And so, here's the final part - enjoy! Huge thank you to those that have left such lovely comments so far :)

"We'll miss you, Mr. Quinn," Davies said as he helped Danny with the case that Mrs. Atkinson had found for him. "I would've liked to hear more about those anomalies and the creatures. I bet you have some stories to tell!"

"Dozens, but nothing that I can share with you unfortunately." He lifted the case and realised it felt heavier than it should, considering it only contained a few shirts and a couple of pairs of trousers. He opened it and found some food; pies, bread, cheese, some fruit. He was puzzled for a moment then looked up at Davies who was smiling.

"Mrs. Atkinson insisted I'm afraid. She doesn't like the fact you're leaving us so suddenly because she's worried about you. She says you need a few more decent meals inside you, but if you're not staying then she wanted to make sure you at least had something to eat."

Danny felt his eyes stinging with tears. He wanted to tell Davies and Mrs. Atkinson that it wasn't his choice to leave, but he couldn't. He'd have to tell them everything too and he'd lose their respect as well as Molly's. It was better that they thought he was just leaving of his own free will.

The sound of a train whistle was heard in the distance, and Danny prepared himself. He began to drag the suitcase up onto the platform when he heard another sound. A familiar voice was calling his name and the thunderous noise of horse's hooves on the hard ground echoed through the morning air.

"Danny!" It was Molly, approaching at a fast pace with the horse and cart. His heart leapt, was it too much to hope that she wanted to stop him from leaving? At the very least, perhaps she had come to say a proper goodbye and make peace so that they could part on good terms. He turned to face her as the train began to pull into the station, it's brakes screeching and the hiss of steam almost deafening. Then the whistle sounded, loud and shrill. Danny stared in horror as Hercules reared up onto his hind legs in fright then began to gallop away at break neck speed, with the cart bouncing along behind him.

"Molly! Hold on!" Danny shouted. He felt helpless, he would not be able to run after the cart and help her because it was going too fast.

"The car, I'll go after her in the car!" Davies called. Danny watched him slowly pull away and grew frustrated. If this was his own time, a car would have no problem catching up with the horse, or he'd have leapt onto his motorbike and chased it himself. He could hear Molly's desperate screams for help as she tried to bring Hercules back under control and he knew he couldn't just stand and watch, he had to do something.

The horse had left the road now and seemed to be heading towards the river. Danny began to run towards where he thought it was going, hoping to be able to stop him or somehow jump into the cart to help Molly with the reins. "I'm going to try and help you, Molly!" he called out, but even as he said it, he could see that the frightened horse was changing direction having realised that the river was in front of him. The sudden turn made the cart tip over and Molly screamed. The loud splash as she fell into the river struck terror into Danny's heart.

"I'm coming, try to stay calm!" he shouted, throwing off his jacket and shoes and preparing to jump in. He knew this part of the river well from his childhood days, they were all warned to stay away because of the currents. If Molly panicked and struggled too much, the currents would drag her under and she'd be swept away.

"I can't swim, Danny! Help me!"

Danny hesitated for the briefest of moments as he pushed aside all of the warnings. His police training had involved some basic life-saving techniques, and jumping into the water was only to be considered as a last resort, but Molly was too far out for him to reach from the bank, and there were no ropes or branches nearby that he could use. There was nothing else for it. He dived in and swam towards Molly, calling to her the entire time to try and keep her calm and reassure her that he was going to help her. It was only a few metres out, but it seemed like a lifetime before he reached her and grasped hold of her. In her panic, she grabbed him back and almost pushed him under the water.

"Molly, I've got you, you have to let me help you. I can't get you back to the shore if you fight against me."

Danny heard shouts from the river bank and he looked up. Some of the locals who had witnessed the unfolding events were forming a human chain and were calling to him. One of them was laid down and reaching out his hand for Danny, just a little out of reach. Digging deep, Danny found the strength to swim a little way using one arm whilst dragging Molly with the other until he could grasp the man's hand. It was a relief to feel the support and before he knew it, he was being helped onto the riverbank with Molly.

He was dazed for a moment, vaguely aware of people gathering around to help. Someone threw their jacket over Molly's shoulders, and moments later another jacket was put around his shoulders. He blinked, trying to make sense of what had just happened. This part of the river had been called Jacob's Ridge in his time, and now he knew why. He realised that Molly should have died here today, drowned after losing control of her horse and cart. By saving her life, Danny had just changed history. He could hear Connor's voice in his head, telling him how wrong it was, but he couldn't have just stood by and let her drown.

"Danny?" Molly sobbed. He wrapped his arms around her, pressing her against his chest and stroking her hair.

"It's okay, Molly. I've got you. You're safe now." He felt her tiny, trembling body against his and he felt something inside he'd not experienced before. It was a moment of clarity and suddenly everything all seemed to make sense and fit into place for the first time in his adult life. There was only thing he could do now. Cupping Molly's cheek with his hand, he tilted her face towards his and leaned in, pressing his lips against hers.

Molly responded with a surprised squeak, but then began to return the kiss. Her lips caressed Danny's as she relaxed into his embrace and for a few moments it was like nothing else existed for them. It was only the sound of running feet and a familiar voice that dragged them back to the reality of the situation and they parted, red faced but smiling.

"Miss Jacobs!" Davies called. "The ladies at the Post office have managed to restrain Hercules and are holding him in their yard. I'm afraid the cart is badly damaged, but he's fine. They said he can stay with them until he is calm."

Molly closed her eyes and buried her head against Danny's chest. It was all too much for her and she didn't want to think about anything at all. Danny took control. "We can worry about Hercules and the cart later," he said. "Right now, we need to get Miss Jacobs back home and out of her wet clothing."

There was a flurry of activity as Molly was helped up to the road and escorted back to the car which Davies had parked a few metres away after coming back from chasing Hercules. Danny slid into the front passenger seat beside Davies after making sure that Molly was secure in the back seat and waited for Davies to start the engine and get them all home.

-o-

News of Molly's dramatic rescue and Danny's heroism spread quickly through the household. Danny tried to blend away in the background and let the staff get on with sorting Molly out. Mrs. Atkinson took charge, insisting that Miss Jacobs should have a nice warm bath, followed by bed rest. She would take her up some of her vegetable broth once she was settled. Molly didn't argue, she didn't have the energy and soon she was being whisked away for her bath.

Once the fuss had died down, Mrs. Atkinson turned her attentions to Danny. "For goodness sake, Mr. Quinn! Why are you still standing around in your wet clothes? You'll catch your death of cold!" She made a tutting sound with her tongue and began to push Danny towards the stairs. Her voice then softened. "It's nice to have you back, and after what you did I'm sure Miss Jacobs and her father will insist that you stay."

"I'm not so sure about that, Mrs. Atkinson," Danny replied.

"Nonsense. The way she's been talking about you since you arrived, and now you being her hero and all... she's sweet on you, Mr. Quinn."

He wanted to reply that he was sweet on Molly too, but he didn't see the point. He may be the hero of the moment, but once she had recovered he would be the man from the future that had murdered his own brother in cold blood again. Tomorrow he would head back to the train station and make his way to London as she'd asked. "I should be getting some dry clothes on, Mrs. Atkinson," he said quietly.

"I can bring you up some of the vegetable broth too if you like? You've had a difficult day and you should probably get some rest as well."

"I'd like that, Mrs. Atkinson. Thank you." He watched her scurry away obediently and he felt a stab of guilt. He would never get used to having servants waiting on him and tending to his every need, it did not sit well with him at all. He sniffed, realising it wasn't something he would have to endure for much longer. He would be on his way to London tomorrow and then hopefully back where he belonged in 2012 very soon.

As he passed the door to Molly's room, the thought of 'where he belonged' lingered in his mind. Even when he made it back to 2012, would he truly feel like he fitted in? During the brief time he had returned, it seemed things had changed. Matt Anderson looked to be doing an excellent job as the team leader, so where would that leave Danny when he went back?

Molly's door was slightly open and he couldn't resist taking a little peak inside to make sure she was okay. He'd expected her to be asleep, but she was sitting up in bed and saw him.

"Danny! Come in. Please?"

Somewhat sheepishly, Danny went into the room and stood a little distance from the bed. "Is this the 'done' thing? Is it appropriate for a man like me be in the bedroom of a young, single lady?"

"I don't care whether it is or not. Sit down, Danny." She patted the edge of the bed next to her, indicating for him to sit down. He obeyed, but tried to maintain as much distance between them as possible. "You saved my life today. I will forever owe you a debt. Thank you."

"I didn't do anything that someone else wouldn't have done."

"Perhaps. But the fact remains that it was you that jumped into the river to rescue me." She reached for his hand and tried to stroke it, but he pulled it away. "I was actually coming to the station to ask if you would consider staying. I made a mistake last night when I asked you to leave."

"No, you were right. I'm a murderer, and I'm grateful that you haven't turned me in to the police, but I shouldn't be around you after what I did."

"You killed your brother, there's no denying that. But was it murder? I thought about it for a long time last night. You had no choice. I suppose it's like our boys on the frontline in France. It's their job to protect us from the enemy, and that job may require them to kill another man. I have no doubt that the men that return to us will be haunted by what they had to do. It's the same for you. Your brother was a dangerous man and he had to be stopped. If you hadn't, then how many other people would he have killed?"

Danny looked at Molly, seeing something in her eyes that told him she understood the situation better than he did himself. His body began to tremble as he fought against his tears, and then felt Molly gently squeeze his hand and lean forward to kiss his cheek. "I want to help you," she whispered. "At least until your friend comes to take you back to your own time."

He turned his face until his lips met Molly's, and she responded with a warmth and passion that would leave them both breathless. As Danny relaxed into her embrace, he made the decision that he wouldn't leave for London after all. It was probably the easiest decision he had ever made in his life. However, he knew deep down that sooner or later Connor would arrive, and then he would face the most difficult decision he had ever had.

-o-

Danny had almost forgotten that Molly's father was due home. He'd spent the last couple of days helping Davies to finish the repairs to the fence, and then they'd set about clearing away other debris left by the winter storms from the orchard. It was looking good now, and the trees were beginning to blossom ready to bear fruit in the Autumn. He was about to suggest to Davies that they should reward themselves with a beer in the village later when he turned and realised that Mr. Jacobs was watching them.

"Davies, would you excuse us for a while? I'd like to speak with Mr. Quinn."

Davies nodded his head respectfully and strode off. Danny cleared his throat. "Welcome back, sir. Did you have a good trip to London?"

"It certainly gave me a few things to think about, but I can discuss that later. Molly has just told me what you did."

Danny felt sick and froze to the spot. She'd told her father about Patrick?

"Don't look so worried," Mr. Jacobs said. "You saved my daughter's life and I will be eternally grateful to you. I want to reward you in some way."

Relieved, Danny smiled. "That's not necessary. I just did..."

Mr. Jacobs raised his hand to stop Danny from saying any more. "As you're aware, I lost my wife not that long ago. If I lost Molly too, my life would not be worth living. Saving her life deserves recognition of the highest order. Anything you want, name it and I'll see to it that you have it."

Danny felt his cheeks burn with embarrassment and he shuffled from one foot to the other. He'd never been able to accept praise easily and he felt incredibly uncomfortable. "Sir, there isn't anything that I need right now. Just knowing Molly is safe is all the reward I need."

Mr. Jacobs shook his head and then a smile spread across his face as a thought struck him. "Mr. Quinn... Danny... I would like to offer you my daughter's hand in marriage."

Danny almost choked, then pulled himself together when he met with a confused look from Mr. Jacobs. "That's a very generous offer, but surely Molly should make her own decision about who she wants to marry?"

"You're right, of course, Mr. Quinn. I keep forgetting that women these days are independent. But what else can I offer you?" Mr. Jacobs looked thoughtful for a moment then he cleared his throat. "Does your job at the Home Office pay you well? Would you consider staying here instead of going back to your job? My meeting in London made me realise just how far behind the times I am and what I really need is someone with a good head on their shoulders to manage the estate properly before I end up having to sell everything to pay off my debts."

"You already have that someone, sir," Danny said. He could see Molly slowly approaching them, concerned about what her father could possibly be saying to Danny. When she was close enough to hear, Danny continued. "Your daughter would be more than capable of running this estate for you."

"So let me get his straight, Mr. Quinn. You're turning down my offer of marrying my daughter and you're turning down my offer of being my estate manager?"

"Danny?" Molly looked from Danny to her father, and then back again. "Papa, may I speak with Danny alone for a few minutes?"

"Of course. I need to see what Mrs. Atkinson has planned for dinner tonight." He nodded his head to Danny as he strode off, leaving Molly and Danny standing together, somewhat awkwardly.

After several long minutes, Molly finally broke the silence. "I understand your decision, Danny. You're not from this time, and sooner or later your friends will come and find you and take you back to where you belong. I wish it could be different though."

"Do you want me to stay?"

"Do you want to stay?" Molly felt her cheeks burn and she looked away, afraid of what she might see in Danny's eyes.

"Maybe this is where I belong," he said softly. "It's almost like I'm home anyway, just too early."

"So will you take my father's offer seriously?"

"Which one?"

"Both of them." Molly moved a step closer to Danny. "I have many ideas for this place, but changing people's attitudes and being taken seriously will be difficult. I think we could do this together, you and I."

Danny pulled Molly into his embrace and pressed his lips against hers in a warm, tender kiss. Yes, he thought they could do this together too.

November 2012

Connor looked up from his computer as Matt entered the office. "This just arrived for you. Becker had it checked over by security." He handed Connor an A4 sized courier pouch.

"What's this?"

"No idea, but it's addressed to you personally. It's a bit of a concern that someone outside knows you're here, which is why I had Becker take a look first."

Connor carefully opened the pouch, almost not daring to look inside in case it exploded. Inside was an envelope, small and a little battered around the edges. It had clearly once been white, but age had turned it brown and it was so delicate that it almost fell apart in his hands. Matt moved closer, intrigued by what the envelope could possibly contain. Connor's name was handwritten on the front in black ink and Matt frowned as he examined it.

"Something doesn't look right," he said. "From the look of the envelope, that's pretty old, but the writing style is modern. I would have expected it to be more elaborate, like Emily's handwriting."

Connor nodded. He remembered watching Emily teach Jess how to write with a nib and pot of ink. Jess had found it difficult not to get ink everywhere, but Emily's page had looked perfect. This writing was definitely not like hers.

He carefully opened the envelope and pulled out a folded piece of paper that was also brown with age. He realised it was a letter and unfolded it, glancing first at the date in the top right hand corner - 27th November 1915 – and then at the signature at the bottom. "It's from Danny Quinn!"

Matt moved closer still so that he could read and a look of concern spread across his face. "He's in 1915? Isn't that during the First World War?"

"Yes. At least now we know where he is, we can think about a rescue mission." Connor began to read the letter to himself and then laughed out loud. "The old dog! He's only getting married!"

"Danny Quinn is getting married? In 1915?"

"Listen to this," Connor went back to the beginning and read it out to Matt,

"I just wanted you to know that I am alive and well in the year 1915. I found myself at a place called Bestwicke Hall, not far from where I grew up, and was taken in by the lady of the house, Molly Jacobs. She saved me in more ways than you'll ever know, and we're engaged to be married once the war is over. It didn't seem appropriate to be planning such a celebration whilst the war is on, and since I've assured Molly that we'll only have to wait three years, she's happy. At the moment, she is completing her training as a nurse so that we can open the hall as a hospital for wounded soldiers returning from the frontline. It'll certainly keep us busy and no doubt time will fly by. I'm sure you'll be able to look us up and see what happens to us. That said, you may have gathered that I am settled here and making a new life for myself. There's no need for you to worry yourselves over trying to rescue me and you can close whatever case file you have open on me.

Oh, and tell Matt that he doesn't need to worry about Patrick any more either. I dealt with him. His remains are somewhere in a forest in the late Pliocene era. Molly's helping me come to terms with what I had to do. Healing is going to take a long time, but I am already well on the way to recovery, thanks to Molly.

Give my love to Abby, I hope you're going to make an honest woman of her soon. You two deserve some happiness after all you've been through. Make sure Soldier boy loosens up a bit and learns how to have some fun. Maybe he'll find someone to love too if he does. And Lester, well.. just let him know I'm okay.

All my love, Danny Quinn."

Connor swallowed down the lump in his throat, then turned to his computer to search for Bestwicke Hall and its history. Matt pulled up a chair and joined him at his desk, curious to learn the eventual fate of a man he felt he knew yet had only briefly met.

The hall appeared to be a privately owned hotel, run by the current owner, David Quinn and his wife Lucy. David would be Danny's great grandson if Connor had calculated correctly. It looked like the hall had remained as a hospital and rehabilitation unit for wounded soldiers until the end of the war in 1918 when it became a private home again, home to the newly wedded Molly and Daniel Quinn.

"They had four children, two boys and two girls," Matt commented, reading forward on the website that Connor had found. "And after most of the surrounding land was sold off to property developers, the hall was the family home until the late 1960s when Danny passed away and Molly moved out to live with their youngest daughter. The ownership of the hall passed to the eldest son who developed it to become the hotel it is today."

"Good old Danny," Connor said thoughtfully. "I'm glad things worked out okay for him. Seems you're not the only one that's found happiness in a time they shouldn't even be in."

Matt smiled, knowing exactly what Connor meant. Everything about it was technically 'wrong', he shouldn't have settled in this time and neither should Emily, but they had, just as Danny shouldn't have settled in 1915. Sometimes following your heart is the only right thing to do. "I should go and let Lester know so that he can inform the minister, then I'll let Emily know that she's safe from Ethan now."

Connor watched Matt leave the office and then shut down his computer. He folded Danny's letter carefully, placed it back inside the envelope and then into the courier pouch to protect it. He'd show it to Abby later, she'd been the most worried about what had happened to Danny after he left and he was pleased he could finally put her mind at rest. Then he'd follow Danny's advice and tackle the subject of setting a definite date for their wedding.