Each chapter reimagines an episode of Season 18 in a modern-day setting, highlighting the heartfelt conversations between William and Julia.
Chapter 1: The New Connection
Detective William Murdoch got home tired but content. The murder case during the historical reenactment had been solved – the real culprit caught, and Samuel Baker, wrongfully accused, could finally breathe easy. William made himself a cup of tea, sank into his chair by the window, and glanced at the clock. It was just after 3 PM in Toronto, which meant early evening in England – perfect timing to call Julia and Susannah.
He started the video call, and a moment later, Julia's face appeared on the screen – tired, but smiling warmly. In the background, he spotted their daughter playing with blocks.
"William!" Julia greeted him warmly. "Great to see you."
"Great to see you, too," he replied with a smile.
Julia tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and glanced at Susannah.
"Susannah! Daddy's calling," she said, turning the phone so their daughter could see him.
The little girl walked over to the screen, beaming.
"Daddy!" she exclaimed, waving enthusiastically.
William chuckled.
"Hey, sweetheart. What've you been up to today?" he asked warmly.
Susannah responded with a flurry of cheerful sounds, from which he caught "ducks" and "blocks." Julia laughed softly and stepped in.
"We went to the park, and then she built a tower with her blocks. She's been non-stop today, as you can probably tell."
William nodded, and as Susannah returned to playing, Julia looked at him curiously.
"Did you wrap up the case?" she asked.
William leaned back comfortably and started recounting the last couple of days – the murder at the historical reenactment, the initial suspicion on Samuel Baker, and the investigation that finally uncovered the true culprit hiding among the participants.
"That sounds like a tough one," Julia said once he finished. "But I knew you'd figure it out."
"I missed having your take on it," he admitted sincerely. "I often think about our conversations and wonder what you'd have said."
Julia smiled warmly, her voice softening.
"William, I'm always with you," she said gently. "And in moments like these, I miss you even more. But remember, we're a team, even from far away."
William smiled back, comforted by her words.
"And speaking of work, we've got a new inspector."
"Oh? Who?" Julia raised her eyebrows.
"Albert Choi," William replied. "I think we'll get along, but we're still figuring out how to work together."
"That sounds promising," Julia remarked with a smile. "You've always found a way to make things work."
William glanced at the clock. It was nearing bedtime in England, and Julia looked like she'd had a long day.
"Hug Susannah for me and tell her Daddy loves her," he said warmly.
"I will," Julia replied. "And you get some rest, William. You're our hero."
Murdoch smiled.
"And you're my heroes. I love you."
"And we love you," Julia said before the call ended.
William set the phone down and looked at the photo of Julia and Susannah on the dresser. Despite the ocean between them, he felt that his family's love was always close.
