Wedding Bell Blues
Chapter 3

William got home rather late and was hoping that Julia would already be asleep. He didn't want to explain his shiner. But no. She was waiting up for him.

"William!"

"I know, I know. I'm sorry."

Julia just stared at him for a moment. Then she began to laugh. He smiled too.
"What ever happened?"

"A bar fight."

"A bar fight!?"

"I'm afraid so."

"I don't think it will be gone by the wedding, but a least it won't be so vivid. Does it hurt?"

"A little. But mostly my pride hurts."

Julia held his face in her hands and softly kissed his closed eye. Then she moved down to his lips and they kissed for real.

"Come to bed now," she took his hand and they climbed the steps.

"Well, Sir, at least we've identified our victim, one Robert Richland."

"And it seems he has nothing to do with the dock or the workers there. I suspect someone was trying to confuse us with copying the other murder. We need to move on this one, George. I want it wrapped up before the wedding. I'm not planning on being here after the event, at least not for a week."

George winked and smiled.

The wedding was set for Saturday. It was Wednesday. William asked George to pick up the ring for him while he worked on the murder case. Upon arrival the jeweler told George the ring had been misplaced.

"Misplaced! Lost! What do you mean? The wedding is this Saturday. It can't be lost. Detective Murdoch will be fit to be tied. He'll have my head. He'll have yours! What will I tell him?"

"Now don't panic, young man. I'm sure it will turn up...in time. Let me continue to look for it and I'll call you."

"In the meantime what do I tell HIM?"

"Uh...tell him the engraver was ill and has just now begun to work on it. I'll keep looking for it. I know it's around here somewhere," said the bewildered jeweler. Then he muttered to himself, "It's here. It has to be here."

Julia went to the dressmaker to pick up her dress.

"Would Madame like to try it on?"

"Oh, alright." But as she pulled it on she realized she would never be able to button it. "What's wrong with it? It's too tight."

"Oh, my! So it is. Well, I'll just have to let it out then."

"But you just took it in!"

"Yes, well perhaps my new seamstress was a bit over zealous. I'll have it fixed in a trice. Come back Friday and I'm sure it will be perfect."

"It had better be, " Julia said menacingly. "I'm being wed Saturday." With that she sneezed.

"What do you mean it's not ready. How long does it take to engrave three little words, not even whole words at that?"

"Yes sir, I'm sorry. I'm sure it will be found...er...finished in time."

"George...what aren't you telling me?"

"Well sir...it seems the jeweler has misplaced it." George knew he couldn't lie to the detective convincingly.

"What!"

"Now don't get excited. He is sure it will turn up in time."

"If it doesn't, George, I won't have time to get another. I wanted this wedding to be perfect. We've waited so long."

Murdoch suddenly looked so tired and sad. George felt sorry for him.
"Don't despair, sir. Dr. Ogden will be pleased with anything. But, I'm sure this ring will turn up. I'm sure."

Murdoch just nodded and sat heavily in his chair.

"Er...uh, sir, I was wondering if you'd go with me and a couple of the lads for a drink after work. Before you say no, we know you don't drink...liquor. Perhaps just a Spruce beer?"

"I don't know, George." But William saw the eager look on George's face. "Alright, George. One drink."

When they arrived at the pub, everyone was there. But best of all the inspector was there too. William's face lit up when he saw Brackenreid, as did the inspector's face as well. It was Thomas's first outing since the beating. He looked pale and walked slowly having to rely on his walking stick for real now. But, he was there, nevertheless. As William approached him, Thomas clapped him on the back.

"Bloody hell, Murdoch. He got you to the pub after all. I didn't think Crabtree could do it."

"Sir, it's so wonderful seeing you up and about. But what is all this?"
Murdoch made a sweeping gesture with his arm to indicate virtually every man from the station, not just the few George had hinted at.

"Murdoch, it's your bachelor party. We knew you wouldn't come without a little subterfuge."

"I'm flattered that you all wanted to do this, but really..."

"Just shut up Murdoch, and let the lads honor their favorite detective."

"Alright, sir." Murdoch couldn't help but grin as the men all gathered around him in great bonhomie.

Dinner had been arranged and the pub was closed to others for the evening. Tables had been arranged in a circle and Murdoch looked quite pleased, yet somewhat embarrassed to be the center of attention. There was a lot of chatter until at last Brackenreid rose slowly to make a speech.

"As you all well know, Murdoch here has been pursuing Dr. Ogden for quite some time." The men laughed and Brackenreid continued. "There have been some ups and downs, probably more downs than ups until recently. But his persistence and love won out. And now our intrepid detective is ready to tie the knot. Though we thought this day would never come, it has...at last. So to you, William Murdoch, and your lady love," and now the inspector held up a glass of Scotch, his first of the evening, "may you and the good doctor be blessed with more ups in your future than downs." The men cheered and clapped and William blushed and grinned.

"I want to thank you all for this splendid evening. I have truly enjoyed working with each of you. And your support and friendship have allowed me to keep going in spite of my own...shortcomings." Laughter. "So thank you, thank you all." And with that William took a big gulp of the Scotch sitting before him. Then there was more laughter and applause.
Murdoch leaned over to George, "Thank you, George. I've really had a pleasant time."

"I'm glad, sir. But this was all Henry's idea."

"Oh, really? Then I will have to thank him as well."

As they evening wore down the men began to leave.

"If you're ready, Murdoch, I'll drop you off at the doctor's on my way home."

"Yes, thank you sir."

William helped Brackenreid get into the cab, then climbed in behind him.

"Are you nervous, me ol' mucker, with the date almost here?"

"No sir. I've been waiting for this for ever. To tell the truth, I didn't think it was ever going to happen. But I can hardly wait now."

"Well it better happen soon, while you're still relatively in one piece, what with your mouse and gimpy shoulder."

"Yes indeed, sir," Murdoch laughed.