Chapter 6
Five minutes later, sitting next to Harry on the platform, Murdoch tenderly stroked the boy's hair. The boy immediately opened his drowsy eyes full of sadness.
-I'm sorry, sir. I fell asleep.
-Never mind -he murmured, exhaling a loud sigh-. Keep sleeping.
At that instant the boy rested his head on the chest of his FATHER who grabbed the gesture with a lump in his throat.
Several hours later, with the night still closed in Toronto, William paid the coachman while holding the boy who remained asleep. He immediately saw Julia open the door approaching them quickly.
-Are you all right?
-Yes. He's exhausted. He just woke up on the train back for some fruit dinner.
-Have you...?
-No. We spent all morning yesterday looking for any trace of his footsteps in Montreal. They were there three years ago for a short period of time.
-I understand.
-I think we've made a mistake. Maybe the prints on the drum aren't Anna's. Rhodes may not do his job well when he moved the body.
When they entered the house Julia opened the extra bed. After taking off his shoes and cap, the detective slowly deposited the child.
-William...
-Mm...
-Several things have happened while you were away.
-What do you mean?
-Effie is missing. George went looking for her. That woman... we were wrong about her. George was right.
-Are you all right?
-Yes... Watts cared about him when he saw that he had not returned to the police station. He rescued George from his captivity. He was with those two women who had him threatened with death.
-Two?
-It's a very long story. One of them has managed to escape. Her twin sister's in the cells. He refuses to tell where Effie is. I've been trying to get the information out of him with Henry most of the afternoon. It's been impossible.
-Oh, my God! Where's the inspector?
-He... Bobby escaped from prison. Looks like he killed another inmate who tried to assault him.
-Decker...
-Margaret called me very worried. Thomas was about to... among several men had to reduce him. Decker swears he had nothing to do with it. Anyway, the chief commissioner will conduct an internal investigation. He told Thomas next time it won't do for the whole station number four to return his badge.
-I must go to the commissary.
-Wait till dawn -Julia murmured, stroking her husband's chin tenderly-. Get some sleep.
-I...
-You look exhausted.
-All right.
In the bedroom William lay on the bed with his face facing the ceiling. Beside her Julia remained silent with her eyes squinted.
-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have left you here alone. You had to have a hard time. I...
-William... you did the right thing. There are things we will never overcome in its entirety. Even if we always stay together. Forgive me if you hesitate...
-I know -the detective whispered, looking at his wife's sweet face-. I love you Julia.
At that moment Dr. Odgen took her husband's hand tenderly. William, for his part, closed his eyes tightly.
My god! -He thought of exhaling a loud sigh-. How can I fool her... Help me.