CH 4 - Shadows in the Daylight

Nathan

The pair hugged each other for a handful of minutes after Elizabeth left. At that moment, Nathan offered his silent support in the event Allie wanted to talk more. He brought a variety of Elizabeth's goodies and a cup of tea over to the settee table for Allie. She still seemed distraught by the way she picked her bread but stared blankly at the wall.

After a few minutes, Allie decided she still didn't want to talk and asked permission to go to her room. Seeing how upset she still was, Nathan agreed and let Allie head upstairs. He now sat alone on his settee, void of company. Nathan propped his chin into his hand and allowed himself to reflect about the day's events.

When he heard the soft sound of footsteps at the door this morning, he rushed to pull it open. He found Elizabeth standing there with her hand raised, looking startled. Warmth started in the middle of his chest and spread through his limbs, making its way into his cheeks. She looked so beautiful. Moreover, Nathan was a bit surprised that Elizabeth was here this morning. It had been several days since they had an opportunity to see each other.

His thoughts bounced to Casimir Shaw, the infamous rumrunner. He was on the move, and that meant Nathan was spending longer days with Governor Lucas Bouchard and with Former Sheriff/Former Mayor-turned-Judge Bill Avery. Shaw was considered extremely dangerous, and having been seen moving in the territory, the Mounties wanted to make sure the Governor was safe. Lucas was stubborn and frustrating, denying Nathan the ability to bring in reinforcements. Lucas also asked for confidentiality, which made keeping Allie, Elizabeth, and Jack safe even more difficult. Nathan reluctantly agreed since Lucas was his superior. He longed for the day he could put this issue to rest. Nathan understood his assignments were often confidential or secret, but that did not mean he enjoyed withholding the truth.

Compounding the issue, Nathan thought Allie was still struggling with what happened at Granville Prison. He thought of that recent day when Allie ran off to meet her biological father, Dylan. Nathan had never been so afraid. For the first time in a long time, he could admit to being truly terrified. What if something happened to her on the train? What if she was allowed inside the prison? The thought made Nathan shudder.

The morning of the incident, Nathan received the call from the prison about Allie's request. He rushed to the schoolhouse, where mere hours before he and the love of his life had been precariously on the edge of their first kiss. When Elizabeth heard about Allie leaving, she glued herself to his side and joined him on the long journey to Granville.

Smiling to himself, Nathan felt grateful for Elizabeth's friendship, perseverance, and willingness to be patient. He found it ironic that he was now asking for her patience, after waiting for her these long years. He shook his head slightly and reached for a piece of banana bread he had set out on the small table earlier.

Nathan let his mind wander to his sister again. Elizabeth's worry over Nathan concerned him. He avoided thinking about the encounter with Mrs. Anderson, and the walk with Elizabeth recently.

He wondered what was going on. He had a dream of meeting Allie for the first time. Then, he thought he saw something at home, and the same day he felt his heart almost stop when he thought he saw Colleen in town.

He had been Allie's guardian and father for longer than his sister had been in Allie's life. It had been over eleven years since he lost his sister.

He felt his anger and frustration rising. That she was killed.

Nathan could not understand why he was so agitated right now. It seemed like his life was moving in the right direction. He had been spending more time with Elizabeth. Her sunny smile could chase away any shadow. Nathan also had the honor to teach young Jack how to ride his new pony that "Uncle" Bill gave him.

Nathan loved spending time with Jack, and it gave him immense joy to see Jack learn and grow. Nathan had loved Jack since he first held him at the baptism. To this day, Nathan always compared every woman to Elizabeth. He had never seen a more beautiful woman. He considered that image of her "His Elizabeth."

He could count two other times when she stole his breath. The first was when she wore the wedding dress that she and Rosemary declared to be a "puffball." The other was the very first time he met her, when she first said "Hello" to him. He recalled being dumbstruck, slack-jawed, and how he had to shake himself to respond to her.

Nathan stopped, making a mental checklist of everything. He could feel the stress building of all that has been happening both professionally and personally. Nathan knew he had to walk a fine line so that he could stay level-headed. He decided that it was time to have a chat with Bill. He always provided wise counsel. That is exactly what Nathan needed right now.

"Allie, I am going into town to talk to Bill. I'll be back soon," Nathan called out.

"Okay, Dad. I'll be right here," she replied.

Nathan made his way to the Judge's office. He looked around Main Street, hoping no one would stop him today. He loved his job but had recently worked long hours. He just needed a moment to himself.

He knocked, opening and closing the door as quickly as he could.

"Nathan! What brings you in today? Did you miss me?" Bill said with a sly look.

Nathan countered sarcastically, "Hah, didn't even know you were gone."

"I wasn't. What brings you in today? Are you hiding from Rosemary again?"

"I never hide from Rosemary. That's you, Bill." Laughing, Nathan approached the desk and sat in one of the chairs.

Bill eyed Nathan curiously. "What's on your mind?"

Nathan sighed, then took Bill through the highlighted version of what was on his mind recently.

Bill nodded. "Nathan, you've got a lot going on. You need a break."

"From what? It's not like Casimir Shaw is in custody yet. I am trying to take everything one step at a time, but it feels a bit overwhelming now," Nathan said.

Bill stood abruptly, moving around his desk. "Look, from what you've told me, Shaw is around but not here yet. Elizabeth wants more time with you and if you waste any more of it," he hesitated, shaking his head, "then you're a fool. Allie's going to be okay, despite Dylan's rejection."

He put a hand on Nathan's shoulders, "You need a break. I don't have business out of town for a few weeks. Why don't you take a day or two for yourself and just get out of town? I don't care what you do. But if you keep this up, there's not going to be anything left of you."

Thinking on what Bill suggested, Nathan was skeptical but said he would think about it. "Thank you, Bill."

"No need. I'd tell you anyway, whether you like it or not," Bill said. He gave Nathan a stern look.

Nathan laughed, "I'm sure you would. Thanks anyway. See ya soon."

Bill waved a hand, which effectively dismissed Nathan, and went back to work.

Nathan headed back to the rowhouses but decided to stop to ask the Canfields if Allie could stay with them for a day or two. They were still in town, so he decided to stop in later.

He checked in on Allie and headed out for his rounds. He had put them off for too long today, though he was only behind by an hour or two. The town depended on him to be consistent.

Bill may be right. Nathan decided that he would go up to his favorite spot and spend a few days there. Perhaps he would find some clarity from all this mess. It was affecting his mood, putting him on edge and that just wouldn't do.