They had made progress in their relationship in a way. They had not really fought during the case. They didn't like each other, that much was clear and not likely to change anytime soon, but they had not yelled at each other and that was a miracle in itself because Doctor Francis had not gone easy on him, making fun of any medical knowledge he had shared. The fact that the case had involved the army had not helped William's nervous state. He was supposed to take the train for Buffalo on Friday and the first soldier was found on Tuesday. The second one found on Thursday and that made him really anxious. He absolutely had to close this case before he could leave and the military, especially the English guest, was not making it easy for them to go forward in their investigation. But it was finally over and William was tidying his desk before leaving.
"Sir, I need a signature on this before you go." George said, handing him a folder.
"What is it?" William asked.
"I don't know, Doctor Francis sent it for you to sign"
"Oh yes, the test on our sick soldier. Here you go. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a train to catch." William said, signing the document, handing it back to George and taking the travel back he had kept under his desk.
"Have a nice weekend Sir, and say hello to the Doctor for me."
"I will." William said, leaving his office.
He was really able to relax when the train started to move. Nothing could stop him now. If a case arrived in station house four, it would be given to someone else, or maybe George could take care of it. He felt the tension leave his shoulders as the train left the city and smiled. It had been two weeks since Julia had come to Toronto and their daily telephone calls and their letters couldn't make up for the physical distance. During the trip William read the medical journals that had arrived at their houses for Julia. He didn't see the time fly by and was surprised when the train stopped in Buffalo. He gathered his things quickly and walked out of the train. Watching from the platform, Julia waved as soon as she saw him and walked to meet him. She kissed him as soon as he was within her reach.
"Welcome to Buffalo Mr. Murdoch." she said, smiling.
"Thank you Mrs Murdoch. I really thought I wouldn't make it today with the last case we had but I almost ran away as soon as I could." he laughed. "Do you have to work this weekend?" he asked, taking her arm and walking out of the station.
"No. I had a meeting planned for tomorrow afternoon but I heard it was cancelled before I left to pick you up so I am completely free." she smiled.
They went to the room Julia was renting and got out as soon as William's bags were unpacked, both knowing that if they stayed any longer they would not get out of the room before he had to take the train again. They went to a nearby park and sat on a bench.
"I love it here, it reminds me of home." Julia said, resting her head on William's shoulder.
"How is your work going?" he asked, kissing her hair softly.
"It's good. It would be great if it were not so far away from you but it's good." she said. "It feels good actually healing people, especially children, but I miss working with you … a lot."
"Only three weeks left and you'll be home, healing the sick children of Toronto." William reassured her.
"I know, it's the only thing keeping me from running back home." she admitted.
"It's for the good cause." William said, putting his arm around her shoulders. "When this is done, you'll come home and do what you really want to do."
"You know, being away from the morgue made me realized that I really liked in."
"Are you saying that you regret your choice?" William asked, surprised.
"No, not really. I just thought I would miss it less. But maybe it's only you nearby that I miss." she said, smiling.
"Well, if you ever want to come back to the morgue you are more than welcome to. I can't work with this Doctor Francis until I retired, I'm going to … do something I regret before that time ever arrives."
"It can't be that bad." Julia laughed.
"It is Julia. He made fun of me because I told him something that turned out to be right about the case we were working on."
"Oh, was the great detective Murdoch hurt by a pathologist's humor?" Julia teased.
"I prefered your humour." he simply said. "Would you like something to eat? I think I saw a small restaurant by the entrance of the park if you want to eat."
"Are you hungry?" Julia asked.
"I'm starving. I haven't eaten anything since lunch." William said, laughing.
"Let's go then." Julia said, getting up and taking his arm.
As they walked to the restaurant, Julia saw one of her colleagues and tried to avoid him by guiding William out of the path but the doctor saw her.
"Doctor Ogden!" he called, walking toward them.
Julia sighed before turning to him.
"Doctor Garland, what a surprise." she said, smiling politely.
"I could say the same. You told me that you had an engagement this evening."
"I have. This is my husband, William Murdoch." she introduced.
The two men shook hands.
"Now if you'll excuse us, we have some reservations that we really cannot miss." Julia said, taking William's arm. "Goodnight."
"Julia, that was rather rude!" William whispered as they walked away.
"I know, I'm sorry but he is always somewhere around at work, I don't want to spend my free time with him too." Julia explained.
"Does he bother you?" William asked, turning his head back to where they were to look at the man who had not moved.
"Not really. He is a good doctor, a little cold for the children but he is very good. He just … he's always around. But I guess that's normal, the hospital is not that big. But I would prefer not to spend my weekend with him too. The week is enough. The days off are for you." she said, kissing him quickly before leading him to the restaurant.