Chapter 1: Anxiety

Inspector William Murdoch tried to focus on the case that currently absorbed him. Before him lay evidence: crime scene photos, several suspicious notes, and witness statements. The case seemed complicated, but it was precisely such cases that always fascinated him. The murder mystery at the hotel in downtown Toronto had captured the attention of the entire city. However, William's thoughts kept drifting to England.

Julia Ogden, the love of his life, had gone there a few months ago to work on a new medical project. Initially, they exchanged letters regularly and spoke on the phone. Her stories about her new job were full of enthusiasm, and William eagerly awaited each message from her. But for some time now, the letters had stopped coming, and the phone calls had ceased. It had been two weeks since he had received any letter or phone call from her. At first, he tried to excuse her silence – perhaps she was busy, perhaps there were problems with the mail or phone connection. But now he was really starting to worry.

"Sir, anything new in the case?" Detective Crabtree asked, entering the office. George Crabtree had been promoted to detective thanks to Chief Constable Brackenreid's recommendation, shortly after William became an inspector.

William looked up from the pile of documents spread out on his desk. "Not yet, George. I'm still analyzing the evidence," he replied, reviewing the notes once more. "I feel like I've missed something."

Crabtree nodded and stepped closer, glancing at the documents. "This is the hotel case, right?" he asked, pointing to one of the photos showing the elegant hotel interior, now marred by crime.

"Yes, exactly," William replied, furrowing his brow. "The victim was well-known in society, had many friends, but also a few enemies. Everything indicates that it's someone from her close circle."

"What about the suspects?" Crabtree asked, flipping through the notes. "Anyone stand out?"

William sighed and leaned back in his chair. "We have a few suspects, but each of them has an alibi. Nothing fits. I feel like we've missed something, some small detail that could change everything."

Crabtree looked at Murdoch with concern. "Maybe you should take a break, sir. You look tired."

Murdoch smiled weakly. "Maybe you're right, George. Sometimes a break helps to see everything from a different perspective."

Crabtree nodded and returned to his work, leaving William with his thoughts. Inspector Murdoch leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes for a moment. Images from the crime scene blending in his mind with images of Julia. Why was Julia silent? Could something have happened to her? He tried to push these thoughts away, but they were like persistent flies that wouldn't leave him alone.

He tried to focus on analyzing the evidence, but thoughts of Julia wouldn't leave him. He stood up and walked to the window, looking out at the streets of Toronto. The city was bustling with life, as people hurried about their business, completely unaware of his anxiety. William took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. He had to focus on his work, but he was more worried about Julia than ever.

In the evening, after a long day at work, William decided to go home. He rode his bike through the familiar streets of Toronto. The darkness of night was slowly covering the city, and the street lamps cast long shadows on the cobbled streets. Suddenly, he remembered that he had written a letter to Julia a few days ago but had forgotten to send it. The letter was lying on his desk, and he kept postponing sending it day after day. Every evening he promised himself that he would definitely send it the next morning, but work and duties always consumed him. "I hope that if I send it tomorrow, it will reach her in time for our anniversary," he thought, speeding up.

William missed Julia very much. Her absence was difficult for him, and each day without her seemed longer than usual. He missed her smile, their conversations, and the evenings they spent together. He dreamed of spending their anniversary together, but he knew it was impossible. Her work in England was too important, and he understood her passion and dedication. That's why he wrote this letter – to be closer to her for a moment, to express his feelings and longing, hoping that his words on paper would bring her some joy on their special day.

He also missed their little Susannah. The thought of her smile and joyful shouts filled him with warmth but also heightened his sense of emptiness. He missed the moments with his daughter, her curiosity about the world, and her innocent questions that always brightened his day. He knew Julia's work was important, but the separation was hard for the whole family.

He passed familiar buildings bathed in twilight until he finally reached his home. However, something seemed strange. The lights were on in his house. "I didn't leave the lights on," he thought, worried. He got off his bike, left it, and approached the door, listening. In the evening quiet, he could hear muffled voices from inside the house. His heart started to beat faster. Something was wrong.

He slowly pressed the door handle and was surprised to realize that the door was not locked. He opened it gently and entered, trying to keep quiet. He took a few steps inside, listening to the voices coming from deeper in the house.

Deep inside the house, he heard soft whispers. He took a few more steps, encountering scattered things in the living room. It was clear that someone had been there.

His heart beat harder. He tried to gather his thoughts, but his mind was in chaos. What had happened here? Who could be in his house? William knew he had to act quickly and carefully.

Standing in the living room, he heard footsteps approaching behind him. He froze. For a moment, he stood motionless, terrified that he had nothing to defend himself with. He turned slowly and came face to face with a figure that suddenly appeared in his path.

TBC