!NOW CORRECTED VERSION!
Thank you so much for your wonderful reviews. I am happy you liked chapter 1, your positive reviews really mean a lot to me.
This story was corrected by Ethelfreda.
Please R&R!
He didn't even listen to Julia's answer instead Murdoch just rushed to the station house. The Inspector was in the middle of an emotional discussion with George, but William didn't care.
"Sir." Murdochcalled as he beckoned the Inspector to go with him.
"What is that, Murdoch?" said Brackenreid. He didn't even seem angry that detective interrupted him.
"The body is James Gillies. The bullet matches perfectly and the face rebuild by Dr. Grace and Dr. Ogden looks just like him. That means he wasn't the author of the notes. It was Leslie Garland."
"What?!"
"Leslie Garland, Darcy's Garland younger brother."
"Bloody hell! How did you find it out, Murdoch?"
"He was at the station house on the day when the second photo was taken. You remember, sir? He and Dr. Grace... um..."
"Of, course I remember that!"
"It was also he who gave us tickets to the Opera. He made an appointment with Julia just to say he couldn't attend. He was going to give her the tickets knowing that she would probably ask me to go with her. He had luck to meet us in front of the restaurant, so he was absolutely sure we would both go to the Opera. The rest was simple. It was his revenge on Dr. Ogden and me for her divorce planes and our relationship before and after his brother's death. He wanted us to be parted forever. He was cruel enough to use his brother's murderer's name for that. He knew it was the only person we were afraid of!"
"Bloody bastard!"
"Sir!" admonished William the Inspector as they have juts approached Dr. Ogden
"Pardon me, Doctor."
"It's all right, Inspector." said Julia. "I believe I know where he is! I've seen Emily's notebook with her schedule and she's meeting with him now."
"You have seen?..."
"Never mind that, William! Let's go!"
"Do you have the notes with you, Julia?"
"Yes, I do."
They were moving quickly even they didn't need to.
"Here he is!" said the Inspector.
He was right. Leslie Garland and Doctor Grace were slowly moving towards them laughing and walking arm in arm.
"Leslie Garland." said Detective Murdoch when they were close enough. "We'd like a word." three determined people were intensively looking at the young man.
"To what do I owe the pleasure?" asked Leslie.
Immediately he saw a photograph of Detective and Julia in Murdoch's outstretched hand. He stared at it for a few seconds, then he looked at the Detective, smiling sardonically. At the same time Dr. Grace slowly and in a complete shock took her hand of , from his arm.
"You've figured it out! I thought you might." said Leslie. His voice was calm. He was more amused than scared or ashamed.
"It was you?" asked Emily, who still couldn't believe it was true.
"Eh! It was a joke." the young man tried to make light of it. He didn't want to lose her. In fact, he really began lo like this girl.
Doctor Grace slapped his face and immediately regretted it. She didn't hit him hard enough! She was so ashamed. How could she date such a monster? How could she possibly choose him over George! Emily couldn't stand being next to him for even one more second. Trying to refrain from crying, she almost ran away from that place.
Detective Murdoch took a step forward, but Julia stopped him.
"William." she said touching his arm. Then she said to Leslie "A joke?!"
"All right, you want the truth?" he asked angrily "It wasn't a joke. Did you think we were completely ignorant of what went all behind my brother's back?"
Julia sighed half guilty, half irritated.
"While you were still married? What was worse than that? Did you think I'd actually forgive you?"
"You don't need to forgive me for anything, I've done nothing wrong!" Julia was literally furious.
"I've watched you smile, be happy." Leslie's voice was now bitter "You swore that to my brother. " all his hateful feelings were visible on his face.
There was a moment of silence.
"If I've committed an offence, then charge me." he was still very angry "If not.." he gasped and was about to leave.
The Inspector moved quickly towards Leslie and pushed him against the wall.
"You are here, by under arrest for making death threats against the officer of the law."
"Inspector, please..." interrupted Julia "I don't want retribution for this."
"I'm not feeling that forgiving." said the Detective. He was as angry as ever.
"I'm not forgiving." she answered with a certain voice as she moved closer to her two-faced brother-in-law. "I want you to remove your belongings from Darcy's house immediately!"
Leslie's jaw dropped in shock.
"Anything remaining past tomorrow will be sold along with his estate! " at this point she was almost shouting. "Good by Mr. Garland." she added.
No, there was no doubt she didn't forgive him. She hated, yes hated him for what he had done and she made that clear! Leslie looked in Detective's eyes with pure hate.
"On your way before I change my mind!" said the Inspector and pushed young man. He was going to make sure that young Garland will disappear.
Julia breathed in and out. She was trembling.
"Are you all right?" asked the Detective. He was worried how long it will take her to recover after all of that.
She looked at him and then watched Leslie walking away with Inspector.
"I've never been better." she turned towards William and noticed his surprised face. "We're free, William. We're finally free!" she has almost started to jump because of her happiness and excitement.
William smiled to her. He seemed less excited, but she knew he was still in shock.
"Yes we are." he answered smiling lightly and offered her his arm.
She laughed and so did he. A wide carefree smile appeared on his face. It was such a smile that she rarely saw. The smile of pure happiness. They went together in the opposite direction than Leslie did. Julia laughed once more. They truly were free!
After a few steps William said. "I have to apologize you Julia. I should be more cautious in believing that it was Gillies. If I only were more rational..."
"Please William, you have no reasons to apologize." she interrupted him "And I don't want to talk about it anymore" she said smiling and looking straight in his lovely, brown eyes. "What shall we do now, celebrate?" she inquired.
'Oh yes, Julia. We shall go to lunch and celebrate, and then... Oh no! How could I forgot about it? We can't go and eat now, not without it!'
"William?" asked Julia as he didn't respond for a while. This silence was a little bit awkward...
"I'm sorry Julia. I really have to do something now, but I would be honored if you ate a dinner with me."
"Well, yes of course, William." she was surprised.
Just a moment ago everything was perfect - she and a love of her life were eventually free to be together. And now? What was more important than being together at the moment? She had no idea.
"Good. I'll pick you up at seven." he smiled
"Where shall we go?"
"I'll tell you later."
Charming and mysterious. He wasn't often like that, but it was her William. Not that, who have just told her he has more important things to do than celebrating with her!
"But William, I must now what kind of clothes I should wear!"
"Be elegant."
"As you wish Detective" and she looked at him very playfully.
"I'll see you at seven, Julia." he said and quickly kissed her cheek before he was gone.
'Is that all? 'See you, Julia' and a kiss on the cheek? After all we have gone through he didn't even kissed me properly. Not even hugged me. Why? Has he any doubts now, that nothing prevents us from being together tor the rest of our life? That cannot be! So what is actually happening now?'
TBC
I can't promise anything, but I'll try to post the last chapter in less than 24 hours time. I sincerely hope you enjoyed this one! BTW, I had to changed rating because of Brackenreid's improper language.
