Thomas liked station 4 a lot, and the city of Toronto was quiet but he adapted. He had worked quite a lot since his arrival and so made enough to move into another house. He lived now in a tiny house of 4 small rooms including a kitchen, a room - where a bed barely fit- toilets and a tiny lounge. The rent remained affordable and Thomas was happy not to have to live in a pensioner's home any more. Very happy indeed, although he receives nobody here. However he liked going out with his colleagues to pubs or to go to see boxing matches, hockey matches … But he well had to admit that he did not see many people except the other officers and especially he saw no young lady. He hardly had time, for a lady, to tell the truth because to take on the new accommodations meant working more to earn more. Moreover, the work did not frighten him. The memory of the young woman Margaret returned to him from time to time and he wondered if the dandy who had disturbed her a few months earlier had returned in the district. Thomas had not set foot back in the area for eight months. The inspector preferred to send him towards the docks or wherever the violence was more visible and more believed. According to the statements of the Inspector, Thomas was more capable than the others to manage these types of situations. At the time, he had seen it as a compliment but it was doubtless more negative and looked very much like he was being tested. They moved him away at the same time from the easy circles, Thomas wondered if it was it for his words with the dandy? He knew nothing about it but was not certainly going to go to complain! In any event, he had become used to it and made order reign wherever he was sent. One day while he was resting on a break, he went into the district where he had stood up to the young dandy. Oh not for the pleasure but rather out of necessity, the plumbing in his house had some problems and the owner had strongly advised him to call on to a professional rather than to fix things himself. As if he was not capable of repairing it himself, him Thomas who had always maintained his family home in good condition on his own! Nevertheless, he had followed the recommendations of his owner not wishing to find himself in the street in case of conflict. Except the only plumber whom he knew was the old man who accompanied Margaret during their two meetings. During all the route he had wondered what he could say as reason of his visit as if the truth would not be enough … Once in front of the door, he verified by the shop window that the man was alone and entered. The door made bells, as in many shops, to indicate the arrival of a customer. Mister Humphreys - because such was the name on the shop window raised the head.

"Hello Sir, I have just moved here and my house has some plumbing concerns. I had hoped to find some help here…"

It has always been difficult for Thomas to ask for help but he knew how to make efforts and put his ego aside. The man nodded his head.

"You are at the right place young man. But I am alone here so it may be several days before I come to see your plumbing. I hope that it is not a problem."

"Oh not of all, I would know how to make hold these pipes until your visit. They are after all only pipes."

He ventured to make fun. He thus gave him his address and set a meeting. Because of Thomas's schedules it was not an easy thing! The man did not seem to have recognized him for Thomas's biggest relief. He thus went back home and was quite surprised finding a policeman there.

"Ah, good you are here! We need reinforcement for station house number 4. A sordid murder case, we are having pieces of body delivered now! We also have a group of angry women to manage. We arrested them but they are worse than Furies! The inspector wants you to take care of it."

That he takes care of it? Why in hell should he take care of a feminine group while pieces of a corpse was being delivered to the station?! Why him?! Was it a test? Doubtless …

Hurt that it was being asked of him, but deciding to prove his value to the Inspector, he put on his uniform and went to the station with his colleague.

While the state of the station surprised him, what surprised him most was a familiar presence, Margaret was among the "Furies"!

But why was she here? Why were they all here?! We explained him that they had been arrested for public disorder while they tried to demonstrate the dangers of the alcohol on the male behavior. Nevertheless they continued to deny loud and clear that they had done anything wrong. Thomas sighed, finding the job ridiculous and their motivations just as much. Then ignoring the agitation which reigned at the other side of the station, he went to the group of Furies.

"Good afternoon Ladies. If you could lower your voices, my colleagues and I would be more inclined to listen to you …"

He knew from experience that the women needed to speak, but more importantly to be listened to. After a few minutes, the protests started to calm down.

"Perfect, then I would like one of you to explain to me what is going on here."

One of the young women got ready to explain him vehemently but he interrupted her.

"Calmly please and without raising your voice or using swearwords.

He often said some but wanted to prove this evening that he had of the authority. However he wanted to laugh, the effects of the alcohol, pff another typically feminine claiming that wanted to prevent somebody from drinking!

The ladies explained him that they were members of the recently formed Temperance League and that they wished to raise awareness to the dangers of alcohol. They also said that law enforcement had inequitably arrested them while they had committed no offence. Thomas listened to only half, eyes riveted on Margaret was she really a member of the league? He did not delay having the answer.

"Especially that you have here two girls who do not belong to the league, they just accompanied a member."

"In that case they are both free to go back home. In the meantime, you go to tell your versions of the facts to the officers then go calm yourselves for a few hours in our cells while we contact your families. It is forbidden to form these kinds of gatherings, I hope in the future you ladies will try to void this kind of attention, it would be regrettable if you have to return here.

Thomas hoped to never have to arrest this League. He indicated what to do to his amused colleagues and under the furious and surprised eyes of the young women, he took Margaret and her sister towards the exit. The two were quite scared.

"I am saddened that you were arrested by mistake and driven to the station. You are free to go."

Margaret looked at him, apparently confused then presented him with a smile. "It is not your fault… My sister and I thank you."

The other young woman agreed silently apparently worried by something else. "The day is almost dark, could you take us back home... please?"

This length at the end of its sentence was considered by Thomas as a search for his name.

"Brackenreid, Miss, Thomas Brackenreid. I will escort you up to your house if it suits your sister also Miss."

The question would have seemed impertinent but it was justified, it was not recommended for two girls to return home alone in the evening. Margaret's sister answered. "I do not see objection there …"

They were her only words of the route. Thomas and Margaret remained silent too. Once in front of the shop, he made sure they were safely inside then turned back. Thomas was not able to refrain of turned around and saw Margaret who thanked him. At least it was "thank you" that he read on her lips.