Nathan woke up before the sun. He left a note for Allie kitchen table, as was their habit when he had to go out on work. He knew Allie probably wouldn't be away for several hours based on what he knew of sleepovers. He hoped that she would stay at the Montgomery house until everything was done this morning but she also didn't want to wake everyone up at that house. He got dressed in his uniform and headed to town. He wanted to talk to Bill and find out what he had heard from headquarters.

The door to the Mountie office was open slightly when he approached. This was a habit that Nathan himself used when guarding prisoners so he could stay alert of anyone approaching. When Nathan got close to the steps, he called out to Bill and the older man came out into the doorway.

"Good morning Bill, how did everything go last night."

"Fine. This group complains a lot. I'll be glad to have them out of this town. The Mountie transport should be here in a few hours."

"Great, I agree, they all need to leave as soon as possible."

"Nathan, everything ok?"

"Yes. I went to talk to Elizabeth last night before I went home. These men threatened her and emotionally it was a tough day for her. Luckily nothing else happened, or I might be tempted to go into that office right now."

Bill could see how much Elizabeth meant to Nathan. Bill hoped that both of them would be open to their friendship turning into more, but for now they just needed to get through this.

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Nathan was sitting outside the Mountie office with his office waiting for the transport that would be arriving soon. He had gone in the office for a short time with Bill but he couldn't even stand to look at those men after talking to Elizabeth. He was trying to keep his emotions in check as he was trained to do as a Mountie. He thought it would be better for everyone just to steer clear for now.

He was sitting there looking towards the schoolhouse. He saw two people riding into town, one in a serge. The Mountie transport was supposed to be at least 4 men so he knew this wasn't it. Nathan got up from his seat, setting down his cup on the ground. He walked down the stairs to get a close look at who was riding into town.

"Gabe?" Nathan said. Gabe was still too far away to hear him but Nathan was still trying to figure out who was riding with him. Nathan had the sun in his eyes so he was squinting with his hand over his eyes. The two riders got closer and stopped in front of where Nathan was standing.

"Hi Nathan, bet you are surprised to see us."

"Gabe? Lucas, where did you go? And why are you both together?"

Lucas opened his mouth but then closed it again. Gabe rolled his eyes, Nathan thought it was just how Allie would have done. "Lucas was traveling through Brookfield when I saw him. I'm guessing he didn't know that I was posted there. After you called me, I was on alert so I took him into custody. His car had broken down there so I asked Tess Stewart if we could borrow a horse so I could bring him back here." Nathan looked at Lucas and realized he did look out of place in his nice suit on the horse. He obviously had not been planning to be back here so soon.

"Lucas, we have your friends in custody in the Mountie office," Nathan said.

Lucas' eyes went wide. "They are here?"

"Yes, the Mountie transport is coming to take them to Capital City soon. Lucas how could you run away? You put the whole down in danger. They kidnapped Elizabeth!"

Gabe looked at Nathan, "Is she ok?"

Nathan nodded and gave Gabe a look which said he would tell him more later. Nathan didn't want to explain any part of it in front of Lucas.

"I know I shouldn't have left. I have been running for so long that it was all I could think of to do. I've never been able to trust people," Lucas said.

"Lucas, you are in Hope Valley now. You can trust us. You may need to earn that trust again though, it may take some time after all this."

"I understand. I'll go back to the saloon if you don't mind," Lucas said looking at Gabe.

"Actually I do mind," Nathan said.

"What?" Lucas asked.

"I mind. You are going to stay here in front of the Mountie office with Gabe. When the prisoners are taken out into the Mountie transport, I want you to watch. I want you to see what this town has done for you, to protect you. So you don't forget and maybe you can trust us so we can try to trust you in the future."

Gabe smiled. "Ok, let's go take these horses to the stable before the transport gets here. We will be right back Nathan."

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Rosemary came over early to bring Jack home. Elizabeth was thrilled to see her son after his night away from her. Rosemary noticed that Elizabeth seemed to be doing better than she had seen her last night. She thought that a night alone had done her some good. Perhaps she was able to write in her journal like she usually did.

There was a knock at the door and Elizabeth jumped slightly, not nearly as much as she had the night before. Rosemary noticed but didn't say anything, putting her hand on her friend's hand as they sat at the kitchen table. "I'll get it," Rosemary said. Elizabeth nodded, grateful that her friend was always there for her.

"Lee, I thought you were spending the morning in the office?"

"Hi honey, I was. I wanted to let you both know that a Mountie transport is coming this morning to take the prisoners to Capital City so they will be out of town soon." Lee had walked by the Mountie office when he went to town this morning and talked to Nathan.

"Oh Lee, that is great news. Elizabeth did you hear that?" Rosemary said turning from the door. Elizabeth had already gotten up from the table when she saw it was Lee.

"Yes I did. I think we should walk to town."

"You do? Wouldn't that be hard for you? To see them I mean."

"It will be. But I think I need to do this," Elizabeth said.

Elizabeth got Jack bundled up as it was starting to get colder. She put him in his buggy and Rosemary offered to push him for her. Lee had already walked back to down while the women were getting ready so Elizabeth and Rosemary walked together. Elizabeth stayed quiet until Rosemary spoke, "I'm proud of you for doing this Elizabeth. You are so strong."

"I am not feeling strong right now, but Nathan also told me that I was strong last night. I am trying to believe both of you."

"You saw Nathan last night, after we went home?" Rosemary asked. She knew Elizabeth didn't speak when they were with Nathan before leaving the saloon.

"He stopped by to check on me before he went home."

The two of them had arrived in town just as the Mountie transport arrived. Rosemary and Elizabeth stood on the opposite side of the street, in front of where the library would be. Elizabeth noticed Lucas standing to the side with Constable Gabe Kinslow and she felt anger. How could he leave with these men coming after him and what was he doing back now?

Before she could think too much about it, Bill and Nathan walked out with two of the prisoners. Elizabeth just wanted to run. She had nothing to hold onto since Rosemary had been pushing Jack. She didn't know what to do. Elizabeth was looking around, making sure no one was going to sneak up on her. She looked back at the transport as Nathan put his prisoner in first and then stepped back so Bill could put his prisoner in. A Mountie was standing by the door as well. As Nathan stood back, he glanced over to the side of the street where Elizabeth was standing, catching her eyes.

Nathan had been in Mountie mode from the moment the transport arrived. He knew he needed to focus as the four men were dangerous criminals. He looked at the prisoner and the transport as he walked out, knowing he needed to get the men locked in the transport as quickly and efficiently as possible. When he looked up and caught Elizabeth's eyes, he couldn't help but soften his own. He hadn't expected her to come, but he understood why she had. He told her he was proud of her last night and he continued to be amazed by the strength she showed in coming to town.

Once Bill got his prisoner into the transport, Nathan tipped his hat towards Elizabeth acknowledging her and turned to head to the office. Elizabeth smiled next to Rosemary. Elizabeth knew the hard part was coming. She hadn't seen the man who had put her in the room or Amos Dixon yet. She stood there looking at the office. Both men walked out, Bill leading Amos and Nathan leading the other man. The man with Nathan started to struggle when Nathan pulled on him hard. Elizabeth wondered if there was a way Nathan knew how this man had dealt with her, even though she never said what he looked like. Elizabeth felt protected and she was grateful for that.

Everyone stood back once all four prisoners were in the transport. The four other Mounties saluted Bill and Nathan and they saluted back. The two men got on the wagon and the other two mounted horses to rise behind the transport. They all rode out of town to make the journey to Capital City.

Nathan said something to Bill, who nodded, and then walked over to Elizabeth and Rosemary. Rosemary looked at Elizabeth and said, "I am going to walk over to Lee's office for a minute. I can take Jack with me. Will you be ok?"

"Yes, Rosemary. I will meet you over there in a few minutes."

"Take your time."

Nathan nodded as he approached and Rosemary walked away. "How are you today Elizabeth."

"Better. Thank you for checking on me last night. I am glad that they are all out of the town."

"Me too. We won't have to worry about them again. I promise." Elizabeth knew that Mounties didn't like to make promises, so the fact that Nathan said that meant a lot.

"What is Lucas doing back here?"

"He went through Brookfield and his car broke down. Gabe brought him back to 'face the music' I guess you would say," Nathan said smiling. "I already told him it would be awhile before we all trusted him again after he left us to deal with his problems."

"Did you tell him what happened?"

"Only about them coming to town and that you were kidnapped. I didn't tell him any details. I just wanted him to know how serious it was," Nathan looked at her with concern. Elizabeth appreciated that he thought enough of her not to share what had happened.

"I just wanted to see for myself that they were gone. I think I am going to catch up with Rosemary and go home."

"I understand. Enjoy your day Elizabeth." Nathan watched as she walked towards Lee's office. Elizabeth turned when she was about half way and saw him still standing there. She turned and waved. Nathan wanted to make sure she made it all the way to Lee's office, after what happened the last time she walked on the street alone. Part of Nathan knew he wasn't responsible but he still felt like if he had just walked her to the cafe, he could have protected her. He didn't want to put that burden on her with all that she had been through. He vowed to himself to make sure she was protected.