In the latest episode of When Calls the Heart, Season 12, the people of Hope Valley find themselves caught up in a whirlwind of revelations, danger, and tough choices. Episode 9, titled Buried Treasure, brings suspense and emotional turns as a fugitive threatens the town, a long-running deception is finally exposed, and Lucas faces a hard moment that could shape his future.
Ava’s Deception Comes to Light
Since setting foot in Hope Valley, Ava’s story never quite added up. Claiming to be an heiress with dreams of teaching, she somehow managed to accumulate debt at the general store and the hotel while showing no real aptitude for the profession. Her suspicious nature caught the sharp eye of Rosemary, who temporarily set aside her doubts after Ava’s impressive performance in a staged radio play. However, an unexpected telegram reawakens Rosemary’s detective instincts.
A stranger named Elmer Peterson reports lost luggage from the same train Ava arrived on. The station seeks confirmation that the green suitcase she picked up actually belongs to her. Though Ava insists it does, the truth is more complicated—the suitcase contains men’s clothing. While Rosemary remains unaware of this detail, the fact that two identical trunks went missing at the same time fuels her curiosity. Enlisting Elizabeth’s help, she sets out to uncover the truth.
Rosemary’s first attempt involves convincing her husband, Lee, to grant access to Ava’s hotel room, but he refuses to support such an intrusion. Meanwhile, Ava, realizing the walls are closing in, attempts to dispose of the suitcase by tossing it out the window. Unfortunately for her, Hickam finds it, forcing her to finally confess.
Ava admits she fabricated her identity. She was never an heiress but rather the accomplice of a well-known mentalist, Clive Maxwell—who was, in reality, a con artist. Her role was to scout potential targets and feed information to Clive, who used it to execute his supposed "mind-reading" tricks on stage. When she discovered the fraud, Clive threatened her into silence. Things escalated when he forced Ava into a new scam—pretending to faint on stage while he robbed audience members. His con fell apart when he unknowingly stole from a Pinkerton agent, leading him to shift all blame onto Ava and leaving her on the run.
Seeking refuge, Ava modeled her journey after the protagonist of Elizabeth’s book, hoping for a fresh start in Hope Valley. Upon hearing her story, Elizabeth and Rosemary extend their sympathy. With Nathan’s assistance, Ava reaches a deal with the Pinkertons—her record will be cleared if she testifies against Clive. As she departs, she does so with a newfound sense of freedom and the hope of rebuilding her life honestly.
A Hostage Situation in the Woods
While Elizabeth and Rosemary unravel Ava’s past, Allie and Oliver embark on their own adventure. The two, deeply engaged in their nature studies, attract the attention of a mysterious man named Woody. He claims to be searching for a tree with his parents’ initials, so he asks for their help deciphering his barely legible map. Excited by the prospect, the young duo agrees.
However, Woody is not who he claims to be. He is, in fact, the cousin of Sonny Garrison—the fugitive Nathan and Bill have been searching for. Sonny has his sights set on buried treasure near Hope Valley, and Woody plans to use the children’s navigation skills to find it. Once in the woods, Woody realizes that Oliver is a Cadet Mountie. Fearing exposure, he tries to flee, but before he can, Sonny emerges from hiding, making it clear that the children will help them find the treasure whether they like it or not.
Trapped with no means of escape, Allie smartly leaves behind her hair ribbon as a clue. Back in town, Elizabeth notices their absence. Molly recalls overhearing Woody’s request for help, which allows Elizabeth to connect the dots. She sets out with Henry and Hickam, hoping to locate the missing children. As they search, Elizabeth spots Allie’s ribbon and follows the trail.
Meanwhile, Allie’s expertise in reading maps leads Oliver to the exact location of the supposed treasure. After some digging, they uncover a hidden chest—but when Sonny pries it open, it’s completely empty. Seizing the moment, Allie plants doubt in Sonny’s mind, suggesting Woody may have stolen the treasure for himself. This sparks tension between the outlaws, giving the kids a chance to make a run for it. However, Sonny recaptures them, forcing Elizabeth to intervene.
With Elizabeth buying time, Nathan and the others follow the clues and arrive just in time to apprehend Sonny, ensuring his return to prison. Yet, even with the crisis resolved, the mystery of the missing treasure remains unsolved.
Lucas Risks His Career for the National Park
Lucas’ dream of establishing the National Park has been riddled with obstacles. His latest discovery of McGinty’s grip on the Cattleman’s Association forces him to reconsider his approach. Initially, he had allowed shared pasture rights between the ranchers and the park to avoid displacing the local herders. However, this decision disrupts the region’s natural ecosystem. Worse, McGinty, a ruthless businessman with a stranglehold on the ranchers, refuses to compromise.
Realizing he must take decisive action, Lucas makes a move after a conversation with Henry. He issues an executive order to revoke shared pasture access, restoring the park’s protected status. The decision is politically risky, especially since Lucas already struggles with waning support. Nevertheless, he refuses to back down against McGinty’s corruption.
That evening, Lucas shares dinner with Edie, a lawyer representing the Cattleman’s Association. Though their conversation is laced with friendly banter, things take a serious turn when Lucas confesses his plan. Edie respects his stance but warns that it will provoke McGinty, who is not one to take such opposition lightly. Even so, Lucas seems prepared for the fallout, knowing that protecting the park is worth the risk.
Despite the challenges ahead, his resolve strengthens. And as his bond with Edie grows, it becomes clear that she may prove to be an ally in the battles yet to come.
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