Detective Murdoch was in his desk for several minutes while the day was well under way. He had just hung up the phone when Constable Higgins came in a report by hand.
-So, what do you have Henry?
-Leslie Garland, 27, single, a law student at the University of Toronto for two years before he was studying in Buffalo, the economy.
-Law student, as James Dawson.
-Indeed, sir, they were in the same class last year. I questioned Garland's friends on campus and they have told me that the victim and Garland were dating again. They happened to be after school.
-With their friends no doubt, William whispered.
-Not really sir, Henry grumbled.
William frowned and saw the young man in front of him apparently ill at ease.
-Not really? What do you mean?
-Well, let's say I believe they were on the other side if you see what I mean.
William remained silent and Henry kept looking at the floor.
-Homosexuels, murmured the young man.
-No I do not think Henry, Garland has a flirty reputation, he collects girlfriends.
-But one of them told me they saw Dawson and Garland close enough that there is three months. She surprised them in the bedroom that rented Garland. She said that it was only a short time but she is convinced that she saw.
-Leslie would have killed his lover?
-Passionate crime, they had apparently broken since. Nobody then reviewed together they had been close friends before, now I understand why, the young man muttered to himself.
William pursed his lips and he looked again the blackboard which was a little further. He finally understood the details of this case. All this had nothing to do with money, any traffic, it was a crime of passion or revenge. Leslie Garland was the culprit and his brother had covered. They had tried to shift suspicion on the owner of the club, disguising the murder in reckoning thus leading them on a false trail.
-Julia was right, William whispered to himself.
-I beg your pardon sir? Henry asked him back.
William then turned to look at him and through the window he saw the young woman in the open space, her daughter in hand. He left his office in a jump without giving an answer.
-Julia? Whispered he breathless in front of her.
-William ... I, she said, plunging her eyes into his, I left my home and I have left a letter to Darcy to tell him that I was visiting a sick aunt in Montreal. I took some business. I go to Buffalo and I'll investigate Leslie. I will place Olivia in a person of trust. I ... I ask nothing to you but ... I wanted to tell you before leaving.
-Julia , this is pure folly. You can not do justice yourself.
-I can not help but do so. I want to face myself in front of this man and ...
-Leslie is no longer in Buffalo, William cut tenderly, police searched the home of his parents, nobody knows where he is right now.
-Perhaps I know, whispered Julia, there remains a small house that Darcy and Leslie inherited from their great-aunt when they were still teenagers.
-Do you the location of this house?
-Yes. I'm already gone. Darcy took me there for a weekend after meeting his parents. It is isolated in the forest and only a dirt road provides access it. The police will never think to go there.
They were silent a moment, staring into the one on the other. Silently. William knew he could do nothing to change her mind. He wanted to prevent her. He knew she was going to risk her life for anything he did not want to lose her. He knew that if he did not act in the second, he would, forever, in one way or another.
-Do not go, whispered him lip, drawing his hand from her, barely to caress the fingertips palm of her hand, do not do that.
-I have no choice, Leslie will flee otherwise. No one threatens my daughter Detective, or he suffers the consequences.
-You risk your life.
-I know it, Julia nodded slowly, but I refuse to continue living in lies and fear.
William pursed his lips and she even gave him a look before she get away from him.
-Goodbye Detective, she said simply before walking away.
But it was enough for William to watch her again. Julia did not notice, but Olivia gave him a huge smile and heart of William clenched in his chest. He saw them turn the corner of the hallway and in one jump he rushed into the office of his superior. He did not bother to knock. He entered as a bomb.
-Murdoch you ...
-I take three or four days off, I do not know when I will return and ..
-And Dawson's case ?
-This is about the Dawson investigation, I will keep you informed of every detail in the shortest possible time, but I do not have time to explain now. I simply ask you to trust me.
He spent a few seconds in the most absolute silence before the Inspector simply nods.
-Go ahead and Murdoch do not leave her eyes.
William frowned and Brakenreid laughed good heart.
-A woman like her, is not allowed to escape Detective. Come back alive and with a criminal behind bars, that's all I ask.
-I will Sir, William nodded before leaving his office to get his.
He took his coat and hat and left the building quickly without even granting look neither left nor right. Once in the street, he swept at a glance. He saw the red car on the other side, ready to start and ran in his direction. He arrived in-extremist to the door when she darted into the street. He crossed the stunned look of Julia that opened the window.
-William?
-Julia, I come with you.
-But you...
-I beg you, the young man insisted, let me come with you.
She looked again a few seconds he thought endless and simply smiled.
-Very well, come.
He smiled back and walked around the car to sit on the front passenger seat. He removed his hat and closed the door.
-William is coming with us mom? Olivia tossed on the backseat.
-Yes my sweetheart, he accompanies us.
-Yeeees, threw the girl cheerfully.
The adults exchanged a glance and a smile and Julia started to drive in traffic.
-And where are we going? William asked, looking at the buildings scrolling.
-Niagara Falls, to my sister.
-Auntie Ruby is very funny and pretty, gave Olivia, she is the best auntie that exist on Earth. You will see William, you're gonna love her. Everyone loves auntie Ruby.
At these words, William discreetly watched Julia sat next to him. He smiled tenderly, noticing a face that was drawn on the face of the young woman. He still does not know her enough to know why she did it. But he hoped with all my heart that this grimace reflected the advanced jealousy she might have if her sister did not leave him unmoved.
to be continued...