The next morning, Nathan returns from his rounds preoccupied. He greets some people and keeps a watchful eye on the surroundings like every other day, but his mind is elsewhere. All he can think about is what happened yesterday.

One thing's for sure, his life is definitely simpler when Hargraves is out of it.

As he rides down the main street, he runs into the Superintendent in question in front of the bank.

"Speaking of the devil," Nathan mutters under his breath. When he reaches him, he gets off his horse. "Sir. I thought you'd already left town."

"Constable. I have a meeting at the bank before heading back to Fort Clay."

Nathan glances at the building. What could he possibly want to talk to Mr. Jenkins about?

"You know, I learned something interesting yesterday," the Superintendent continues. "Did you know Mrs. Thornton received a pension from the Mounties?"

Nathan's expression shifts slightly, much to the satisfaction of his former superior officer.

A smirk spreads across his lips. "That's what I was thinking. I should have known better, given your history of obeying orders."

"She deserved that money. She needed it. You had no right to take that from her."

"I understand she doesn't know."

"Should I tell her the whole story about it?" Nathan retorts in a defiant tone.

The two men glare at each other, air crackling with animosity around them. They face each other silently and motionless until the bank door opens on the boardwalk.

Mr. Jenkins steps out and greets them, unaware of the tension between the two Mounties.

"I wish I could say goodbye, but I'm sure we'll get to meet again soon enough," the Superintendent says before walking up the stairs.

Nathan isn't sure how to interpret these words, which sound almost like a threat. But everything sounds like a threat when Hargraves speaks to him.

Footsteps on the gravel stop beside him. He turns his head and sees Bill looking at the two men.

The judge's eyes narrow. "Hargraves is in town? What does he want with you?"

"That's not for me this time," Nathan replies, watching the man shaking the hand of the banker.

"What does that mean?"

"That means we need to talk to Elizabeth."

Before looking for her, Nathan guides his horse to the stables. Bill follows, aware that his questions will soon be answered. Even if he can already tell he's not going to like what he is about to learn.

The two lawmen find Elizabeth on her way home with Rosemary. Walking by the row houses, they are discussing the decision the Coulters have to make regarding Lucas' offer to join him in Capital City for a new project. They stop when they spot Bill and Nathan heading their way.

Elizabeth immediately notices the frowning look on Nathan's face.

"Did something happen?" Rosemary asks.

"Hargraves is still in town," Nathan says, looking at Elizabeth. "I think we should talk. Rosemary, you may want to hear this too."

Rosemary gives her friend a concerned look. "Allie is looking after Jack and Goldie at my house, maybe we can talk at yours."

Elizabeth nods. She'd been trying not to think too much about the inquiry since Nathan had taken her home the day before. Still, she had a feeling reality would eventually catch up with her. One thing she knows is that she needs the support of her friends. And maybe their help.

At her house, Elizabeth and Nathan explain to their friends what happened the previous day. The Superintendent's suspicious questioning added to his meeting with Mr. Jenkins doesn't cheer anyone up. Bill and Nathan promise to dig deeper into the case in the afternoon. As for Rosemary, she makes it her mission to be the best emotional support for Elizabeth, leaving the investigation to the lawmen for the time being.

As her friends leave, Elizabeth holds Nathan by the arm. "Nathan, I've been meaning to ask you. Do you want to come for dinner with Allie tonight?"

"Are you sure? You must have a lot on your mind, I don't want to add to it."

"I don't intend to let this matter interfere with us. Besides, what better way to avoid letting this get to me than to spend time with people I care about?"

Nathan's lips stretch into a smile. This is why he feels so confident this time. He knows deep down there's nothing to be afraid of. Although he's worried about her, he knows their relationship won't be affected in a bad way. This challenge will only strengthen their bond.

***

Nathan enters Bill's office with furrowed brows, anything but satisfied with the conversation he's just had with Mr. Jenkins at the bank.

Bill looks up from the papers covering his desk. "So, what did he say?"

"Nothing really conclusive. He eventually told me Hargraves asked questions about Jack Thornton's loan and finances and asked to see some documents..."

"We both know what it means when the Mounties take an interest in the finances of our own."

Nathan runs a hand through his hair. "What on earth could make them think that Jack was corrupt?"

"I have no idea. Somehow I just hope it's what and not who." Bill looks at the wall with a serious look. "And Hargraves told her it was about the landslide? It isn't adding up."

"There's more to it, but what? Any chance you know more than I do about the landslide?

"I read the reports back to it. I was just rereading them." He gestures to the open files on his desk. "Several injured, one dead. They clearly state it was an accident. They mention bad weather, but that's all. Jack has always been the hero of this story, never the suspect."

Nathan's eyes scan the stacks of documents. "I've never heard anything bad about him, at Fort Clay or anywhere else."

"Neither have I." Bill shakes his head thoughtfully. "You know what? The Chief Superintendent is an old friend of mine, I'm going to make him a call."

Nathan grabs a file. "I'll take another look at those reports. Maybe we've missed something."

"Help yourself."

Bill picks up his phone and asks Florence to connect him with Fort Clay. Eyes on the detailed accounts of the accident, Nathan keeps an ear on Bill's phone call.

"Yes, an inquiry. About what?..." Bill groans. "No, of course, I understand. Can you at least tell me who's in charge?... Really?" He raises a brow and winces. "... No, I'm just surprised... Sure. Thank you. Give my regards to your wife." He hangs up with a sigh.

Nathan gives him a questioning look. "Anything helpful?"

"Well, they put Hargraves in charge of the inquiry."

"Are you kidding?" Nathan exclaims, almost dropping the file in his hands. "Wasn't he Jack Thornton's superior too? It makes no sense!"

"I'm as confused as you are. There's nothing more he can tell me. Only a few Mounties have access to this inquiry."

"Guess we'll have to keep digging then."

"Given the man's lack of subtlety, I'm confident we'll come up with something sooner or later."

With this new information, the two men return to their files more determined than ever to find answers to their questions and help Elizabeth.

***

Dinner between the Thornton and Grant families ends the day on a lighter note. Jack insists that Allie reads him a story before bedtime, leaving their parents to clear the table.

"She's really good with him," Elizabeth says, grabbing a cloth as Nathan begins to wash the dishes.

"She loves Jack. I think she sees him as a..." He pauses, unsure whether to continue.

"I know she's like a big sister to him too," Elizabeth smiles genuinely. "He's always liked his babysitters, but there's something different with Allie. He admires her. And I'm glad he has a role model like her."

"They sure make quite a team," Nathan smiles back. "Wait until he skips school to go fishing or starts an ice cream fight to impress a girl."

"Oh, I'm sure he has enough imagination to come up with his own feats."

They chuckle, both aware of how children can always be full of surprises. Especially their own. They continue their task in silence, both pondering the same thing. The thought of their families together often comes to their minds, even though they haven't yet talked about it.

As he hands the last plate to Elizabeth, Nathan gazes at her quizzically. Staring into space, she seems deep in thought.

Without a word, he draws her into a hug. Her chin rests on his shoulder, her arms comfortably wrapped around him. She closes her eyes and relaxes slightly. His arms always make her feel safe.

"Elizabeth, tell me if there's anything I can do for you."

"Actually, there's one thing," she says before pulling away a little and looking up into his eyes. "I think I need to get some fresh air, and I was wondering... Do you think you can have some time around lunch tomorrow?"

"Like for..."

"Our first date, yes."

"I mean, are you sure?"

"I am. I've been wanting to do it for a long time. What about a ride and a..." She glances behind her to make sure Jack isn't within earshot. "Picnic? And you choose the place. As lost and discreet as possible so no one can disturb us this time. Just the two of us, out in nature."

"I love how this plan sounds."

Pulling her closer, he places a light kiss on her lips. They part as they hear Allie coming down the stairs, quickly followed by light footsteps.

"Mountie Nathan!" Jack's voice calls.

His mother frowns. "Jack, why aren't you in bed?"

"I wanted to say good night to Mountie Nathan."

"Sorry, I couldn't talk him out of it," Allie apologizes, but Elizabeth reassures her with a smile.

"Good night, Mountie Jack," Nathan replies with a soft smile. "Sleep well so you have as much energy as Pal tomorrow."

Jack nods energetically. As always, Elizabeth's heart melts at the sight of her little boy interacting with the man she loves. It just feels so right.

She thanks Allie and says goodbye to her guests before taking her son back upstairs to bed.

"Is Mrs. Thornton okay?" Allie asks her father on their way home.

Nathan pauses and looks at her. "Why are you asking me this?"

"I wasn't listening, I promise... But Jack and Goldie were playing outside earlier and the window was open... and I heard you talking and she seemed upset. Is this about Jack's dad? Are they in trouble?"

Nathan sighs. He knows his daughter is old enough to understand, even if he wants to spare her anything that might worry her. So he tells her about the landslide inquiry and explains that a Mountie has come to question Elizabeth about her late husband as if he suspected him of dirty dealings.

"You're going to help her, right?"

"Yes, I'll do everything I can," Nathan assures with a reassuring look. Allie hugs her father and he tenderly kisses her forehead. "You can talk about this with me, Allie, but you can't tell anyone else, okay? Only her closest friends know about it, and it's best to keep it that way until we know more. There's no need to tell Jack anything for now."

"Sure, Dad. Thank you for trusting me. I hope Mrs. Thornton and Jack will be all right. I really care about them, you know."

"Me too, kiddo. Me too."