Chapter 25:

He waited for her to put on her coat, and they went back outside. She had passed in front of him, and he had admired her figure dressed in a long purple coat, matched with an elegant cap. He had paused for a few moments, when his vision blurred at the sight of Julia's naked figure. He had wanted to punch himself, but he had preferred to join her. She should not find him any weirder than he already was.

They had then left the hotel in silence and had joined the lake. They walked quietly on a small path full of small gray and beige pebbles. William breathed in the good air of Alaska. He was very happy to be here. He really did not regret the invitation and the trip he had been so hesitant to accept.

The sun was still shining brightly, and the scenery was wonderful. They had been here two days already and the next evening they would leave and be back in their compartments.

"What did you do today?" asked the detective curiously.

"I went for a little walk and bought medicine for little John. For motion sickness. It will be better for the return to Toronto."

"It's very nice what you did..."

"It was nothing. I really like helping people. That's why I'm a doctor, by the way." she joked good-humoredly.

They spotted a small white bench on the trail and sat down on it facing the truly beautiful expanse of Sitka Lake.

"It's beautiful here…" sighed Julia.

"Yes…"

William turned his face towards the young woman and felt his heart jump a little when he saw the expression of wonder on her face. She was beautiful, just like this landscape.

She then turned her head to him and smiled at him. A smile he immediately returned, still ashamed of what had happened earlier. Unexpectedly, she returned her gaze to the lake and leaned slightly on William. She grabbed his left arm and rested her head on his shoulder.

The detective had no idea how to react. But he in turn grabbed her arm and rested his head on hers. He felt her breath on his neck, and he inhaled the floral scent she gave off. They remained thus in silence for a few minutes until the young woman broke it.

"There is nothing between Magnus and me." she whispered.

William just nodded, totally satisfied and completely happy that things were finally totally clear.

After a while, he felt the young woman shiver. He withdrew his head from that of Julia, who raised hers towards him. He reached up and put back Julia's scarf, which was actually the one he'd given her the first day they arrived in Sitka.

Come to think of it, this was truly his favorite moment of the trip. Everyone was doing their own thing, and no one was taking care of anyone. They were twenty-four passengers who came together, but they did not stay together. It was not a group trip and William was very happy about it. He was very happy not to have to stay with the Savards or that strange man, Mr. Lamoureux. He was happy not to have run into Elizabeth Hébert and her maid, Marie, once. He was grateful that he did not have to have lunch with the Novak brothers or with Magnus Duval. On the other hand, he was more than happy to stay in the company of Julia Ogden.

Thinking of the other passengers, he suddenly remembered that he had passed Colleen Forbes in the hotel lobby. She had not given him a single look. And it had been that way ever since he had confronted her. William suddenly raised his eyebrows and reached his right hand into his coat. Julia's watch… He still had not returned it.

Note: That's it. It looks like it's time for William to return her watch to Julia! Thank you very much for the last comment I received :) I hope you enjoy the sequel!