William Murdoch rushed out of the constabulary towards the alley that ran adjacent to the station. Just at the edge of the next building's corner he saw the reason for Jackson's distress. There in the dirt lay his Inspector and friend Thomas Brackenreid. As the others joined him, he knelt down and took the man's hand.
Oh, dear Lord!
"Sir?"
Can you hear me?
"Oh my God!" gasped Julia as she joined him.
Who did this to you?
"Inspector?" George called out.
He's not responding.
William cast a glance at his fiance.
Is he dead?
Julia reached forward to check for a pulse on Brackenreid's neck.
Please don't be dead.
"Sir!" Murdoch's anxiety grew.
Answer me!
As Julia removed her hand, Brackenreid's head lolled to the right.
"Inspector!"
We need you!
"Sir!"
I need you!
"Sir!"