A/N: this is my first attempt to write a Murdoch Mysteries story that isn't related to a specific episode of the show. It's slightly AU in that it doesn't quite fit into the time frame for season 5.

It was just after three o'clock on a beautiful autumn afternoon when William Murdoch tied his horse to a nearby hitching post and stood in front of Dr. Garland's grand white house, wondering if he was doing the right thing. "This is a fool's errand.," he said, scolding himself as he jammed his hands in the pockets of his dungarees. "I certainly have no business being here at this hour. Perhaps I should leave well enough alone, instead of acting like some pathetic lovelorn lothario, hoping to catch a fleeting glimpse of his long lost lady love…"

And yet it seemed he couldn't help himself. When the crazy idea had occurred to him that morning, it was as if his normally rational mind had suddenly gone into free fall, giving him the feeling of being compelled by forces completely beyond his control. He simply couldn't resist the urge to see Julia one more time, so after much consideration...and some procrastination...he'd finally come to talk to her at a time when he knew her husband would be away from home.

"This visit is totally inappropriate..." he muttered in annoyance as he gazed at the house. "I shouldn't be making this sort of personal visit to another man's wife when he's not here. Even though Julia and I are very well acquainted and on friendly terms, this isn't how an honorable man behaves! Dr. Garland would have every right to soundly disparage my actions in this situation! After all, I promised him that I'd behave as a gentleman should...that I'd respect his rights as Julia's husband...but instead, here I am, calling on his wife when I know she'll be home alone! What if someone were to see me here and suspect the worst? Do I really want to initiate some sort of scandal with this visit? Certainly not..."

William hesitated a few seconds, tapping his foot in irritation as he thought over his plan. "Of course, it's ridiculous to think that I'd call on Julia in any sort of inappropriate manner...or that I'd deliberately expose her to ridicule or gossip. I respect her far too much to risk that! And, after all, it's not like I still have romantic designs on her, is it? She's married now...and I've moved past any attachment to her...so there's nothing untoward in my actions. I have no wish to infringe upon her marriage. I'm just asking for help with a personal matter, that's all..."

He shook his head in resignation as he contemplated the powerful feelings that bubbled up in his soul whenever he thought of Julia. "Or perhaps I'm lying to myself about my feelings for her. Either way, it's time to turn away from this predicament. That's the only responsible thing to do."

Exhaling slowly, he untied the horse's reins and took them in hand, hoping he could simply ride away and leave his problems behind, but, unable to ignore his nagging thoughts any longer, he changed his mind. Tying the reins again, he turned back to stare at the large house, grumbling at his own weakness. "No...I can't just leave without seeing her. After all, if things don't go as planned, I want her to be forewarned. I need to accomplish this errand at once since I need to report to the station in a few hours. So, no more dithering! I'll handle the chore and then leave! She'll think nothing of it...after all, we're good friends..."

After patting the horse's flank, William slowly made his way up the footpath leading to the home's front door, his courage faltering as he neared his goal. "But coming to see her like this is sinful, isn't it? I must avoid being around her! It stirs up too many romantic notions...and the sort of fond feelings I have no right to entertain! I need to avoid that temptation! As much as I hate it, she belongs to him now, and I have no right to interfere! I shouldn't put myself in a position to break the Commandments..."

That was the painful truth, wasn't it? There was no denying it...he was coveting another man's wife! It was so deeply embarrassing for William to concede that such sordid behavior existed within himself...within a man who prided himself on being logical and straightforward...a man who considered himself to be a devout Catholic, but instead...he was a wretched hypocrite!

No matter how much he wished to ignore it, his deep affection for Dr. Garland's wife was a terrible thorn in his flesh, and he felt sure that painful thorn was dragging him down the road to perdition. In fact, he'd found himself so distressed by his failure to avoid such a disgusting sin that he couldn't even bring himself to admit it aloud in the privacy of the confessional. He knew he wouldn't be able to bear his parish priest's shocked reaction at his shameful admission...and so he'd given in to his self loathing and had chosen not to confess that particular failing, even at the expense of his own soul. And yes, I'm well aware that the Lord already knows how I feel about Julia, but actually saying it out loud is simply out of the question. What would Father Clemons think of me if I told him I had such repugnant thoughts?

He sighed quietly in frustration. Absolution for that particular transgression was probably out of his reach, anyway, even if he could bring himself to utter those horrid words in the confessional. He might be able to manage the contrition aspect involved in the Rite of Reconciliation, but as far as resolving never to commit that particular sin again...well, he knew that was practically impossible. Every time he saw Julia, he found himself desiring her completely, body and soul...wanting her for his own as much as he ever did, if not more. Her being married to another man had done nothing to cool the fires of his passion for her. He would always love her...only her...

However, the acknowledgement and subsequent examination of his sinful nature would have to be left to another time. There were more pressing issues at the moment. This errand wasn't just an excuse to gaze into her beautiful eyes one more time. He had a real, practical motive for his visit, and time was flying by. He needed to accomplish this task at once, and then...he'd make it a point to never see Julia again. Only then could he unburden his soul from this heinous sin.

Squaring his shoulders with steely resolve, William rang the doorbell, and Mrs. Carruthers, Julia's imperious housekeeper, soon appeared at the home's entrance in response. Eying the many holes in the man's denim dungarees, his faded, stained, and patched cotton flannel shirt, his well worn leather vest, his dusty boots, and the weather beaten brown hat pulled low over his unshaven face, her eyebrow arched in disdain as she spoke harshly to the unkempt visitor. "And just what might you be after? We don't tolerate beggars 'round here, so you just better be off now if you know what's good for ya. We don't need anything you might be peddling, and tradesmen use the back entrance! So be gone with ya, before I call the coppers!"

"That won't be necessary. You see, despite my ragged appearance, madam, I am a 'copper'. Detective William Murdoch, with the Toronto Constabulary." Removing his hat, he bowed slightly before lifting the edge of his coarse woolen jacket so she could see his badge. Handing her his calling card, he cleared his throat nervously. "I'd like to see Dr. Ogden, please…"

"She has finished seeing patients for the afternoon. You might try tomorrow.," Mrs. Carruthers said in a dismissive tone. "Good day…"

As the door began to close, he put his hand firmly against it and pushed it ajar. "I think there's been a misunderstanding. I'm not here as a patient. I'm here on a personal matter…as one of the doctor's friends. There's an important issue that I must discuss with her immediately."

"I see." Obviously disapproving of the visitor's appearance, Mrs. Carruthers pursed her lips as she studied the man before her. While his clothing might indicate that he was some drunken saddle tramp, his manners and his bearing were that of a gentleman.

Finally, after carefully looking over his card again, she relented. "Very well. If you'll wait in the parlor, I'll announce you, but she may choose not to see you this afternoon. She's been very busy today, and I'm sure she's quite fatigued...most likely too fatigued to deal with unplanned visitors."

"I understand. Now, if you please...I'm in rather a hurry."

As William followed the taciturn woman inside, she ushered him into an opulently decorated drawing room, which was tastefully furnished with ornately carved mahogany chairs and settees upholstered in richly shimmering satin fabrics. Heavy red velvet brocade draperies framed the expansive windows looking over the well manicured front lawn. As he considered the flower filled crystal vases and the beautifully gilded lamps situated on the marble topped tables positioned throughout the room, there was no doubt in his mind that the home's owners were doing quite well financially. Grimacing slightly, he nodded to himself. Choosing to marry Dr. Garland instead of shackling herself to a lowly police detective had been a wise decision on Julia's part. I suppose it would take a year's worth of my salary to buy just one of those fancy vases...

Seeing that the man was gawking around the room in a rather gauche manner, Mrs. Carruthers cleared her throat to get his attention. "You may be seated. I'll tell Missus you're here."

"Thank you." He nodded, gripping the broad brim of his hat tightly as he sat on a small side chair, waiting for what seemed like an eternity. He felt so awkward sitting there alone in that fancy room...like a naughty schoolboy waiting to see a headmaster in order to receive his punishment. What if Darcy should arrive home while I'm here? How will I explain myself? I shouldn't be here! Maybe I should just leave...I can take care of this errand another time...or I could send a letter...but since I'm leaving tonight, there's no time for that...

His frantic thoughts were interrupted as he heard fabric rustling in the hall. "William! What a pleasant surprise! I'm so glad to see you!"

He quickly rose from his seat as the lady of the house appeared in the doorway. "Hello, Julia…" Feeling his heart flutter as she entered the room, he swallowed hard. Even in her plain work clothes, she was so beautiful...just like always. He was bashful as he reached out to shake her hand. "I hope you'll forgive this intrusion on your privacy. I know it's not polite to just drop by like this, without calling ahead, but…"

"Nonsense." She gave him an airy wave,. "Surely you must know that you're always welcome in my home."

"Um...thank you.," he stammered nervously. "How are you?"

"I'm fine...very busy, of course, but things are going well with my practice, so being busy is the price I must pay. How are you, William? Please...make yourself comfortable..." Gesturing towards the chair, she wore a happy smile as she sat down across from him. "You're looking well, although I must say I'm rather surprised by your unusual attire. I can't remember the last time I saw you dressed in something other than your suit and tie."

She nodded slightly as she regarded his odd choice of apparel. 'He looks so very self assured...so masculine...and perhaps almost a bit dangerous...in those rough work clothes. I do admire how handsome he looks when he's dressed like this...when he's a bit frayed around the edges, with his hair ruffled and wearing a scruff of whiskers, instead of being so impeccably groomed. It's almost like he could take on the world...like he's this 'salt of the earth' man who can do any sort of hard day's work with those muscular arms and strong hands...perhaps he might be rounding up a herd of cattle or cutting down a large tree…and then he'd still be ready for more. I'd like to feel those strong hands against my skin…' She gasped softly as realized where her musings had led her. 'Oh my! I shouldn't be admiring him like that! I'm married to someone else!

Her brief reverie was interrupted by his slight cough. Smoothing her blouse, she quickly continued, hoping she sounded calm. "And things are going well at the station house?"

"Um, yes, thank you...and things are satisfactory with myself as well." He wore a slight smile as he glanced around the room. "You have a lovely home, Julia. You and Darcy must be very comfortable...and very happy...here."

"We are...thank you. Darcy spared no expense when it came to fitting up our new house. He said he wanted me to have the best of everything, no matter the expense." After a few seconds of uncomfortable silence, Julia forced a giggle. "I'm sorry. Where are my manners? Would you like some tea, William?"

"No, thank you. I'm rather pressed for time." Biting his lip, he shifted nervously in his seat. "This isn't really a social call, Julia. As I explained to Mrs. Carruthers, I've come to see you about a different sort of personal matter…"

"Oh." Folding her hands in her lap, Julia's jovial demeanor changed as she regarded him with concern. "Is something wrong?"

"Not wrong, exactly. It's just that I have some personal issues I need to take care of...before I go out of town." He exhaled slowly, trying to find just the right words to explain the task before him. There's no easy way to say it. I might as well get to the point. Averting his gaze, he continued quietly as he gripped the brim of his hat. "I'm sure that you've heard of the Charbonneau brothers by now..."

Unsure of why William had mentioned those lawless thugs in relation to his personal matter, Julia's brow furrowed as she nodded. "Unfortunately, yes. I read about them in yesterday's paper. They're a notorious trio of violent criminals, specializing in armed robbery and general mayhem...and, if I recall correctly, they have a rather large gang of malcontents who ride with them…"

"There are at least seven additional men in the group that we know of...quite possibly more." William sighed sadly before continuing. "Unfortunately, that group of brigands has moved well past theft and mischief. Three days ago, the Charbonneau gang robbed a dry goods store in Collingwood, and in the process, they shot and killed the shopkeeper, his young daughter, and three members of the constabulary who had answered the call for assistance. That gang has to be stopped at all costs, Julia…before they kill again..."

"Oh, my goodness, William...you don't mean..." Her eyes widened in disbelief as she realized what he planned to do, her words tumbling out in a frenzy. "That's why you're dressed the way you are...so you don't look like an officer of the law. It's like camouflage, so no one will suspect who you are or what you're about! You're going after them, aren't you? You're going to try to ambush them...you're going to try to take the whole gang into custody! Oh, please tell me you're not going to try something so insane! Do you have any idea how long a journey like that might take? You could be gone well into the winter!"

"Yes, I'm going after them…" Hoping to avoid her wrath, he focused his gaze upon his hat. "Not by myself, of course, but I am riding with a group of lawmen who hope to chase them down so they can be brought to justice. The Chief Constable has asked for volunteers to make up a posse, so…I answered the call. There'll be about fifteen of us in pursuit. We'll have to ride hard to catch up with them...they have at least a three day head start...but I believe it can be done within the next two weeks if the good weather holds."

Julia was horrified. "So this posse that you'll be a part of is just going off, half-cocked, racing around the countryside on horseback, in rugged terrain and in all kinds of unpredictable weather, hoping to catch up to that murderous gang somehow? And what will happen if you do come across them? They'll probably have the advantage, most likely being holed up somewhere where they can see you coming at them, correct? And then they'll be able to pick off your posse members one by one from their vantage point, and you won't stand a chance! And even if the posse does find that gang, how will you be able to subdue all of them in order to bring them back to Toronto? Will you just politely ask them to accompany you home? Or have you even thought that far ahead?" Wringing her hands, she shook her head in despair. "I can't believe you'd take on anything so dangerous! You're not invincible, William! What you're suggesting makes no sense!"

"Well, we do know where they're headed, so that will give us an advantage of sorts as well." Closing his eyes against her irate glare, he sighed quietly before explaining. "One of the gang members was injured in the gun battle at Collingwood, and was left behind when the robbers fled the town. Yesterday morning the Crown's attorney, Mr. Walsh, offered that man a way to avoid the noose. All the criminal had to do was tell us how many men make up the Charbonneau gang and where they're presently headed. As you can imagine, he gladly complied. He'll spend the rest of his life in prison, but he'll still be alive."

"But won't the Charbonneaus suspect him of giving up that information?," Julia countered. "They'll surely know by now that the law will be even more anxious to hunt them down, now that murder is involved…they'll be on their guard..."

"I doubt that they'll be concerned about that man anymore." Fidgeting with a button on his jacket sleeve, William explained the plan they'd implemented. "At my suggestion, Mr. Walsh has constructed a ruse similar to what we did for Anna Fulford. He had the newspapers report that the man in question was killed in the Collingwood gun battle, so the gang won't suspect that he has given us any inside information." William pursed his lips slightly. "The man told us that the gang is on the way to the Charbonneaus' hometown of Cochrane, which makes a certain amount of sense, I suppose. There are several small towns along the way which they can terrorize if they need money or supplies before they reach their destination. Knowing their probable route, we hope to stop them before they make it home, because once they get that far north, it'll be too easy for them to just disappear into the wilderness, and then we'll never be able to find them."

"But why do you have to go with the posse?" Frustrated with William's passive demeanor, Julia threw up her hands as she sat back in her seat. "I'd think Inspector Brackenreid would need you at the station, William, so he could use your intellect and abilities to coordinate the search from here in town...and then you'd be out of danger..."

Shifting uncomfortably in his chair, he shrugged slightly. "The Inspector was somewhat disappointed in my decision to be a part of the posse, but he understood my reasons, and besides, he knows that my 'abilities', as you call them, will be useful in leading the search party."

"William...please don't take part in this foolhardy pursuit! It's far too dangerous!," Julia pleaded. "Stay in Toronto…stay safe. Perhaps you should let Constable Crabtree go instead."

"I don't think George would be a good candidate for the posse." He allowed himself a faint smile. "He is an excellent constable, of course, except for his inability to ride well. It'd be impossible for him to travel any great distance on horseback with the posse. They'll need speed and steady horsemanship to catch that gang, and unfortunately, he'd be more of a hindrance than help..."

"But William…"

He shook off her protests. "I'm the best choice to go with the posse…you must know that, Julia. They need my experience. I'm familiar with that area...and I know how to 'rough it' if necessary while we're in pursuit." He studied his nails, continuing in a matter of fact tone. "Besides, it makes sense for me to go, not just because my abilities and my intellect can be useful in a leadership position, but also because of my situation in life. I don't have a wife and family to worry about if for some reason I don't return. I have only two living relatives that I know of, and who knows where my father might be at the moment? If something happened to me, he might not even realize I was gone. And I feel certain that my brother Jasper, being an officer of the law himself, would respect my decision to join this posse." Regarding her solemnly, he exhaled slowly. "Police work can be dangerous, Julia, as you are well aware. As an officer of the law, I might be called upon to face death at any time, even here in Toronto. With that in mind, if something should happen to me while we engage in this pursuit, I won't leave anyone behind to grieve for me, whereas Crabtree is a young man with his whole life ahead of him...and the Inspector has a wife and children to consider..."

Julia found his logic quite infuriating, as usual. "But you do have close friends, William…," Julia sputtered angrily. "There are many people who care a great deal about you…people who would be devastated by your death."

"A few, perhaps...but most of them are also members of the constabulary, and I feel as if they would understand my point of view in this matter…and they'd agree that I'm a good choice to lead the posse."

"Well, I don't agree." Blinking back tears, Julia shook her head in frustration as she scolded him. "So is that why you've dropped by to see me this afternoon? To say goodbye in case you're killed while you're riding after that gang? To tell me that you might die in a gunfight? To explain that you might leave me all alone with a broken heart, grieving your loss?"

His heart skipped a beat as his eyes searched her face for a few seconds, wondering if she was serious about having a broken heart if he should die, before he responded with a slight tinge of bitterness in his voice. "You wouldn't be left alone, Julia...you'll still have your husband to comfort you should I die…and I'm sure, with his help, you'd get over my loss quite easily..."

"But you must know that I consider you to be a very close friend. I'd be most unhappy to lose you." She puffed out an exasperated sigh as she studied his impassive expression. "William…please, think this through...please reconsider your choice...or at least tell me that you're not performing some sort of ill conceived penitential act by deliberately putting yourself in danger...tell me you believe you have a chance at being successful in this wild goose chase. Be honest with me, William...is this merely a different version of going off to the Klondike to hide from the world? What are you running from this time?"

If you only knew, Julia… Stung by her harsh words, he clenched his jaw in irritation, exhaling slowly before he answered her question. "I'm not running from anything. I have a job to do, and I intend to complete this task to the best of my ability. Please believe me...if I didn't think we had a chance at success, I wouldn't be involved with the posse." He held up his hand to interrupt her continued protest. "And while I appreciate your concern on my behalf, I didn't come here to solicit your opinion. My decision in this matter is firm, Doctor. I'll be leaving this evening." Sighing softly, he met her sad gaze with a slight shrug. "And as to why I'm visiting you this afternoon..." He sighed softly before continuing. "I wish to impose on our friendship in order to ask for your assistance in an important personal matter...to ask a favor of you, if you will." Choosing his words carefully, he removed a large envelope from inside his jacket and handed it to her. "Even though I fully intend to be in good health when I return to Toronto, I want to be prepared for all possible eventualities."

"This is quite thick. What's in here?," she asked quietly as she turned the envelope over in her hands.

"My will, some banking papers...and my last requests. The Inspector will be the executor of my estate, meager as it is, but there are some special instructions...bequests to make...people who will need to be notified...and other items like that. At the moment, he doesn't have time to deal with me as I try to explain these details to him, so I've left explicit written instructions. Should the need arise…" He hesitated for a few seconds. "Should the need arise, will you please give this information to him?"

"Of course. As your friend, I'd be honored to do you this favor. It's not an imposition at all…" She covered her mouth with her hand, hoping to contain her sobs. After struggling with her composure for a minute or two, she added, "...but as your friend, I must ask you again to reconsider your plans, William…please..."

"I'm quite satisfied that I've made the correct choice, Julia…"

She bit her lip, trying to keep her emotions in check. "Fine, if you insist, then go, but be careful...and promise me you'll call as soon as you've arrived back in town."

"Julia...I don't think that's practical…" He paused suddenly as he heard the front door open.

"Julia? I'm home. Whose horse is hitched outside?" Handing his hat and overcoat to Mrs. Carruthers, Dr. Garland stepped into the parlor and was somewhat taken aback when he saw his guest. "Oh...hello, Detective. I'm surprised to see you here at this hour…" Darcy grimaced slightly as he studied their visitor. "...and in such a state..."

"Good afternoon, Dr. Garland. I was in the neighborhood, so I stopped by for a few minutes to see Julia...on the spur of the moment." As he stood up, William offered to shake hands. "I was just leaving…"

Glancing at his wife as he took the proffered hand, Darcy was surprised to see she'd been crying. He glared at his visitor. "What's wrong? Why is Julia upset? Have you said something unkind to her, Murdoch?"

"Of course not, Darcy. William has been very kind, as always." Slipping the bulky envelope beneath a pillow, Julia rose from her seat to embrace her husband, sniffling slightly as she took her handkerchief from her skirt pocket to wipe her eyes. "He came by to give me some rather dreadful news about an old acquaintance of mine, and I'm afraid I didn't take it well."

Darcy rubbed her shoulder to comfort her. "Oh, I see. That's unfortunate, Darling."

"Yes, I'm sorry to be the bearer of such bad news, Dr. Garland, but it couldn't be helped. I decided that the information needed to be delivered in person, rather than over the telephone, and it couldn't wait. Otherwise I wouldn't have dreamed of coming to your home at this hour, dressed so poorly, and unannounced as I was." William picked up his hat and nodded towards the front door. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must be going…"

"Won't you stay for dinner, Detective?," Darcy offered. "I'm sure there's plenty…"

Shaking his head, William demurred. "No, thank you. Even if I was dressed appropriately to dine at your table this evening, it would be out of the question. I've been called out of town on urgent business…I must leave within the hour."

Darcy nodded. "I understand. Well, perhaps some other time…"

William exhaled slowly before offering a faint smile. "I hope so. Good evening…"

And with that, William had donned his hat and was striding out the door. After one last look at the house and its occupants, he mounted his horse and galloped away.

As she watched him ride off, Julia sighed as she leaned against her husband. "If you don't mind, Darcy, I'm going to excuse myself for a few minutes so I can freshen up before dinner."

"Of course, Darling. I'm sorry you've received such awful news." He gently kissed her cheek. "I need to look over today's mail and get tomorrow's correspondence ready for the post, so take your time. I'll be in my study if you need me…"

"Thank you for being so understanding, Darcy."

"Of course...anything for you..."

She waited until he was out of sight before retrieving the envelope from under the pillow. Sighing sadly as she ran her fingers over its edges, she wondered why she felt so reluctant to tell Darcy the truth about the reason for William's calling on her. It wasn't like she had anything to hide. After all, Darcy knew about the prior relationship between them, and there was nothing untoward about William's visit, but she was concerned that her husband wouldn't understand that the detective was simply making some necessary contingency plans for the near future, since he was undertaking a very dangerous task.

She brushed away a tear as she thought about William's upcoming journey. "I only hope those arrangements never become necessary."

She sighed sadly as she took the envelope to her office, locking it in her desk drawer before turning to gaze out over the lawn's deepening shadows. "Please be careful as you travel with the posse, William. Do your job, and then hurry home as soon as possible. We need you back at the station house...to keep us safe…"

She paused to check her reflection in her mirror. "Damn that man! Why do I allow him make me so aggravated with his obnoxiously logical mind?" She dabbed at her teary eyes with her handkerchief. "Well, I look positively dismal, but I suppose I can't put it off any longer...I must wash up and then join Darcy for dinner. Perhaps he'll be too polite to say anything about my appearance."

As she turned off the office's light, she cast one more glance at the windows. "You'd better take care of yourself, William Murdoch...or you'll be answering to me!" Brushing away a stray tear, she nodded to herself. "Please...don't leave me alone, William. Please come back to me..."

Oooooooooo

It was past seven o'clock that evening when a large group of horsemen set off from Toronto in search of the Charbonneau gang. They all knew it would be a perilous journey, fraught with danger, but it was a necessary trek if they were to preserve the rule of law. Each man was willing to put his life on the line if it meant ending the Charbonneau gang's murderous rampage.

They rode on quietly, each one lost in his own thoughts of loved ones they'd left behind...wives, sweethearts, children. How long would it be before they'd be back home to see them again? Would they even make it back home?

As they passed the outskirts of town, William sighed quietly, pondering his own future. The Chief Constable had approached him again about taking a detective's position in Winnipeg...a position where there'd be a much better chance of his being promoted to inspector in the near future.

In the past he never would've considered such a move, but this time he was tempted. There was no longer anything to keep him in Toronto, and perhaps his wounded heart would finally be able to recover if it was no longer constantly exposed to the unavailable object of his affections. It would be an easy change to pull off...he could simply pack up his few belongings and take the train to a brand new life.

As his horse trotted along with the rest of the posse, he carefully evaluated this new idea. "Perhaps it's the right thing to do..."

He knew he'd always love Julia, but it was time to be realistic...to truly move on...to completely remove himself from the situation...and from the temptation to sin.

Nodding to himself, he made his decision. "When I return from this trip, I'll put in for a transfer to Winnipeg, and with any luck, I can leave Toronto quietly. No one except the Inspector...and maybe George...will need to know where I've gone..."

Glancing over his shoulder at the city lights behind him, he turned, wearing a grim expression as he spurred his horse onward.

It was time to say goodbye to Julia...this time, for good.

The next chapter will be posted soon. If you have time to leave a review, I'd appreciate it.