modern outlaws.
Knowing what she knew now, her reference to the outlaws stood out, but at the time, she had been more focused on the fantastic opportunities Sofia had found in San Francisco. What changed? Had Sofia decided to work with him after all? Is that how she found out about Luca Rossi and his involvement in the shooting? Had she overheard something she shouldn't? Did Luca Rossi know she knew what he had done? Did he know of her connection to Hope Valley?
Rosemary slammed the desk drawer shut. The questions would drive her mad if she couldn't get answers soon. She would go back to Town and give the photograph to Nathan and Bill. For once, Rosemary was happy to let someone else lead the show. This time, she didn't want to break the story; she wanted it to disappear.
Lucas sat behind the desk in the office in the Saloon. Lucas had tried to decline offering to work elsewhere, Mike oversaw the Saloon now, but he had insisted he was happy to sit at the reception desk. Lucas had finally given in, given it wouldn't be for long, he was there to recuperate while they found the man who tried to kill him and not a minute longer.
Lucas remembered everything about the night he was shot, surprising the doctors who assumed he wouldn't, but the memory hadn't done him any good. Without knowing who the man with Mitchell was, nothing could be done. Lucas worried for Mr Mitchell; it had been clear he was under duress; his only value was that he could gain access to Lucas, and he had lost that value.
Lucas knew his arrogance had made him an easy target that night. He had been warned to be careful, but he hadn't listened. He had been on a high after winning the election. If he was honest, he had been on a high since the moment he had decided to run for the position of Governor. He had allowed himself to be consumed by the campaign, and something about winning had made him feel invincible.
Losing Elizabeth to Hope Valley had been a blow to his ego but running for Governor had restored it. He had loved Elizabeth and wanted to spend his life with her, but he had felt her pulling away from him as the wedding drew closer and deep down, he knew it was over. He didn't fight her when she broke their engagement, choosing instead to remain in Hope Valley than go with him.
All Lucas wanted now was to go back to Capital City and do the job he had been elected to do. He needed the threat against him eliminated in such a way that it would deter others from trying to hurt him. All they had to do was find the man who shot him. Lucas knew if this wasn't resolved quickly, he would have to force a resolution; he wanted his new life back.
"Lucas. It's Nathan and me," Lucas heard Bill call out as he knocked on the door before opening it.
"Gentlemen, what's happened?" Lucas asked, his eyes flicking between the two men. He tensed, knowing something had happened. Finally
"I have a photograph to show you, Lucas. I want you to look at it and tell me if you recognise anyone."
"Where did you get this photograph, Nathan?"
"I'll explain afterwards; that way, you won't be influenced."
Nathan handed the photograph to him and watched Lucas's face as he studied it. When Lucas's eyes drifted across the faces in the photo, his eyes widened, and he uttered a small cry. Nathan knew he had just seen the face of the man who shot him.
"It's him," Lucas said urgently. "How? Who..." Lucas stammered.
Nathan interrupted Lucas, "Why don't you sit down, Lucas. I'll explain everything we know and what we're doing about it."
Rosemary looked up from pouring her tea when she heard a sharp, hurried knock on her front door. "Coming," Rosemary called, hurrying to open it, hoping it would be Sofia. Her greeting died on her lips as she stared at the person before her, recognition taking a few moments. Rosemary was speechless as Sofia pushed past her, rushing inside. Her beautiful, stylish friend's face was haggard from lack of sleep. Sofia's hair was dishevelled, and her clothes were stained and rumpled as though she had been wearing them for days.
"Sofia, I am glad you are here; I've been so worried," Rosemary said.
"Luca is here." Sofia blurted, " but I don't know where exactly; I couldn't stay too close when we got to Town." Sofia dropped her head, unable to maintain eye contact. "We need to stop him."
"Sofia, you need to tell me everything you know so I can update Nathan. All he knows is that Luca Rossi is on his way here, and why." Rosemary touched Sofia's forearm gently, getting her attention. "How do you know this man, and how did you find out what he had done?"
Rosemary watched as Sofia's eyes filled with tears and her face crumpled. She wrapped her arms around her friend and held her while she cried. Rosemary let Sofia cry until she felt her sobs subside; then, she pulled back and looked at her friend's tear-stained face.
"Come and sit down, tell me everything, but first, let me call Nathan and warn him Rossi has arrived." Rosemary paused with her hand on the telephone. "Sofia, was Luca Rossi in the photo you sent me, the one with Julie? He was the man in the middle, wasn't he?"
Sofia closed her eyes before nodding and sinking onto the lounge, where she sat stiffly as Rosemary made her call. Rosemary called the Mercantile switchboard, glad when Florence answered, explaining that Allie was on a break. Florence put her through to Lucas's new office, knowing she would find Nathan there.
Rosemary delivered her message quickly and succinctly, confirming the identity of the man in the photograph. She wasn't surprised to hear Lucas had recognised him as the shooter. Rosemary promised to call again with more information as it came to hand. Nathan told her to call Lucas's office again; Bill would stay where he was, guarding him while he waited for Gabe to arrive. Nathan would head to Rosemary's to talk to Sofia.
Rosemary went to the kitchen and poured Sofia a cup of tea. Bringing it to her, she sat beside her friend. "Do you think you can tell me the rest, Sofia?"
Sofia spoke quickly, explaining that things had changed since her letter; she had agreed to look at Luca Rossi's project. At that time, she had no proof that Luca was anything other than a businessman, and while there were rumours about how he made his money, she ignored them. Not everyone was willing to work with a female architect, after all. It was meant to be a small project, a pool and pool house, something she could finish quickly and then return to her work with Julie.
After agreeing to design the building, Luca gave Sofia free access to his home so she could come and go to check her designs as needed. The project had grown once she agreed to it; he wanted a grand structure for others to envy. Yesterday, she had been leaving Luca's house, having checked what she needed to, when she heard loud, angry voices in his office. Two men were arguing, and she recognised Luca's voice. He was telling the other man he would be the one to go to Hope Valley and finish the job. The other man challenged him, telling him to send someone else, but Luca insisted.
"The things they were talking about so casually. I couldn't believe it." Sofie said with a shudder. "I knew there was a chance he was doing something illegal, maybe running liquor, but I had no idea he was capable of murder."
"What did you do?"
"I hid until the other man left and then snuck around to the front of the house. I waited until I saw a taxi come to collect Luca. I knew he was heading here. Luckily, Luca doesn't like to drive; I don't know why, but I knew he would catch the train. I flagged down my own taxi and managed to arrive in time to catch the same train. I didn't have time to call you before boarding. We travelled through the night, and eventually, when we got to Union City, I called you before we changed trains for Hope Valley."
"How did you get here from the station?" Rosemary asked.
"I got a lift with a young woman travelling on the same train; she was coming home to visit her father. She couldn't sleep either, so we talked a little. She was so excited to be home." Sofia smiled, remembering how lovely the girl had been. "Her father was happy to drop me off just out of Town, understanding I wanted to stretch my legs after the long trip. Someone picked Luca up; they were waiting for him when the train pulled in. I couldn't get close enough to see who without risking being caught."
Rosemary patted Sofia on the leg. "You did the right thing not letting him see you, Sofia, but you took an awful risk coming here."
"I had to come. I knew no one here would recognise him, and I knew what he had done. I had to help identify him so he could be stopped."
"I could have done that with the photo. I did do that with the photo," Rosemary said.
"I panicked, Rosemary; I forgot I had sent it to you. That day feels like a lifetime ago."
"Well, you're safe here, and Luca Rossi will be stopped," Rosemary assured her. "You'll stay here with Lee and me until this is over, and no one will ever need to know you were involved."
"You don't really think it will be that easy, do you, Rosemary. We need to find out who is helping him and what they are capable of. We already know what Luca has done."
"Bill and Nathan will find him and whoever is helping him. They will end this. Now, why don't you come upstairs with me? We can find you something to change into, and you can freshen up. We are having company for dinner."
When Sofia didn't move, Rosemary asked, "What?"
"Oh, Rosemary," Sofia exclaimed, a laugh bursting from her. "Please don't ever change. Amid everything going on here, you are entertaining?"
"Well, not really. It's more about sticking together and making sure nothing happens to Elizabeth and Jack. We were worried Rossi might try and use them to get to Lucas. That it might not be common knowledge they have parted ways."
"I'm sure he would," Sofia responded, then said, "I would love to get out of this dress; I have been wearing it for days."
"And it shows," Rosemary teased.
"Rosemary! That's an awful thing to say," Sofia said, glad of a chance to laugh. It was nice to feel something other than miserable. During the last day and a half, she wondered if she would ever want to smile again.
Nathan strode down the street after leaving the Saloon, trying not to make it obvious as he scanned the people he passed. Nathan was concerned they didn't know who had collected him from the railway station. If his accomplice were from Hope Valley, it could change everything; they could help him blend in, or worse, provide him with an opportunity to get close to Lucas, an opportunity a stranger wouldn't have.
"Nathan!"
Nathan turned to find the source of the voice, his eyes finding Gabriel standing outside the Pharmacy. He had known Gabriel would arrive in Civilian clothing, but for a split second, he had been looking for his red serge. Nathan greeted him, and they hurried to the Mountie office.
"You made good time, Gabe. Thanks for coming."
"Of course, Nathan. I wouldn't be anywhere else."
Gabriel listened as Nathan filled him in on all that had happened. Gabriel agreed with Nathan that the local person helping Rossi was a high risk.
"Who in Hope Valley would have any association with the type of man Luca Rossi is? Where would they have met him?"
"I don't know. It could be anyone. There is no way of tracking everyone, especially with all the Tourists that have come through Hope Valley for the hot springs."
"So, what's the plan then?" Gabriel asked.
"I think Bill could use help keeping Lucas contained; he is going stir-crazy over there."
"And you, where are you going to be?"
"I need to check in with Sofia and Rosemary, and then Allie," Nathan mumbled. "When she finished her shift on the switchboard, she was heading to the Thorntons to check in on Jack. They're pretty close, and Elizabeth appreciates the help."
"So, I am spending the afternoon with Lucas and Bill, and you get to spend the afternoon with Elizabeth Thornton? How is that fair?"
"Not the whole afternoon! Besides, it's my town; I get to make the plan."
"Right. I can't wait until it's payback time. You can spend an afternoon with Tess Stewart, and I'll spend the day with Lillian."
"I'll take an afternoon with Tess over a frustrated Bill anytime," Nathan joked.
"We need to finish this now," Luca said. "I told you I wanted to be in and out of this place."
"We have to be careful. Bouchard is being guarded closely by his personal protection and the Mounties. We need to make sure we get it right. Let me remind you, we wouldn't be here if the last attempt hadn't been botched."
Luca narrowed his eyes as he stared at Montague. "If your boss Balfour had beaten Bouchard, none of this would have been necessary. I was cleaning up his mess."
"Arguing isn't going to get us anywhere; we need to find Bouchard; we need to find a way to get to him."
"Do you have something in mind?"
"We need to get him away from the Saloon; too many people are watching him there. We need to find a reason to get him out in the open somehow."
"Who or what can do that? Doesn't he have a woman? I heard Balfour mention her.
"Not anymore. That finished before the election."
"Well, think of something fast. I want to go back to civilisation."
"Leave it to me," Montague said with a confidence he didn't really feel, hoping he would think of something. He didn't want Luca Rossi upset any more than he already was. An upset Luca was dangerous; the man was volatile at the best of times, but right now, he was angrier than Montague had ever seen him.
Nathan and Elizabeth stood on the verandah of her row house, she had been out the front with Allie and Jack when he arrived, and he couldn't ignore her. Nathan asked Allie to take Jack inside, promising Elizabeth would explain everything to her later. Nathan told Elizabeth what he could about the current situation, making her promise to spend the evening at the Coulter's. He knew she wanted to argue with him, but she conceded when he said he was relying on her to protect Allie and keep her out of harm's way.
"You will be careful, won't you, Nathan?"
"Of course I will. I always am, Elizabeth." Nathan promised, understanding how worried she was. He knew how hard it was for her to overcome her fears of losing him in the line of duty. "Elizabeth, I…"
"Nathan! I need to talk to you right now."
Nathan and Elizabeth blinked, startled by the voice as they looked across to Rosemary's house, seeing her standing on her verandah.
"Rosemary, what is it?" Elizabeth called to her friend, frowning at her.
"I need Nathan to come here. I am sorry to interrupt, but I couldn't wait any longer for the two of you to finish up ...whatever you are discussing over there." Rosemary said, waving her hands at the two of them. "It really would be easier if you just tell each other, and everyone else how you feel and hurry up living happily ever after."
"Rosemary!" Elizabeth exclaimed, her mouth dropping open at her audacity, her cheeks a pretty shade of pink.
Nathan looked back to Elizabeth; his cheeks red too. "I ...have to go; I'm sorry." Nathan apologised, not sure exactly what he was apologising for.
"I'm sorry, too." Elizabeth stared at Nathan for a moment before reaching up and placing her soft hand against his cheek. "Be safe and hurry back."
Nathan smiled at her touch; glad she had made the gesture in front of Rosemary. It was the first time she had been so open about her feelings for him. He reached out and placed his hand over hers, holding it in place.
"Nathan!" Rosemary called. "You need to hurry, and Elizabeth, please try and let him go."
This time, neither of them was embarrassed by Rosemary's comments. Nathan took Elizabeth's hand from his cheek, turned it over, and kissed the palm lightly. "I'll be back as soon as I can."
Nathan hurried over to Rosemary's row house and bounded up the steps. He glanced over at Elizabeth, who was watching them and smiled shyly, overwhelmed by the sight of her holding the hand he had kissed to her heart.
"Where is Sofia, Rosemary?" Nathan asked as he stepped inside, looking around at the empty room.
"Upstairs, changing, she was a mess." Rosemary sighed. "She won't be too much longer, and trust me, she really did need to bathe."
"Fine, Rosemary. Can you tell me what else she said while we wait? I can ask her other questions if needed."
Rosemary began to speak but was interrupted by a knock on the door. Nathan dropped his head and groaned in frustration. What now?
"Henry, come in," Rosemary said, answering the door and ushering him inside. "I wasn't expecting you so soon."
"I'm here to see, Nathan, actually," Henry replied.
"Well, join him at the table, and I'll make coffee."
"I believe Montague is the man helping Luca Rossi. I am sure I saw him driving out of Town. I was returning after going home to change when they passed me." Henry said. "The driver had his hat low and his head down. The passenger wasn't as careful."
Henry and Nathan spun to face Rosemary, startled by the sound of her dropping the metal tea canister.
"I'm sorry. Henry, but are you sure?" Rosemary said, collecting herself and picking up the tin. What Henry was implying had lasting consequences for Montague, and possibly Balfour if he was correct.
"As sure as I can be, Rosemary."
Nathan nodded and smiled. This was the break they needed. "Do you think it is just the two of them? Where do you think they were heading?"
"I think they were going to Bill's land. The cabin is still empty, and Montague knows that area well."
Footsteps on the stairway halted their conversation. Nathan and Henry stood as a woman walked toward them. Nathan took in her appearance, noting that despite bathing and changing, there was no washing away the deep circles beneath her eyes.
Rosemary introduced Sofia to Nathan and then reintroduced her to Henry, whom she remembered from a previous visit. Rosemary often mentioned Henry and Constable Grant, his daughter, and his connection to Elizabeth in her letters.
Sofia joined the men at the table, and the four sat, discussing what Sofia had already told Rosemary.
"I need to tell Bill, and Gabe," Nathan said, rising to his feet. "Henry, you should stay here and have dinner as planned. They need to see us acting normally. Ladies, please stay here. If Elizabeth and the children aren't here soon, please get them, Henry. Bring them here and keep them safe."
"I will, Nathan. You can count on me."
"Sofia, thank you. I know how frightened you are right now, but you have likely saved a man's life by telling us what you know, and I will do everything in my power to keep you safe.
Sofia nodded, "thank you, Nathan. I just want Luca Rossi stopped."
Rosemary watched Nathan walk away. He was a good man, and she prayed that he and everyone else involved stayed safe. She also promised herself that if Nathan and Elizabeth didn't hurry up and allow themselves to be together soon, she would do it for them. They had wasted enough time.
Nathan glanced casually at Bill, standing on his left, and at Gabe, who stood to his right leaning against the bar, a drink in his hand. Nathan saw both men nod, indicating they had seen the stranger approaching Mike at reception. The three of them waited while the man handed Mike a letter, hearing him ask that it be delivered to Governor Bouchard immediately. Nathan waited, watching until the youngish man walked to the bar, ordered a drink, and settled in, picking up the menu and reading it.
Mike glanced at Nathan and stepped away from the desk, walking slowly toward the hallway and Lucas's office. Nathan waited several beats after Mike was out of sight before nonchalantly following him. Gabe and Bill watched the courier curiously, but the man didn't turn around. It seemed he might actually be what he appeared to be, a courier.
Lucas stood in his office and read the letter twice before handing it to Nathan to read.
"I thought you said he was here; how could he have taken my mother hostage?"
"He is here; Henry saw him, Lucas. I don't believe he has your mother. Why don't you call her now and check in on her?"
"I can't. I spoke to her two days ago, before her trip to Capital City. She is on her way to help prepare the residence there, so she isn't contactable," Lucas said as he began pacing around the small room. "I must meet them tomorrow, as requested."
"Lucas, you know that isn't going to happen; there is no way we are letting you leave this place to meet anyone," Nathan said patiently.
"I can't do nothing if there is any chance, they have my mother."
"I believe they are trying to flush you out, get you away from the protection of the hotel and Hope Valley. You can't fall for this."
Lucas glared at Nathan, angry at the suggestion. Nathan knew he wouldn't be so calm if it were Elizabeth, Allie, or Little Jack, or someone else he cared about. He saw Lucas's jaw clench and he knew he was barely holding in his temper.
"I need some air," Lucas said brusquely, pushing past Mike and Nathan and heading up the back stairs to the second floor.
Nathan stared at Mike, who shrugged.
"Are you sure they don't have Helen?" Mike asked.
"Yes. Sofia Connelly followed Rossi here; he didn't travel with anyone. Henry saw Montague and Luca Rossi this evening, here in Town, without Helen Bouchard. Remember, they don't know about Sofia. She's our secret weapon in foiling their plans. I just need Lucas to see that." Sighing, Nathan said, "I'll go and update Bill and Gabriel."
Walking out of the office, Nathan caught the eye of the courier, who had swivelled his head around to look at him. Nathan stared into the man's eyes and realised he wasn't as young as he had thought. The hat covering the man's head prevented Nathan from seeing the colour of his hair, but he could see the dark stubble on his cheeks. He had a nagging sensation that he had seen the man somewhere before but couldn't place him.
Nathan returned to the stand between Bill and Gabe, leaning his back against the bar. "Do you recognise the courier, Bill? Could he be one of Montague's men? I'm sure I have seen him somewhere ...at your land?"
Bill screwed up his face, "I have been trying to get a good look at him since he sat down, but he has been at keeping his head turned away."
"He is very interested in the hallway and the office," Gabriel added. "He barely looked away after you and Mike walked that way."
Nathan kept his voice low as he told Bill and Gabe what the letter had said.
"Do you think the courier is waiting to see if Lucas emerges?"
"Maybe, or to overhear any plans being made."
Nathan peeled himself away from the bar, explaining he wanted to get some fresh air, which was his way of saying he was going to check on the Town. Gabriel offered to go with him, and Bill agreed to stay where he was, watching the courier and making sure Lucas didn't try to do anything stupid.
Nathan and Gabriel stepped outside the Saloon, and both men stopped still, not moving.
"They're here somewhere," Gabriel said. A statement, not a question.
"Yes, but where?" Nathan said, his eyes scanning the street in front of them. "They need to be close if they are watching him," Nathan said. "They would also want to be mobile." Nathan looked to his right and couldn't see anywhere that would suit Montague and Rossi's stakeout. He stepped forward and peered to his left, toward the Blacksmith's shed.
The Blacksmith's workshop had not been a full-time concern for several years. The Blacksmith, Mr Tomkins, shared his time between Hope Valley and Brookfield, preferring to live in Brookfield. Nathan thought about the inside of the large building, knowing there was more than enough space to conceal a car and two men on the ground floor. Upstairs, in the loft, several vantage points would allow them to view Saloon's front doors and side balcony. They could also access the back of the Saloon from the Blacksmith's without being seen from the Main Street.
"Is the Blacksmith's locked?" Gabriel asked quietly.
"Probably not; Brently Tomkins is happy for us to access it if needed when he is in Brookfield."
Nathan saw Gabriel and drift to his left side and copied the action. They were both dressed as civilians but carried their weapons.
"You wait here, Gabe. Let me check it out."
"I am not letting you walk in there alone, Nathan. If they are in there, they won't take kindly to being disturbed."
"I need you to be out here in case I am wrong, Gabe."
Nathan turned to face Gabe. "I am not going to do anything risky, Gabe; I have far too much to live for." Nathan grinned when he saw the realisation on Gabe's face, knowing his friend understood he didn't just mean Allie.
"Nathan..." Gabe began before pausing as angry words from the balcony above reached them.
"Get inside, Lucas. Are you trying to get shot again?" Bill said, his words low and angry.
"Maybe I am, Bill. Maybe I just want this over one way or another."
"Don't be ridiculous, Lucas. Get. Back. Inside." Bill spat angrily.
Nathan stepped back into the street so he could see the balcony. He looked up and saw Lucas leaning on the rail of the upstairs balcony. Nathan saw Lucas flinch when he saw the movement below him, relaxing when he saw it was Nathan. Nathan didn't want to risk calling out, so he raised his hand and indicated that Lucas should listen to Bill and step back.
Nathan pursed his lips when Lucas ignored him, staying where he was. If Nathan and Gabe were right, if Montague and Rossi were in the Blacksmith's, Lucas presented himself as the perfect target.
Nathan wasn't sure what happened first.
He saw Bill step toward Lucas, watching as he reached for him, trying to pull him back into the shadows.
He heard a noise behind him and spun his head to see the doors to the Blacksmith's loft burst open, banging against the side of the barn from the force.
He saw the gun barrel poke out of the loft, glinting in the moonlight as it arced toward the balcony.
He heard Gabe call his name; the rest of his sentence drowned out by the deafening blast of the shotgun firing. Once. Twice.
Nathan watched as Bill and Lucas tumbled to the verandah floor, unable to determine if it were of their own volition or if they'd been hit.
Turning, Nathan ran toward the Blacksmith's, gun drawn. He took aim at the window on the second story and fired. The shooter ducked, lowering the weapon. Nathan and Gabe used the opportunity to run to the side of the workshop, out of the line of fire.
From his vantage point, Nathan could see a flurry of activity on the Saloon's balcony and knew someone had responded to Bill and Lucas, helping them inside. Taking a breath, he looked at Gabe, noting he was unharmed. Nathan gestured for him to stay where he was, covering the front of the building while he went around back. Nathan knew there was a back door, but there was no way to get a car out. The two men inside only had two choices, leave on foot, and try and make it past him, or leave from the front door and get by Gabe and the others Nathan knew would come to his aid.
Nathan crept forward, keeping his body low and close to the wall, weapon extended in front of him. Reaching the back door, he tested the latch and found it unlocked. He opened the door just enough to slip inside, closing it again quickly, hoping no one had noticed his entry.
Hidden behind different pieces of old farm equipment, Nathan listened intently for the sound of the barn's occupants. He could hear a shuffling noise a small distance away and peered out from his hiding place, unable to identify what was happening from the sound alone. He could see two men; one being supported by the other. The man was limping as his companion half carried, half dragged him to a car. Nathan noticed the wooden ladder to the loft had several broken rungs and realised the man must have been injured in a fall.
Nathan knew he had to move quickly before the two men reached the car. If they made it inside, they could burst through the front doors, and Gabe would be powerless to stop the moving vehicle.
Nathan stepped out of his hiding place and called, "Stop."
The uninjured man turned at the sound of his voice, and Nathan recognised Montague's profile. "It's no good, Montague. You have nowhere to go, you either, Rossi."
"Go," Rossi demanded of Montague, "Get us to the car."
Nathan had known Rossi wouldn't go quietly, and Montague had too much to lose to surrender. Planting his feet, grounding himself, Nathan brought his arms up, extending them straight in front of him, his gun held steady in both hands. He pulled the trigger. His bullets easily finding their targets.
Montague yelped in surprise at the sound of the gun's discharge, and Rossi pushed away from him. Rossi, seeing the damage the bullets had done to the car's tyre and engine, spun to face Nathan, aiming his gun at his chest.
"I am leaving here, and you are not going to stop me."
"Rossi, you're not going anywhere. You attempted to murder the Governor twice, and you are under arrest."
"Do you really think you will be able to stop me? Unlike you, I shoot to kill."
"It's not just him who is going to stop you," Gabe called, walking inside. It's me, too."
"And me," Bill called from the doorway, standing nonchalantly with his gun in his right hand pointed squarely at Luca's chest.
"Me too," said Mike, aiming the shotgun between Montague and Luca. Nathan noted that despite his confident words, his hands shook slightly.
"There is quite a crowd outside, all ready and eager to help us stop you," explained Bill. "You too, Montague."
Luca looked around the building, his eyes searching for another means of escape, any way out of his situation, but there was nothing. Montague didn't bother looking around; he hung his head and didn't respond to Bill. Nathan could tell he knew it was over; whatever Luca tried to do; Montague wouldn't be helping him.
Nathan watched Luca intently, waiting to see what he would do, biding his time for the right moment to take him down. Rossi turned in circles, growing increasingly desperate for a way out. As Luca's grip tightened on the gun, Nathan knew he was out of time. Luca was desperate, and a desperate man was unpredictable; he would hurt himself or one of them. Nathan glanced at Bill and saw his eyes narrow. Bill took a step toward Luca, catching his attention. Nathan stepped up behind Luca as he turned to Bill, grasping the arm holding the gun. Nathan reached around with his other hand and quickly snatched the weapon from him, thrusting it into his pocket. He used rope he had found on a pile of boxes to secure Luca's hands behind his back, pleased to see Gabriel doing the same for Montague.
"Is Lucas all right," Nathan asked Bill. He had been worried Bill had been hit, but he appeared unscathed.
"He's fine, for now. He might not be after I've finished with him. I don't know what he was thinking going out on the balcony."
Nathan had a good idea that Lucas wanted precisely what happened to happen. He wanted to force the person's hand, so the situation was over, once and for all. He wanted to get back to Capital City and the new life he was creating for himself there. Part of Nathan understood Lucas; all he wanted was to go home and begin his new life.
Nathan walked back to the row houses alone, having helped secure the prisoners. Gabe offered to watch them for the night, and Nathan accepted. Bill was busy making telephone calls, and Lucas was packing so he could leave at first light.
He had barely knocked when on the Coulter's door when it opened, and Elizabeth threw herself into his arms, holding him tightly.
"You're okay, you're okay," she whispered, but he wasn't sure if she spoke to him or herself.
"I'm fine, Elizabeth. Everyone is fine." Nathan murmured in her ear, running his hand up and down her back, soothing her. Looking over her head, he could see the others staring at the two of them, smiling.
"Bill called while you were walking home to tell us you were on your way," explained Lee. "Allie and Jack are already asleep, and Sofia has gone upstairs too, she hadn't slept in days."
"Why don't you two go to Elizabeth's, leave the children here? Come and get them in the morning," offered Rosemary.
Nathan nodded gratefully and wrapped an arm around Elizabeth, who offered her own thanks and walked arm in arm with Nathan, to her home.
"Please don't go, not yet." Elizabeth implored; her face still clouded with worry.
"I'm not going anywhere," he assured her as they stepped onto the verandah.
"I am so glad you are here," Elizabeth said, smiling at him. She pressed her lips together, gathering her emotions before she sighed and said, "I had time to think tonight - while we waited, and Rosemary was right. It's time. Time to admit what's in our hearts and enjoy being together, as a family. I don't want to wait anymore, and I don't care what anyone but Allie and Jack think.""
"Are you sure?" Nathan whispered, his heart pounding so loudly he was sure she could hear it.
"Yes, I'm sure; Are you trying to talk me out of it?" Elizabeth said with a laugh.
"Absolutely not!" Nathan said, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her to him. Staring down into her beautiful blue eyes, he could see her love for him, shining there, unconditional, and forever. He didn't think he had seen a more beautiful sight. Elizabeth tucked her head against his chest and snuggled in closer, as he rested his chin lightly on her hair, finding everything he would ever need in this simple embrace.
"I love you Nathan Grant, with all of my heart," Elizabeth said.
"I love you too, Elizabeth. Always."