Hey! Thanks for following this story. I know I'm updating it slowly and I'm sorry to keep you waiting between each chapter. But I promise I'll do my best to finish this fanfic before the S12 premiere! I'm soooo looking forward to it, by the way. Enjoy Chapter 6 :)

"Everything is here," Bill says, handing Nathan a pile of paper. "I've added some notes."

"You're going somewhere?"

"I'm going to pay Houston a visit. I should be out of town for a few days."

"Are you sure you want to go alone?" Elizabeth asks with concern.

"It's the only way to avoid attracting attention."

On this early morning, the town is barely awake as Elizabeth, Nathan and Gabriel let Bill ride away and make their way to the Valley Voice office.

Nathan pulls out a chair for Elizabeth. "Is Rosemary coming?"

"Yes, she's helping Lee finish packing first," she answers as she takes the seat. "He's going to Capital City to join Lucas for a few weeks. Rosemary was supposed to go with him, but she has decided to stay instead. I didn't want her to change her plans for me, but I know this investigation is important to her—and she's doing it for Jack, too."

"So they're not moving to Capital City?"

"No, they actually found a way to lead the National Park project from Hope Valley, so they could be closer to the partners involved. They'll just have to make a few trips to Capital City to coordinate the rest."

"Good thing they've found a compromise. I know how much they love raising Goldie here and living next door to you."

"So do I. They're such great friends, I can't imagine Hope Valley without them. And I can't wait to see the results of this project."

"It is going to be a splendid, magnificent success!" Rosemary declares, entering the office. "And we have another success to prepare. I hope you're ready and wide awake, because I am determined!"

With these words reflecting everyone's state of mind, the team sets to work. They spend the entire morning making a meticulous inventory of the documents, sorting and dissecting them, looking for the slightest piece of information. They form piles by suspect, by elements requiring further investigation, or by potentially valuable evidence.

When Gabriel sees Nathan stop over a piece of paper, he easily understands what it is about. "I can take care of that one if you want."

"No, it's okay. I've got it."

Nathan scans the document and pauses. He frowns, then reads it again, causing him to frown even more.

"Something's wrong?" Gabriel inquires.

"That's not the report I wrote."

Rosemary raises a brow. "What do you mean?"

"I mean I don't know what that is, but that's definitely not the one I wrote and signed when I got back from the mission."

Elizabeth leans toward Nathan. "What is different?"

"Some passages have been removed, and some others rewritten. It says that I've refused several orders from Hargraves to stop the mission and come back, and that I've been disrespectful to my superior. It says that I've arrested the cattle rustlers on the other side of the border. In other words, where I had no legal right to do so."

"But none of that is true!"

"And it is signed by me. Well, by a copy of my signature. There's also the signature of the Superintendent at the time, Hargraves' superior. He was in charge of approving the disciplinary measure."

"Based on false papers and made-up pretexts," Rosemary protests. "We have to do something. It's absolutely revolting, and completely unfair!"

"There is nothing to be done. The original copy has probably been destroyed."

"So what? The word of a Mountie does matter, doesn't it? Your testimony could prove that Hargraves has questionable ethics. We can help both Jack and you, and right the wrongs you've suffered!"

"Whether the sanction seems fair or not is not the point. I had to be disciplined. I disobeyed a superior's orders. Not to mention my word will be worthless if Hargraves makes it look like resentment or defamation to serve Jack's defense."

"But what about the lies?"

"I don't know." He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "I thought this was all behind me."

"How about finding out why the report was changed in the first place?" Gabriel suggests.

"I can't think of any other reason than to justify the suspension. I don't know if you've noticed, but the man isn't really fond of me."

Gabriel just nods, choosing to keep his suspicions to himself for now. He has a feeling there is more to the story, but he can't be sure yet. He would rather spare his friend any unnecessary worries in the meantime.

"I think I'll take a break," Nathan says before heading out of the office to get some fresh air.

A few minutes later, Elizabeth finds Nathan sitting on the boardwalk's edge, facing the church and the pond. She sits down beside him.

"Before going to the northern territories, Jack had first turned down the offer to lead a squad of Mounties. A young Mountie took the position he hadn't accepted, a recruit he had mentored. His name was Doug, he was so kind and brave. He lost his life in the line of duty several days later. I remember how hard it was for Jack. I know part of him felt responsible for what happened to Doug."

"I can relate." Nathan nods thoughtfully.

"He knew that feeling all too well. When he lost a man in an ambush in the northern territories, he held that mixture of guilt and anger at himself for days without even talking about it."

"Maybe I could have done something. Maybe I should have known what was going on."

"No, you couldn't have. Hargraves made sure to hide it well enough so you wouldn't notice a thing."

"I know. There's nothing I could have done but I wish I could have. I wish I could have done something."

"It's not too late. You can do something today." She takes his hand. "Whatever you decide, I'll support you."

"I'll do everything in my power, I promise. It's time to find out what Hargraves is up to, and make him answer for his actions."

"I know you will, and you won't be alone."

***

Later that day, Nathan, Gabriel, and Allie stand on the Thorntons' doorstep with a freshly baked pie.

"Dad, can I stay after dinner to show Mrs. Thornton something I wrote?"

"Well, you'll have to ask her, but I'm sure she'll be pleased."

The door opens and Elizabeth greets them with a warm smile. A little blond-haired head appears behind her legs.

"Hi Allie! Hi Mountie Nathan!" Although not losing his enthusiasm, Jack becomes shyer when he notices the third guest. "Hello Mr. Mountie," he says politely.

"Jack, this is Constable Gabriel Kinslow," his mother introduces. "He worked with your daddy."

"Nice to meet you, Constable Gabriel Kinslow." The boy makes a Mountie salute. "I'm Jack."

Gabriel returns the same salute. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Jack."

Elizabeth steps aside and invites them to come in. Nathan brushes her waist as he passes her and the two lovers exchange a soft, knowing glance.

Gabriel smiles as he looks around. The room's atmosphere is welcoming and cozy, and his gaze is immediately drawn to the pictures of his old friend Jack. He also notices the way Allie and Nathan are comfortable in the house, one listening to the story of the boy's afternoon with his mother and the other setting the table. It all seems to flow so naturally that he feels as if he is witnessing a family scene on an ordinary evening.

This feeling only grows stronger throughout the dinner. Gabriel suppresses a grin as he watches the four of them interact.

Elizabeth's eyes are staring at Nathan who's not even aware of it. The town Mountie's attention is focused on the boy who has insisted on sitting next to him. He moves his chair closer to the table and makes sure he is well seated, serves his plate, and cuts his meat while listening intently to him. It reminds Gabriel of how Nathan was with his daughter when she was younger.

"Do you think we could go fishing tomorrow?" Allie asks Gabriel. "We used to do it all the time when you came to visit."

"It's been ages since you've talked about fishing," her father remarks teasingly.

"I'm heading back to Brookfield tomorrow, but I think we can go fishing before I leave. You will help me catch my lunch."

"Oh, so soon?"

"I wish I could stay longer, but I have a town and a fiancée waiting for me. You're welcome to visit whenever you like, of course. We've got some good fish at Brookfield too."

"This is a great idea! I could do the trip," Allie grins.

Nathan looks at her. "You sure could, but you won't. Not without me."

"Come on, Dad. At this rate, Jack will be allowed to do it before you let me."

Hearing his name, the boy immediately joins in the conversation.

"I could go with you, Allie." He looks at Gabriel. "Mountie Nathan is teaching me how to ride Pal. Pal is my pony. But soon I'll be able to ride Sergeant. Sergeant is a horse like Newton. Mountie Nathan told me we will go for a ride and go fishing. He told me he will teach me how to fish." Jack finally pauses to take a breath. "Can we do another ride with Allie and Mommy too?"

Nathan exchanges a glance with Elizabeth.

And a smile.

Then he forgets to look away.

Their eyes locked together, they both seem to have lost all notion of the rest of the people around the table. God only knows what they are saying to each other through their gazes.

But Jack is not willing to give up and is still waiting for an answer. "Mountie Nathan!" he calls.

Gabriel and Allie look at each other and laugh, bringing Nathan back to reality.

"Um." He clears his throat. "Yeah, sure, we will see."

Gabriel smiles at him, deeply happy for his friend. He knows how much he cares for this woman. He knows how long he has waited for his love to be returned. And he knows Nathan deserves it.

***

"This boy really admires you," Gabriel says to Nathan on their way home.

"You think so?"

"Yes. I mean, it's pretty obvious. He hasn't stopped talking about you and your riding lessons."

Nathan flashes a tender smile. Although he enjoys spending this late evening with his friend, part of him thinks about what it would be like to be just a few houses away, with the people who mean the world to him.

"I love them at least as much as he does. He's a very good student... and a very good boy."

"He is. He's young, but in some ways he already reminds me of his father."

"A great man, by all accounts. Serving with him must have been quite something."

"Jack was a leader like no other with high values." Gabriel nods. "I think you two would have got on well."

"Tom, his brother, told me the same thing."

"Then you should consider believing it." He pauses. "You seem more at peace lately. I hope all this doesn't stir up too many uncomfortable feelings."

"It does. But maybe it's not such a bad thing. It appears that there are still some things I need to work out." Nathan thinks about the conversation he had with Elizabeth earlier. "Jack Thornton is part of their lives, and mine too. His memory deserves to be honored. That's surely what we all need."

"Jack couldn't have wished for a better man to take care of his family."

"I hope I'll be up to it."

"You already are."

***

Elizabeth heads back downstairs after putting her son to bed so she can have some quality time with Allie. She isn't surprised that Jack fell asleep quickly, given that he spent most of the evening talking without a break.

She sits on her couch with Allie and takes the piece of paper the girl has brought. While her teacher reads her poem, Allie nervously fiddles with her glass of apple juice, watching for her every reaction.

'...

Sometimes I just need someone to tell me I'm strong

Someone to take me back where I belong

Somewhere I can be myself

Some home where I feel safe

Some place nowhere can compare

Some hope from the people who care

Some time with friends and family I love

And God above.'

Elizabeth smiles and wipes a tear away as she reads the last line. "This is beautiful, Allie."

"Really?"

"Did you write it for me?"

"I... yes. I know about the investigation into Jack's father. I didn't know if you were okay, and I didn't know what to do to help... So I just wrote this." Allie looks up from her hands. "When I feel lost, I remember the day you told me that I belong where I feel most comfortable, at home and with my friends."

"Thank you, Allie, this is very thoughtful. I will treasure it," Elizabeth says, bringing the piece of paper to her heart. "You have a real way with words, you know. It takes a lot of talent to capture the world the way you do. You're gifted with great sensitivity, and that is your strength. I am so proud of you."

It's not the first time the girl receives a compliment from her favorite teacher. But this one touches her deeply. She finds herself at a loss for words, and the only reaction she can come up with is to hug Elizabeth.

As she wraps her arms around Allie, Elizabeth realizes that this moment is about much more than reading her poem. And she knows Allie doesn't want this moment to end any more than she does. So she reaches for a book she borrowed from the library earlier in the afternoon.

"I took this novel for you." She hands it to her. "I thought of you when I saw it, and I think you might like it."

"Thank you. For the book, for dinner, and for..." Allie pauses. "For your time. I'm sorry to bother you with everything that's going on."

"Oh, Allie. You are not bothering me at all. Quite the contrary, I'm happy to take my mind off things for one night. And to do it in such good company."

"I like spending time with you," she tells her genuinely.

"I really like spending time with you too." Elizabeth pulls her back into her arms. "You can come to me anytime, you know. And not just to share your poems, you can come for whatever you need." She tightens the hug. "I will be there for you."