Chapter 60:
Monica put her stack of books on the living room table, her hands shaking slightly. She was thinking. She had just seen her mistress in a passionate embrace with the handsome man she immediately recognized as Detective William Murdoch. The man she had worked with on the Night Train Station company train investigation.
When Miss Ogden went on vacation, Monica felt pained. She really hoped that this would change the ideas of the young woman. She was so beautiful and smart, but her job was draining her life and energy. She did nothing but work, especially since she entered the hospital in Toronto. She knew perfectly well that, as a woman, she had to work harder than the others to prove herself and that was deplorable. She sincerely hoped that things would change one day…
Then she had heard of this "strange affair" that was taking place on a train that had traveled from Canada to Alaska. She then went to buy a newspaper in the city and sat down on a bench. She had looked through it and seen the name of her mistress there as well as that of William Murdoch and Thomas Brackenreid who had apparently sent a telegram for a warrant, a murder having taken place on board the train. Everyone had been so excited about this case that people had only talked about it. Then, when the train was announced to be soon at the station, dozens of journalists had rushed there, ready to write the best article on the bloodthirsty killer, and a horde of civilians had also gathered.
Then, finally, Miss Ogden had come home, been greeted by her servants and she had been...completely different. Almost unrecognizable to be honest. She was beaming and, although confused, Monica and her colleagues were delighted. She was a lovely woman and she deserved to feel good.
Besides, Monica could not put her finger on what could have changed her in this way. She left on time and came back on time. She was not trying extra hard as usual. She was not working hard. No, she quietly lived her life, as if she had nothing to do with it. And the discussions on the why and how fused in the office. Some said that she had simply had a wonderful time, others that she had found a lover. And honestly, Monica had laughed at the idea. She could not really imagine that possibility. For her, Julia was far too special and would unfortunately never find a shoe that suited her.
But she had been so wrong. And everything had become clear, the past shock of the love scene she had - despite herself - witnessed. Of course, she had a lover, and of course there was a perfect man for her: William Murdoch.
She had looked at the pile of books she had placed on the table before hearing things coming from the room in which the couple had slipped away, which made her blush. She had sighed. Clearly, she was way too old for that sort of thing. Then she had seen Erin and Nina, two young servants come out of the pantry and walk towards Monica, giggling, rosy cheeks. Monica rolled her eyes, of course, it made them laugh and dream.
To her dismay, the office kept talking about their mistress's relationship with this man. Most blushed at the mention of their antics which seemed "rigorous" while others enjoyed it. Moreover, Julia Ogden had always been very appreciated and to see her under this radiant light made them all happy. She had tremendous respect for them and so did their side.
Julia sighed, completely disheveled.
"Wow!" she breathed in shock.
"I… don't have the words." laughed William as he nearly collapsed on top of the young woman, their naked bodies touching.
"We had never been so high, had we?" Julia inhaled harshly, her breathing still slightly ragged.
"No never." William confirmed, raising his eyes to meet hers.
"Do you know what time it is?" asked the young woman kindly.
She saw her lover wince slightly as he looked inside her pocket watch.
"I don't know if you're going to like the answer." he laughed nervously.
"Say it?"
"5:30 a.m.…"
Julia raised her eyebrows but said nothing. She was supposed to get up in an hour and a half.
"Never mind." Julia sighed gently, letting her lover roll onto his back.
She laid her head on his bare chest and he stroked her hip and buttock. She felt her eyes close slightly and then, behind her lids, she saw a tall man in uniform. She opened her eyes again.
"Oh! William!"
She felt her lover startled as he seemed to fall asleep in turn.
"Yes?" he asked wearily.
"I just remembered something. The other day on the train, there was "Zachary" Lauzon walking in front of me. Where I had met him, I don't remember, but I had noticed that his clothes seemed much too small for him. As if he had taken the size below for his uniform."
William smiled, she never stopped thinking… Just like him.
"You have the eye Julia… Finally, you were right to find it strange."
"Yes, that day it was not about Zachary but about Nathanael."
The young detective nodded, and silence once again settled in the room, until the couple fell asleep quietly for what little time was left.
Note: William and Julia are happy! Only the epilogue remains! I hope you will like the ending.