Girl Gone

Chapter 4

"She's been gone a whole day, inspector." Murdoch shook his head sadly. "I promised I'd always be there to tell her good night. I won't be there tonight. A child shouldn't have to go through this once let alone twice. When she was kidnapped after her parents were killed I promised to never let anything happen to her again. My promises aren't worth much are they?"

"We will get her back. And that's a promise I'm making to you."

"Then I hope yours are better than mine."

"We can be fairly sure that they don't intend to hurt her if this whole thing has been precipitated by the notion of not harming a child. This Amelia person's aim seems to be to punish your wife for past indiscretions."

"Any leads on where she might be?"

"She has rented a house here in Toronto but hasn't been back to it for two days, nor has her husband. They've been seen in the company of a man named Alton Miller, a rather large fellow known for his physical prowess. He has also been in prison."

"I'm going home to Julia. I'll send Margaret home. Let me know..."

"I know. I know. I'll inform you if we learn anything."

They were alone together in the house sitting on the sofa, saying nothing, but holding hands, heads touching. William heard someone at the door and went to check. Julia stayed seated, but heard a thump. "William, what is it?"

"William can't answer you just now, Julia."

As Julia turned around there stood Amelia Taylor and a rather large man. "What have you done to William?"

"Yes, Julia. It is a shame that your innocent husband has to suffer for your sins."

"What are you doing Amelia? Have you hurt William?"

"He'll survive."

"Give us our daughter back. She's just a little girl. Don't make her suffer."

"She's not suffering. We're being very kind to her. I've come only to make sure you are suffering. But you know, it's her daddy she calls for," Amelia taunted.

"They're very close. He rescued her when she was kidnapped before and now you've taken her again. Please let her go. I'll do anything ."

"It's too late to save your first baby, Julia. Why should you have this child?"

Julia whispered, "I love her. She loves me."

"Not enough. Goodbye Julia." Then they stepped over William's body and out the door.

Julia went to William. "Wake up. They're getting away." She shook him as he slowly opened his eyes. There was a large bruise on the side of his face.

Struggling to his feet he stumbled out the door, running after the carriage. Just then a man on horseback approached. As William pulled him out of the saddle and swung himself up he said, "Sorry," and kicked the horse into a canter, pursuing the carriage.

Julia was on the telephone to Brackenreid immediately. He and George arrived very quickly.

"Where's Murdoch, Doctor?"

"He commandeered a horse and chased after them. He has no weapon, no plan, and he had just been knocked unconscious. I'm very frightened for him. He was so angry."

"Which way did he go?"

"South."

"Come with me, Crabtree. Doctor, call the station and tell Higgins what has happened and have him get some men and arms and come after us."

William soon caught sight of the fleeing carriage and pulled back a little. It was on its way to the edge town. All he could think of was his little girl alone with strangers. It made his heart break. The carriage stopped in front of an old house. William dismounted and followed on foot. A man and woman entered. It was definitely Amelia Taylor, but he only suspected that the man was Alton Miller, by his size. Now William realized he had no course of action. Being unarmed he couldn't vey well storm into the house and demand Susannah's release. He crept closer to the house, distracted by the thought of how close his daughter was and he couldn't reach her. Suddenly from behind him he heard the click of a gun cocking. He froze and then his world went dark.

Alton Miller came into the house carrying the limp form of Detective William Murdoch.

"My god, Alton! What have you there?" asked Amelia Taylor Bugesi.

"I found him outside."

"Is he dead?"

"Nah. Just out cold again. He's going to have a real headache this time."

"Somehow he must have followed us."

As they spoke Samson Bugesi came into the room with Susie.

"Daddy! Daddy" What have you done to my Daddy?" Susie ran over to the big man carrying her father. Tears streaming down her cheeks, she grabbed William's hand. She stopped and studied him for a moment, looking for the rise and fall of his chest. Uncle George had told her if someone were breathing that they were alive. The little girl sighed when William drew a shallow breath.

"Well put him down. Things are getting complicated. Julia would be married to a cop."

Miller dumped William on the floor. Susie sat down beside him and kissed his cheek. Softly she cried, " Daddy, I'm scared. Please wake up."

Samson finally spoke. "We should just leave them here and get away while we can. Amelia, this plan of yours to punish Julia Ogden is falling apart."

"But Samson, she is an evil woman and must pay for her sins."

"We're the ones going to pay. This guy is a cop. You think no one is going to go looking for him and his daughter? The whole constabulary will be after us."

"I can take care of them both now," offered Miller.

Both the Bugesis looked at him alarmed.

"Then we'd be no better than Dr. Ogden."

"You're right, Samson. Let's just leave them here. Let's go. Now!"

The three kidnappers quickly got their things together and left the house, heading for the carriage. But as they exited the house, Inspector Brackenreid yelled, "Stop right there. Not another step. Higgins, Worsley, cuff them."

George called from in the house, "Sir. The detective and Susie are here."

"Thank god!" said the inspector as he entered.

George was bent over a body on the floor, Susie beside him. Brackenreid joined them and with George's help they pulled Murdoch to a sitting position. Susie threw her arms around his neck, but he still had not opened his eyes.

"Murdoch. Come on son, wake up." Slowly William came to. Seeing his daughter wrapped around his neck brought tears to his eyes as he hugged her tight.

"Oh Daddy! I missed you."

He laughed, "I missed you too, Sweetie." Looking up at the inspector he said, "Sir. I stole a horse."

Brackenreid laughed. "We'll take care of it. Let's get you both home."

"Daddy, let's go home to mommy."