A/N:

This chapter is a little longer than normal. I hope you settle in and enjoy it. May this new, coming year be the best ever for you.

My New Year's resolution has been the same for the past five years…leave people better than you found them. Have a great day and enjoy your day!

Chapter 102

JJ moved just enough to get away from his mommy's tummy. They were still on the couch. With her tummy, Elizabeth took a lion's share of the couch. Luckily for JJ, he was on the smaller side and was just able to fit. However, his little sister kept kicking him. It was becoming a little annoying.

His mommy slept most of the afternoon and into the evening. He had only left the couch one time. He used the bathroom, got him something to snack, something to drink, and a book. He was probably gone for about five or six minutes. Other than that one time, he laid on the couch with his mommy. His son's heart was pushing him to remain close. She tried to get him to go outside not long after they laid down, but he just wouldn't leave her. Not only was his heart pushing him to remain close, but there was also something else that he couldn't describe. His innermost being was forcing him to stay close. He didn't have to fight the urge to stay beside her. He was willing to obey his feelings freely.

With countless kicks from the baby, he moved to the very edge of the couch. When he did, Elizabeth's arm tightened around him. He wiggled just enough to stay out of kicking range. Elizabeth settled her head on top of JJ's head. Even for Elizabeth, she was a little more cuddly than normal in her sleep. Instead of fighting against it, JJ just went with it. He just avoided his little sister. Evidently, it was her job to kick him today.

JJ looked up when there was a soft knock on the door. He took his mommy's hand and gently moved it so he wouldn't wake her up. Once he was free from her grasp, he slowly rolled off the couch, he quickly made his way to the front door.

…

Drew, Stan, and Trent sat inside the saloon. While it wasn't a saloon any of them would remember for the rest of their lives, the little place was a perfect respite for them. Drew enjoyed another beer while Trent and Stan chose something a little stiffer.

"What's your plan?"

Drew leaned forward. While the place wasn't too busy, there were enough ears that there could be an issue if they spoke too loudly.

"Other than making that mountie pay for what he did to our friends, I haven't thought of anything."

Stan spoke up. "Let's get a poker game up. We'll enjoy the night and figure something out for tomorrow. No one here knows us or about us. Let's just enjoy the privacy of not being known and enjoy a night of poker and drinks."

"I'm all for that. This place isn't like Flanigan's in Medicine Hat, but it's not too bad either. We'll have fun."

"As long as we can get a poker game up and that bartender keeps my glass full, I'm all good."

"Yeah." Stan and Drew spoke at the same time.

…

Once Jack, Sam, and Casey stopped at the jail, they went inside and discussed what they needed to do. The three men they were following went into the saloon. Everyone was comforted in the fact that the men wouldn't leave the saloon for a long time.

The plan was made. Since no one in Hope Valley, including the three guys they followed, knew who Casey was, he was the guy to walk in and spend the evening keeping a close watch on their targets.

Jack and Sam were iffy about how close Casey should get to the trio. They wanted all the information they could get and knew Casey was the best guy to do that, but they also didn't want to put Casey at risk. After much discussion, a final, fluid plan was decided upon.

Casey would use his gut in determining how close he would get. If he felt comfortable, he may even try to work in talking with the men. If not, he would keep what he felt was a safe distance. Jack and Sam would make their way into the saloon a few minutes after Casey walked in. They would play it nonchalantly. They didn't want anyone to know they knew Casey. Everything was kept at a distance. To everyone in the saloon, Casey was a stranger that was passing through town.

Casey slowly walked in the saloon. He stopped just inside of the door and slowly looked around. To everyone, he was checking everything and everyone out. So far, everything has been going as planned.

Casey quickly found the trio sitting and drinking at a table. He continued to scan the room before making his way to the end of the bar that was about ten feet from the guys' table.

"Hey stranger. Passing through?"

"Yeah…anything fun happens in this little town?" Casey stated as he sat down on the bar stool.

The bartender used his towel to wipe off a shot glass. "Yeah…there's always fun conversations, drinks, and poker if you're up for it."
"Poker?" Casey's eyebrows raised.

"Yeah…the stranger on the right at the table behind you were the winner last night." Mr. McVoy nodded toward the trio of men Casey was keeping his eye on.

"Interesting…" Casey whispered.

"Drink?"

"Beer." Casey quickly answered. He knew he couldn't drink it while on duty, but he would bring unwanted attention to himself if he didn't have a drink in hand.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Jack and Sam walk into the saloon. Jack had his vest on with the sheriff's badge pinned on the left side. Sam was in his red serge. They were all decked out in their police get up. Casey changed into civilian clothes that he kept in his saddle bag. While the clothes were wrinkled, he didn't care. It just added to his story of a guy traveling through town.

"Poker?" Drew asked as he leaned on the bar top. "You play?"

"Yeah."

"You up for a hand?"

Casey looked around the room. His eye settled back on his target. "There isn't a game going on?"

"We can fix that."

…

"Auntie Abagail." JJ smiled as he stepped back from the front door. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to see you and your mommy." She stated.

JJ looked at her questioningly. Abagail would visit at times, but for her to just show up wasn't the norm. If you were to ask her why she felt the need to visit, she wasn't too sure if she could easily put it into words. She just has this internal drive to check on her little sister. She folded under the six year old's questioning stare.

She could only explain it in that he held her auntie's heart.

Abagail shrugged her shoulders as she tilted her head.

JJ smiled at her. He perfectly understood the gesture. "She's been sleeping all day, and my little sister has been very active."

"What do you mean?"

"I laid on the couch with her so I could keep an eye on her."

"You were able to lay on the couch with her?"

"Barely." JJ chuckled. "My little sister demands so much room. Plus, she kept kicking me every time I was against mommy's tummy."

Abagail nodded her head. "May I check on her?"

"Sure, but she's still sleeping."

"Oh…" Abagail peaked past JJ to see Elizabeth still asleep on the couch. When she returned her attention back to JJ, she asked, "Are you hungry?"

"You know me, right?" JJ sassed with a huge smile that she adored.

"That I do."

"Daddy says I'm a growing boy."

"Maybe so, but you are still a little guy." She patted the top of his head.

"Hey." He playfully whined.

"What do you think if I go to the kitchen to see what I can make?"

"Oh…that sounds great!" He bounced on the balls of his feet.

…

After a couple of hands of poker, Casey intently looked at the four other men sitting at the table. Drew sat to his immediate right with Stan and Trent was beside Drew. Some gentleman he didn't remember his name sat to Casey's immediately left.

"The red serge…is that Constable Jack…Jack Thornton?" The little disdain in his voice caught everyone's attention.

"No." The guy to his left stated. "That's Constable Sam Reed. He's been here a little while."

"What happened to Thornton?"

"Why do you ask?" Drew questioned him. Jack's name caught his attention.

Casey leaned in so no one could overhear the conversation. He never took his eyes off the red serge. "I've been waiting for the opportunity to meet him. Last I heard, he was in a small town called Hope Valley."

"He's still here. He's just not a constable anymore."

"Well…" Casey paused for a moment. He leaned back in his chair as if he was pondering something. Then he leaned forward again. "It doesn't matter. He still has to pay even if he isn't a mountie anymore."

"Why?" Drew leaned in a little further.

"He put my cousin in jail. He's still there."

"Who?"

Casey leaned in even more. The other four men drew in closer. "Those stupid tablecloths…" Casey hissed.

"Toliver?" Drew jumped in and stopped Casey speaking.

"Cousin Nate." Casey stated.

"Nate Toliver is your cousin? That happened ears ago."

"I was too young. Revenge doesn't have an expiration date." Casey slightly hissed as he leaned back in his chair.

Drew sat back in his chair working through what he just heard. This red headed guy did look a little on the younger side. He had just enough disdain in his voice to show a little hatred toward the law man. He was surprised that he was related to Nate, but had no other reason to not believe him, especially with the things and the way he was saying them.

"If Jack isn't the constable, what does he do here?"

"He's the sheriff." Drew stated.

"The sheriff?" Casey asked a little surprised. He nodded toward the guy sitting with the red serge. "Is that him?"

"It is." Drew stated. He quickly reached for Casey's arm when he began to stand. "Calm down. We have our own revenge waiting for him." Drew looks at the guy for another long moment. "Want to join us?"

Casey stared at Jack with a cold set of eyes. Then a small smile broke across his face. "Absolutely…as long as we don't wait too long."

"We won't" Drew nodded his head.

…

Jack and Sam nonchalantly glanced over at the table. They had a clear line of sight, but they were too far away to hear anything. The saloon was beginning to become full of sawmill workers. They noticed the intent, cold stare in Casey's facial features. Then they noticed the small smile.

"What is he doing?"

"My guess…" Sam stated. "He just joined forces against you." Sam chuckled. He knew that expression on his academy brother's face very well. He has seen it several times. "I would say they are plotting your early demise." Sam laughed again as she shook his head.

"I'm not sure if I find that funny." Jack smirked. "He's really good."

"It's the red hair and the baby face he has. It lures you in and then…" Sam snapped his fingers. "…he has you."

"Glad he's on our side."

"I have said that many times." Sam continued to glance toward the group of men. "Jack, let's keep our heads among us until we are able to connect with Casey. We need to be careful."

"I agree. Those are bad men."

…

"What's the plan?" Casey asked as he laid two cards down and nodded at the card dealer. "Two."

Drew took a long drink of his beer. "Since he's the sheriff, I overheard someone saying that Jack is supposed to visit him on his rounds tomorrow morning. He's supposed to help with his gate or some fencing or something."

"An ambush?" Casey asked.

"Yeah."

"Doesn't the mountie do rounds?"

"They both do it together most of the time. If they do it separately, one goes one direction and the other goes the opposite direction."

"If they're together?" Casey raised his beer to his lips, but he didn't take a drink. He wanted to keep his head clear but continued with the illusion that he was drinking.

"There will be four of us and two of them. Plus, we have the element of surprise on our side." Drew stated confidently. "So, what do you do?"

"Me" Casey asked. "I steal things. And rob banks."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah. The baby face and red hair are a great distraction. People look at me and don't' think too much of me. Look at me." He held his arms out to show all of himself.

"I'm tall and lanky. Kind of unassuming. However, the red hair is a dead giveaway. When I do a job, I can't hang around too long. The red hair is a dead giveaway. I have even used a mask and other things, but the red hair always finds a way to be noticed."

"Yeah." Drew laughed. "I can see that."

"So, an ambush?" Casey asked again.

"Yes. That guy lives on the outskirts of town. There is a small patch of trees just before his place. A perfect hiding spot. We can take care of our problem there. And that constable too if he is with him. Numbers are on our side."

"Drew…" Casey stated as he leaned forward. "I don't want him just to hurt. I want him done with." Casey's voice was cold. "He embarrassed my cousin…my family. He must pay for that!"

"Tomorrow morning." Drew stated with conviction. "Tomorrow morning he pays in full for what he's done to your family and my friend!"

…

Elizabeth slowly twitched her leg a couple of times. Her eyes fluttered just before they opened. She stretched her left leg and left arm. She moaned as her eyes opened. She noticed the sun wasn't bright. It may not have been dark, but the evening was approaching quickly. She remembered her son was asleep with her, but he wasn't in her arms any longer. When she took a deep breath, her nose filled with some delicious smelling aroma. Her eyes quickly widened with the wonderful smell.

Elizabeth looked into the direction of the kitchen when she finally was able to sit up. Now a days, that once simple act was no longer simple. That's when she heard her little man's voice. He was sitting at the small kitchen table talking. Her eyes focused on the figure standing in front of the stove. Elizabeth smiled, knowing who the person was and the recognition of the smell in the air.

"Vegetable soup." Elizabeth stated as she tried to stand from the couch.

"Oh…let me help you."

"I can do this JJ." Elizabeth grunted as she fell back onto the couch.

"No need to be so stubborn, mommy." JJ reached for her hands. "Just let me help."

With the biggest of smiles, Elizabeth stated. "Just like your daddy."

"Good. You love him so that means you love me."

"That I do." She accepted his hand as they walked into the kitchen together.

Abagail could only smile at the two walking into the kitchen. They were simply perfect with each other.

"That smells good." Elizabeth kissed her best friend on the cheek. "What do we owe this pleasant favor?"

"She's making cornbread too." JJ's excitement was evident.

Abagail shrugged her shoulders. The unasked question still penetrated Abagail's heart.

"Fine, I just had this feeling that I needed to check on you. JJ answered the door while you were sleeping. We were hungry. I hope you don't mind?" She nodded toward the big pot on the stove.

"How much did you make?"

"Enough for dinner tonight and then leftovers for a few days. Vegetable soup warms very well for a few days."

"It does, but you made a lot."

"Oh…" Elizabeth reached for her tummy when a pain hit. She breathed her way through it. While it didn't last long, it felt like it lasted a long time for Elizabeth.

JJ squeezed her hand as she reached for it. He was worried.

"Is this different than the previous ones?"

"No." She stated with a short breath. "Well, maybe a little more intense, but not too much." She let out a short breath when the pain ceased.

Abagail stood in front of her sister holding her other hand after Elizabeth removed it from her tummy. She looked intently at Elizabeth's face.

"JJ, would you please get your mommy a glass of water?"

JJ nodded as she let go of Elizabeth's hand. She walked toward the cabinet for a glass.

"Elziabeth…" Abagail whispered. "How is the pain?"

Elizabeth wanted to not fully answer that question. Not to hide anything, but she wasn't sure how to answer the question. While it did feel a lot like her previous pains, this one was a little more intense.

"Where you able to speak through the pain."

Nodding her head. "Barely." She whispered.

"I think you may be in the very beginning of active labor."

"How do you know?"

"When you can't speak through the pains, that's a clear indication the pains have advanced. That's what the old midwife told me with my first pregnancy."

"I'll remember that." She stated as JJ handed her a glass of water. "That you, JJ." She caressed his cheek as she spoke. "Why don't you go and get washed up for dinner. We don't know when daddy will be home and the soup will keep."

"Yes, mommy."

Elizabeth watched her best friend for a moment. "That's why you're here. You think I'm going into labor." Her voice was full of confidence. The little statement wasn't meant to be a question. Elizabeth knew why Abagail was there.

Abagail knew she was figured out. She just couldn't hide it from her little sister and best friend.

"Fine. Yes! I think you are very close to being in labor. Maybe tonight or tomorrow for sure. I just have a gut feeling. I can't explain why, but I know it!"

Elizabeth could only giggle at her best friend and sister. "I don't think so, but I am not going to argue with you."

…

"So, what do you think?" Sam asked Jack when the front door of the jail opened.

"I think I walked away with a good cut of the pot. However, I should have cleaned them all out." Casey stated as he slapped the money into his open hand. "Those guys don't know how to play poker."

"Why didn't you clean them out?" Sam chuckled.

"I didn't want to make them too mad." Casey chuckled. Then he turned his attention toward Jack. "Man, they really don't like you!"

"I figured."
Casey sat down in a chair in between the desks. He shared with them everything that was spoken about. He paid particular attention to the part of the discussion concerning ambushing Jack and maybe Sam the next morning.

"They know you are going to that farmer's home on the outskirts of town. There is a patch of trees about a quarter of a mile from his property. We are all meeting there at six and waiting until you come by. As soon as you are directly in front of us, they plan on kidnapping you."

"Really?" Jack asked. "They just don't want to shoot me and get it over with?"

"Drew thinks that's too easy of a punishment for you. They want you to suffer a little before they shoot you. I told them I was after you because you put my cousin Nate Toliver in prison."

"Oh…that's a good one." Sam laughed.

"Jack, how do you want to play this?" Casey asked.

Jack leaned back in his chair. He gave it some serious thought before speaking.

"We let this play out. Sam, you and I go like any other day. We just have to play this very carefully."

"I'll be with the trio."

"Casey, are you still sneaky?"

Casey's grin appeared at his friend's question. "I still have some skills." Casey nodded his head. I think I can make it work. They all had the same type of gun.

"What?" Jack asked confused.

"Casey was always a little sneaky. He has quick hands."

"I think I can change out the ammunition with blanks." Casey stated.

"Really?" Jack asked.

"Yeah." He nodded. "I just have to get some ammo and make them useless. I can change them out before we are in the woods."

"And when they fire on us, it is an automatic attempted murder charge against two law men."

"I just have to make sure I can change out the ammo before then."

"I trust you with my life, Casey." Sam stated with great confidence.

"I agree with him." Jack nodded toward his friend. "I trust you too."

"Sam, if I can, I'll give the warning call from the academy."

"And what's that?"

"Jack, our warning call was three, quick owl sounds."

The three men sat around the jail for a few more minutes to make sure everything was covered. They wanted to make sure they were on top of everything. They wanted to make sure everything was settled.

"Are we good?"

"We are." Sam and Casey stated.

"Then I think I'm going home to check on Elizabeth and JJ."

"Come on Casey. You need to meet my wife, Faith."

"You will have to tell me how you fooled that young woman to marry you."

"She's a saint." Jack started as he stood up with a chuckle. "He's like me…we married over our heads with a woman that is way out of our league."

…

The evening at the Thornton household was perfect. Elizabeth did have a few pains throughout the evening, but nothing was too bad. The pain didn't increase nor were they steady. JJ wasn't too far from her all evening, even if Jack was there. Abagail left just a few minutes before Jack arrived. They had met on the road that led to town and to the Thornton home. While they did speak about what Abagail thought, Jack had already thought about it. He made a mental note to keep a close eye on his bride. Abagail promised to check in with Elizabeth the following day.

Jack and JJ were attentive toward Elizabeth. She did seem fine. While she did have a couple of pains they noticed, they just didn't notice that anything was off with her. The soup Abagail made was excellent as always.

Jack shared the most he could with Elizabeth. Of course he couldn't share everything, but he did share what he could. She knew her husband was holding things back, but she knew just as well that he was as open as he could be. While she was nervous, she also understood that he was honest with her. JJ laid in bed with his parents until he fell asleep. Jack carried him to bed and tucked him in.

Jack and laid down beside Elizabeth. She was on her side. He scooted up behind her. He pressed his chest against her back. He placed his hand on her belly. She felt him pressed against her. She loved it when he did that.

"So…how are you really doing?"

Elizabth let out a contented sigh. "I'm good. I'm a little nervous. Very excited. A little scared. Eager to meet this little one." She placed her hand over his that was resting on her belly.

"Yeah…me too." He sighed as he leaned forward just enough to kiss her cheek.

"And you?"

"Tomorrow morning we are going out to the farm. We have a good plan and Casey and Sam are on top of it."

"And you?"

"Me too."

"Jack, what aren't you telling me?" She snuggled against him a little more.

"Elizabeth…"

"I know Jack." She paused for a moment. "I just want to make sure you come home to me."

"I promise you I will do everything in my power to be laying here just like now with you tomorrow night."

She paused for a few moments. "Wait…you're the bait, aren't you?"

She had her answer when he moved a little closer to her and tightened her hold on him.

"Jack Thornton, you better come home to me tomorrow…to us."

"Yes, Mrs. Thornton." He gently kissed the back of her neck. "With every ounce of who I am, I will be in this very spot tomorrow night."
…

Jack walked into the jail well before the appointed time. He left his beautiful wife sleeping. JJ was still cuddled up in his bed asleep. He couldn't sleep. There were too many thoughts running through his mind. He opened the door and instantly saw Frank sitting at the desk holding a cup of coffee in his hands. There was another steaming cup of coffee on top of the desk.

"Frank."

"Jack."

"What are you doing here this early?"

"Well, I thought I would help."

"Help with what?"

"Jack." Frank's tone was one of a friend's playful warning. "We gave been through too much over the years. I know something is happening today. I may not know the details, but I know something is happening. I'm here to help."

"I don't know Frank…" Jack's voice trailed off when the pastor raised his hand waving it from side to side.

"Jack, we have the unique way of being there for each other. You have helped me more than I have helped you. I'm here to help."

"This morning could be very dangerous."

"I fully understand it. Now, you know my old life…dangerous was just an everyday occurrence."

"But that isn't your life now."

"Thank God for that. Now, my friend needs my help, and I am here to help. What do you need from me?"

That's when Jack looked when Frank stood. Frank had a sidearm already on his hip. Jack gave his friend a smile and a quick nod.

"I would greatly appreciate your help."

"You have it."

"Sam and Casey will be here soon. You know Sam. Casey was his academy brother. He's a constable as well. Sam trusts him with his life, and I do as well."

"Perfect. Now, my precious wife sent me over with some biscuits and jam."

"Your wife is the most thoughtful person ever."

…

Casey made a quick appearance in the jail before heading off to the livery to meet up with Drew, Stan, and Trent. They wanted to make sure they were in the woods before the law men made their way on rounds to the old farmer's farm.

Sam and Casey were excited that Frank was added to the team. Sam knew of Frank's past life. Casey quickly accepted him without knowing Frank's past simply because Sam nodded his approval. If Sam approved of Frank, Casey would as well.

Drew, Stan, Trent, and Casey settled their horses just inside of the tree line. They were deep enough inside of the trees so they couldn't be easily seen. However, they were close enough to the road to have a clear shot. Too deep into the woods and there would be too many trees, scrubs, and limbs in the way for a clean shot. It was a fine balance to walk between concealment and the ability to make a good shot.

"Who's that?" Casey nodded toward the road.

Drew leaned forward in his saddle to take a closer look. "Oh…the bartender says he's the preacher man."

"What is he doing out here?"

"Maybe he's doing his pastor thing. Let's watch to make sure he doesn't go to the farmer's house."

The four men watched Frank ride by their location. He continued and went past the trail that led to the farmer's house. They watched him for a few more seconds to make sure he didn't double back. They all turned their attention back to the road before them when Frank continued past the path to the farm.

Frank went past the men. He did see them out of the corner of his eye. He rode past them and the farmer's house. His intent was to get into position to the West of the men. After a few minutes, he did double back just short of the farmer's trial. He stayed just off the road. He knew the men wouldn't be looking in his direction since Jack and Sam would be coming in the other direction. He just didn't want to stay in the middle of the road easily seen.

Frank's addition to the plan was a great relief for Jack and Sam. When anything went down, Casey would keep a close eye on the three men. He would also keep the trio of men from escaping back into the woods. Now Frank would keep the trio of men from escaping to the West. If Frank wasn't there, Jack and Sam would have to hope their horses were faster than the other men's horses if they tried to escape in that direction. The bad men were effectively surrounded when things went down.

"Are you ready?" Sam asked as he and Jack settled in their saddles.

"I am. Things will work out very well if Casey can change out the ammo."

"He'll get it done or he'll die in the process of trying."

Jack was somewhat relieved with the confidence in Sam's tone. Sam had every belief in his academy brother's ability.

"Let's do this." Jack nodded.

…

The two men made there way toward the farmer's house. They were still a quarter of a mile from the patch of woods they believed the men would be hiding in. They checked their side arms one last time.

"How's Elizabeth?"

"She's good. I think it will happen soon. JJ thinks it will be today."

"I have learned that boy enough not to question him."

Jack laughed. "That boy…" He could only shake his head. "He's way too smart for his own good."

"He seems likes it."

"How's Faith?"

"She's good. Everything is progressing just fine. She talked about maybe heading out to see Elizabeth today."

"JJ just may go and get her."

Sam smiled when he heard three quick owl sounds. Jack couldn't miss Sam's smile.

"That's your boy?"

"Yeah. That was our code while at the academy. He's in location and everything is set."

"Everything?"

"Yes. He must have been able to change out the ammo while they were all at the livery this morning."

Jack sighed. He knew the whole thing could still go terribly wrong. However, he did feel a great deal of relief in the fact that the sidearms of the bad men were loaded with blanks instead of live ammunition. Of course, there is always the threat of the trio of men having a hidden side arm no one knew about.

"What was that?" Drew turned his head toward Casey. A sense of disbelief in his voice.

Casey lowered his head just a little. He was trying to be a little shy. "I'm from the country. My cousins and I would do that all the time, especially in the woods. I guess it's just habit or something." Casey shrugged his shoulders hoping the men would buy his reasoning.

"It did sound like an owl." Trent stated. "That was pretty good."

"Cousin Nate could do it better. I just couldn't do it as good as he did it."

When Casey mentioned Nate, the guys nodded their heads and turned their attention toward the small road in front of them. Internally, Casey sighed a small breath of relief. Of everything that he was worried about this morning, justifying the sounds worried him the most. He felt comfortable sneaking the blanks into the guys' guns. He wasn't sure how he was going to explain making an owl sound sitting horseback in the woods trying to be quiet so they could ambush two men.

Jack sat taller in the saddle just before he spoke. "After this bend in the road, we are twenty yards from the woods. Be on alert. Stay on the opposite side of the road from me."

"Why?" Sam asked. He knew the reasoning behind it, but he wasn't buying it since Casey was able to change out the ammo.

"I know Casey was able to change out the ammo, but what if they have an extra sidearm, he didn't know about? They are after me, not you. Let's not chance it. Fatih needs you around. If you're on the other side of the road and away from them, maybe they won't have a good shot on you."

"And Elizabeth and JJ need you around."

"Yeah…" Jack's smile grew at the thought of his family.

"So, let's all go home today."

"Amen." Jack stated. "You stay on the opposite side of the road."

"Jack, we are in this together. Chances are they know I'm here anyways. One of those three men will have a weapon aimed at me. I'm not leaving your side."

Jack began to argue until he looked at the young constable. He sat taller in his saddle. His stature was resolute in the words he spoke. Jack knew in that moment that this young man was most certainly on his side.

"Here we go." Jack stated as they approached the bend in the road.

…

That's them!" Drew hissed under his breath. "That ugly red serge can be seen anywhere. If the mounties wanted to sneak up on anyone, why choose red for their uniform?" He shook his head in disgust.

At Drew's statement, the trio of men drew their weapons. Immediately following, Casey drew his. Drew, Stan, and Trent pulled back the hammers on their pistols. With Casey's face pointing toward the small road in front of them, his eyes were focused on Drew. Of the three men, he was the leader. If he could get ahead of Drew, Casey thought the other two men would fold quickly.

Jack and Sam didn't have to turn their horses for them to follow the road. Once again, they were grateful for their well trained, mountie horses. They didn't have to focus on their horses. Sam saw Jack's slight nod toward his right. That's when Sam noticed Casey's blue shirt and red hair.

"Things look promising, but do not get complacent. Be ready for anything." Jack quietly stated as the horses straightened up to follow the road. Their ears were pointing to the right in the direction of the hidden men.

Drew, Trent, and Stan raised their pistols to eye level. The pistols followed the two men on the horses for a few feet. They were waiting on a clear path to shoot. They had to wait for the men to get to a clearing so they could shoot without their bullets hitting any tree limbs. They didn't want to waste a bullet and give away their location.

With their whole focus on the end of their pistols and the two men approaching, they didn't notice that Casey had changed his full attention. He pulled another pistol and then turned both of his pistols toward Drew and Trent. Instead of aiming at their chests, he had his weapons aimed at their heads.

Drew smiled as he pulled the trigger on his weapon with Jack clearly in his sights. He had it aimed at his leg. Stan and Trent fired their weapons at the red serge. The guns made a small popping sound. It did not sound like it normally should have. While there was a small puff of smoke, something was most certainly off. The men focused their attention to the weapon in their hands.

"Freeze!" Casey demanded. In the three seconds of shock at what was happening, Casey gave the prearranged signal of three owl sounds.

At hearing the sound, Jack and Sam buried their heals into the sides of their mounts and turned the reins to the right. Their horses immediately obeyed the command and instantly dug their hooves in the dirt.

"What!?" Trent stated in disbelief.

Drew victoriously smirked. "You have two weapons and there are three of us. You won't get out alive."

"True, but the first two shots will end you and him." He nodded toward Trent. "After my bullet enters your brain, it really doesn't matter what happens next, does it Drew? But here's the thing…you have blanks in those weapons. You can't hurt a fly."

When he finished, the four men heard hooves against the ground. Sargeant slid to a stop by the man who wasn't facing down Casey's gun. Instinctively, Jack's horse went straight to the uncovered threat. Jack's pistol was already pointed toward Stan's chest.

"Don't swing that weapon in my direction!" Warned Jack. "Drop it!"

Drew took his eyes off Casey and turned them to Jack. The disdain was easily seen in his facial expression.

"Blanks?" Drew asked.

"Yeah, he's good." Jack nodded toward Casey.

"He's a mountie?"

"Yes. Now, drop your weapons. Ours doesn't have blanks."

Drew looked at Stan and Trent. Stan slightly shook his head no.

With an exacerbated huff, Drew lowered his weapon and finally dropped it to the ground. Stan and Trent quickly followed.

When Trent dropped his pistol, it landed near the left front hoof of Stan's horse. It bounced slightly and leaned against the horse's hoof. As a result, it frightened the horse and it reared slightly. Everyone's attention was immediately drawn to Stan. Upon seeing the distraction, Drew took advantage of the commotion.

Drew loosened the reins and nudged his horse's sides demanding it to gallop forward down the small path to the road. His horse dug its hooves in the dirt and propelled them forward. After the second stride, Drew pulled the reins back forcing the horse to stop. Drew noticed the preacher man sitting atop of his horse at the end of the small path and the side of the small road. Frank had his weapon pointing straight at his chest. Frank was shaking his head side to side.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Frank stated.

The group's attention was drawn to the small encounter that was right in front of them. Jack, Sam, and Casey were grateful for Frank's quick thinking.

"Good job, men. Let's get these three handcuffed and taken to the jail. We need to arrange transport with the mounties."

"Good job." Sam stated to a focused Casey.

"Everything worked out perfectly Especially the pastor there."

"I didn't want to miss out on everything." Frank laughed.

After the men were restrained and everything was under control, Sam took the reins of Drew's horse and began to lead him down the road to town. Casey took Stan's and Drew's horses and immediately followed Sam. Jack and Frank followed just in case the trio of men tried something stupid.

"What's with Hope Valley and whiskey runners?" Jack shook his head.

"Location. We are halfway between some bigger towns. Plus, all these empty caves are perfect to hide things, including oneself." Frank began. "It's the perfect location for bad people trying to hide their behavior."

"I guess." Jack only shook his head. "We may need to look into trying to change that."

"Well, we can't change our location, nor can we remove our caves. However, your reputation of arresting people will go a long way to deter that type of behavior." Frank patted Jack's shoulder.

"That's the thing with reputations…they don't have to be true to spread like wildfire."

Frank smiled at Jack's humility. In his opinion, that is one of the secrets of Jack's success.

"Come on, young man. I want to check on Abagail."

"Yeah…I want to check on Elizabeth."

"My Abagail doesn't think it will be too much longer until you meet your little girl."

Jack shook his head with a little laugh. No matter how hard he and Elizabeth tried, JJ was certain he was getting a little sister. He had everyone else convinced, including himself and Elizabeth.

"I can't wait."