We Shall Carry On
Chapter 1
The engagement had already gone on longer than William had intended. He had thought that he and Julia would be married right away, within weeks. But now his time was directed toward finding the O'Shea brothers, putting the wedding on the back burners. After they had nearly killed the inspector, nothing was going to stop or interfere with Murdoch's tracking them down...nothing, not even Julia. In addition to the long hours he devoted to their capture, he was also the 'acting' inspector of Station House Four, taking even more of his time.
Xxxxxxxx
"Sir, we're getting nowhere with this investigation."
"I know, George. We need an undercover man on the docks. Someone who can blend in and find out where the O'Sheas are hiding."
"Do you have anyone in mind?"
"It can't be someone from our precinct. Everyone here would be recognized."
George thought for a moment. "What about Jimmy McLeod?"
"The tracker? Is he even still around?"
"Oh yes, sir. He works for the Pinkertons here in Toronto."
"Really? Well, that is something to consider. Have you kept in touch with him, George?"
"I have. He's done quite well for himself. I think he would be very interested in helping us, sir."
"Very good, George. Ask him in for a chat."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It was always 10:00pm or later before William could get away from the station. In order for him and Julia to have any time together he'd fallen into the habit of going to her house after work. And because it was so late he generally spent the night. As a matter of fact most of his clothes were there now. Usually he was so tired that they would just sit on the sofa together in each other's arms, speaking very little. Eventually they would retire to the upstairs bedrooms. He was staying in the guest room, but more nights than not now, Julia would join him in his bed, snuggled in his arms as they slept.
This night was the same as usual, almost.
"William, you look exhausted. You can't keep these hours much longer."
Julia took his hands and pulled him to her, kissing him.
"I'm fine, Julia. There's just so much to do."
"I know. But you won't be of any use to anyone if you collapse in exhaustion."
"I'm not going to collapse...except maybe right now. I am a little worn out tonight. Let's go to bed." He smiled, blinking his eyes tiredly.
As they slowly started up the up the stairs, someone knocked frantically at the door.
"I'll get it," William told Julia as she remained on the steps.
Constable Jackson stood at the door, panting.
"Sir, you're needed. A body has been found, just outside the Station House."
"Constable, do we know who it is?"
"No sir. Not yet. But it appears to be someone from the docks."
William looked back at Julia, shaking his head.
"I've got to go."
"I know. Be careful. Try to find time to rest."
Picking up his hat, William left with Jackson.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Back at the station he met Dr. Grace, who was just now examining the body.
"What have you, doctor?" asked Murdoch as he crossed himself.
"It looks like he died of exsanguination from a cut throat."
"And it occurred right here, outside the station house?"
"Apparently, detective. The presence of blood on the ground would suggest that he bled out right here."
"Alright then. You may take the body, doctor."
William entered the station, going directly to his office. He sat at his desk, staring ahead. Things were mounting up. Now he had two major cases to worry about and they seemed related.
By the time William returned to Julia's she was asleep in her room, so he bunked in the guest room so he wouldn't wake her. In spite of all that was on his mind he fell asleep quickly, but not peacefully. His rest was troubled by vivid dreams, first of Inspector Brackenreid dying, then by Julia dying, then by George dying, and on and on. It was like everyone he ever knew and loved was dying around him and he could do nothing to stop it.
He woke at his usual time, having set his internal clock years before, despite having slept little. Tiptoeing around he shaved and dressed. Quietly he entered Julia's bedroom to kiss her good-bye, but she woke as soon as his lips touched hers.
"What time did you get home?"
"Late. Three, I believe."
"Can't you go in a little late today?"
"No, love. There are new developments in the case and I've got to see about planting a spy on the docks."
"I certainly hope that you aren't planning to be the spy."
William laughed. "I think I might be recognized, don't you?"
"Sit with me, even if for just a few moments."
William sat on the edge of the bed, wrapping his arms around her as she laid her head on his shoulder.
"I've been so busy I haven't been to the hospital to see the inspector for a few days. Are you going today?"
"Yes. I'll give him your regards."
"Thanks. I'll try to get by soon."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
By the time William arrived at his office George had Jimmy there waiting for him.
"Nice to see you again, Jimmy," Murdoch spoke as he shook McLeod's hand.
"Thank you, detective. I hope I can again be of service to you."
"Has George told you about our problem?"
"Yes. He said you need someone undercover on the docks."
"We do. If you take this on would you be working for the Constabulary or Pinkerton?"
"I have been allowed a leave of absence to work for you, sir."
"You know we can't pay a lot but you will be compensated."
"I'm not doing this for the money, sir. Station house four was always fair to me and I would like to help get the men that hurt your inspector."
"Thank you, Jimmy."
"So, I suppose you want me to get a job on the docks."
"Yes. And it looks like there's an opening after last night's murder. You need to be aware that this is going to be dangerous, Jimmy."
"I'm well aware of that, detective. I'll be alright."
They worked out the details. Then William went to the morgue to see if Dr. Grace had a report yet on their latest victim.
"What have you, Doctor Grace?"
"Hello detective. It's as I suspected. The victim died on the site from a severed jugular. Have you identified him yet?"
"Indeed. His name is Michael O'Brian. And he was a dock hand. Have you speculated on the weapon?"
"The blade was consistent with the type of knife carried by most of the dock men."
"I'm wondering if he was on his way to give us some information about the O'Sheas." Murdoch said this aloud even though he thought he was only thinking it to himself.
"Perhaps, detective."
"Uh...what doctor?"
"Perhaps he was on his way to give you some news."
"Yes. Thank you." Murdoch turned and left.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Julia entered the hospital and walked down the long hall toward Inspector Brackenreid's room. She came into the room quietly, walking up to Margaret, who sat beside the bed holding her husband's hand.
"Margaret," Julia called softly.
The care worn face of Mrs. Brackenreid turned toward Julia and broke into a sad smile.
"How is he today?"
"About the same."
"William is sorry he hasn't been by for a few days. He's been preoccupied with catching the culprits who did this."
"I know how hard he's working, and so does Thomas."
"So, I guess he hasn't wakened yet?"
"No, not really. The only thing he has said was that it was the O'Sheas, and that was when you all found him."
Julia looked down at the battered face of the inspector. Being unconscious this long didn't bode well. But they all still held hope that he would recover.
"Margaret, why don't you go home to the boys for a little while. I'll stay here with Thomas. If anything happens I'll call you."
"I...don't...know."
"It'll be alright. You need to eat and get some rest. See, I've brought a book and some work. I'll be fine here."
"Alright, then Julia. I don't know how to thank you."
"You'd do the same for me. Take as much time as you need."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
William, George, and several constables went down to the docks, investigating Michael O'Brian's murder. This was not their first foray there. Since the inspector had been attacked William had been back to the docks almost everyday. As they approached some of the workers groaned and started to move away. But Murdoch pushed his way through to the current dock boss, Sean Ryan.
"Do you have a Michael O'Brian working here."
"May have. What's it to you?"
"I'll tell you, Mr. Ryan. Michael O'Brian had his throat cut and was left to die in front of my station house. That's what it is to me."
Murdoch spoke this as his voice got angrier and angrier and he got closer and closer to Ryan.
"Yeah. Well I don't know nothin' about it, boyo. So back off."
"Mr. Ryan, your docks are getting more and more violent. And I'm going to put an end to it one way or another. Ryan's death is tied to the missing O'Shea brothers, of this I'm sure. And I will find them. If you have had a hand in hiding them I will find that out too. Your time as as dock 'tsar' is coming to end. Now is the time to tell me what you know."
"Detective Murdoch, you cut me to the quick. I don't know where them O'Sheas are. I would sure tell you if I did."
Murdoch was by now furious. He grabbed Ryan by the shirt front and got right in his face.
"I will be back. Count on it."
As he turned to leave Murdoch caught sight of Jimmy McLeod and gave him a brief look, then quickly moved on.
"Constables, bring these men to the station for interviews."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
As Julia sat beside the inspector's bed reading, Emily entered and approached unheard by Julia. Placing her hand on Julia's shoulder made her jump.
"Emily! You scared me. Have you come to see the inspector?"
"Yes, and to see Margaret as well. I see you got here first."
"Yes. I sent Margaret home for a while. She looked so tired. Everyone is tired. William is exhausted as well. He works around the clock, or so it seems."
"Then you haven't set a date yet?"
"No. William had wanted to marry fairly soon, but now he won't even think about it until he's found the inspector's attackers. And he would like Thomas to be able to attend the wedding. But I'm not sure, Emily, if he will recover. William doesn't want to hear this, nor does Margaret. But you're a doctor. Don't you see how it's so possible he'll never wake?"
"I do Julia, but I guess there is always hope."
"I know. William prays a lot about this. From his mouth to God's ear I guess."
"Are you getting religion, Julia?"
Laughing, Julia replied, "No, not really. But William does rub off on one a little bit." Changing the subject, "How are you and George faring?"
"At least he will talk to me now, but I'm afraid George will never forgive me."
"Don't be so sure. Constable Crabtree is a good and fair man. I think he'll come around, Emily...if you have patience."
"I hope so. I was so stupid. Garland men! We've certainly had our tribulations with them, haven't we?"
"Yes, I guess we have. They are a smooth tongued lot," Julia spoke wistfully. "We should definitely stick to policemen."
They both laughed, sadly though.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
When Murdoch arrived at Julia's she was not there. He knew she was probably still at the hospital. Her intention had been to relieve Margaret before the poor woman could protest. Murdoch expected Julia to be gone the rest of the evening. Again it was very late, but having eaten hardly anything all day he went to the kitchen to throw together a small snack before he went to bed. After eating he went upstairs. As he passed the bathroom William decided a nice hot bath would be just the trick to take the edge off his nerves. It was a good idea too. He was asleep almost before his head hit the pillow, and this time no bad dreams.
xxxxxxxxxxx
"George, have we heard anything from Jimmy yet, or is it too soon do you think?"
"Oh, no, sir. Jimmy reported to me that the men down at the docks are all edgy. There is a lot of whispering going on. He doesn't think it will be long before he has something definitive to tell us."
"Good. I guess we just have to be patient, which is getting harder and harder to do."
