DETECTIVE MURDOCH TAKES A VACATION
"Bloody hell, Murdoch", thought the inspector. "He's going to kill himself if he isn't more careful."
"Murdoch, go see a doctor. I think you're hurt worse than you think."
"I'll be all right, sir."
"Take a deep breath then."
Murdoch tried and moaned softly.
"See Dr. Grace or Dr. Ogden. Your choice. But go. Now!"
Murdoch climbed into the carriage slowly, mulling over in his mind which doctor to visit and also the events that brought him to this point. He and George had been arresting a murder suspect when an unseen accomplice jumped out of the shadows and slammed the detective across the torso with a baseball bat, throwing him off his feet and knocking the breath out of him. However he and George were still able to subdue both suspects. The inspector arrived on scene with more constables to tie everything up. But Brackenreid could tell right away that Murdoch was hurt. Dr. Grace had been treating him for months for various abrasions and contusions including a serious stab wound to his hand. It seemed he was still in the thrall of the series of minor accidents he'd been experiencing lately.
"Oh hell, I guess I'll see Julia", he thought to himself. They had gotten close again and he was too tired to think about it anymore. He called out to the driver the address.
Arriving at Julia's, he painfully climbed down from the carriage and walked up to the door, slightly stooped over. Standing up straight hurt too much. He knocked and was greeted by Linney, the maid.
Smiling, she said, "Detective Murdoch, please come in. I'll tell Miss Julia that you are here."
"Thank you." He walked into the parlor and sat down gingerly in a side chair.
Julia entered smiling. "William. What brings you here in the middle of the day."
"I'm afraid I'm here in a professional capacity,"he said with a half smile.
She looked puzzled. "Has there been a crime I'm unaware of?"
"No. You misunderstand. Your profession, not mine," he grimaced.
"William, what's wrong?"
"I've had a little accident." He smiled sadly.
"Oh, William. Are you hurt?"
He looked down at his feet. "Yes," he whispered.
She took his hand and led him into a small room next to the parlor.
"Let's see then. What happened?"
"I was struck with a baseball bat. I think I may have some bruised ribs."
"Take off your coat, and your vest, and your suspenders, and your tie, and your shirt, and your undershirt." She smiled. "My, you men have a lot of clothes."
She helped him with each item until he stood before her shirtless.
"Oh William. Look at the bruises. This must be very painful. Sit here." She pointed to a stool. She gently felt his ribs, as he winced as quietly as he could. She had never really seen him unclothed before. He was very fit except for his current condition. "I think your ribs are not just bruised, several are broken."
"It is hard to take a deep breath. That's why the inspector insisted that I see a doctor."
"I'll bandage them. That should give you some relief. But you have to be careful and not exert yourself for a couple weeks."
"Weeks"? he questioned.
"Yes. You don't want to make it worse."
As she began bandaging him she noticed his various scars. His right hand was still angry red from the recent stabbing in his palm. His right arm had a long scar up his forearm from his fall a few years back. Then there was the wide one on his upper arm when he was shot while in Bristol. And his chest had nasty one from the arrow wound he'd received from crazed killer. He sucked in as she pulled the bandage tight. He looked so tired.
"Get dressed and I'll get us some tea."
He walked slowly back into the parlor. As he sat down on the sofa, Julia came in with a tray of tea.
"So tell me what happened."
He began the story of the day's events, sipping his tea.
When he finished, she took the cup from his hand and said, "lie down right here, right now."
When he woke up it was dark out. He tried to sit up but the pain was excruciating. He called, "Julia!"
She quickly came into the room. "You're awake! You needed that nap."
"But I can't sit up," he said, frustrated.
"I'll help you." She got an arm under his shoulder. "Now don't you strain. I'll get you up." Very gingerly she helped him sit up.
His eyes were squinted with pain, but he swung his legs over the edge of the sofa. He took a deep breath and cried out in agony. "Aigh! I forgot."
She smiled sympathetically. "You're going to be very sore for a while. I worry about you home alone and unable to get out of bed by yourself."
He sighed. "When don't you worry about me?"
"You have a dangerous job you know. You'll just stay here."
"Julia! Haven't we caused enough scandal this last year?"
"I don't care anymore. I can treat a patient in my home if I want."
"I'm not just a patient. I'm the man who swore in open court his love for a married woman, you! I'll have George come by in the morning and help me."
"Have it your way. And you say I'm stubborn."
