Chapter 5: In the Shadow of Danger

The recent bombing had left too many unanswered questions, and the clock on the wall seemed to tick louder with each passing second. Murdoch flipped through the disjointed evidence—threatening notes, fragments of the explosive device, conflicting witness statements—searching for the elusive thread that would tie it all together. Just as frustration began to creep in, his phone buzzed on the desk. The name "Julia" lit up on the screen. His heart skipped a beat, and a smile spread across his face.

"Hey, love," he answered, picking up the call. "How are you two doing?"

"Hi, William. We're doing well. Susannah just fell asleep after a full day of running around the park. How about you?"

"Busy. I'm working on an investigation into the bombing. The target seems to have been Ruth Higgins-Newsome. She survived, thankfully, but a bystander wasn't so lucky."

"Ruth? Has she had issues with fans before? You know, obsessive ones?"

"That's exactly what I'm looking into," William admitted. "She's received threats and strange gifts, but so far, we're still piecing it all together."

"I hope you find some answers soon. Be careful, William. I don't want anything to happen to you."

"Don't worry about me," he said gently. "Focus on yourself and Susannah. I miss you both so much."

William hesitated for a moment.

"Honestly, Julia, it's hard to concentrate. I miss you and Susannah more than I can say. Being apart from you two... it's harder than I thought."

"We miss you too," Julia replied softly. "But remember, we're here for you, even from a distance."

"I know. It's just that every day without you feels like an eternity."

"Maybe we should do more video calls," Julia suggested. "Susannah loves seeing you on the screen."

"That's a great idea. I'd love to see you both as often as possible, even if it's just virtually."

"Then let's plan for tomorrow evening," she said. "After Susannah's bath, we'll call, and she'll be thrilled to talk to you."

"I can't wait," William said, a warmth in his voice. "Thank you, Julia. Your support means everything to me."

"I'll always be here for you, William. We're a family, even when we're miles apart."

"You're right," he said with a nod. "I love you both so much."

"And we love you. Talk to you tomorrow."

"Tomorrow,"

After the call ended, William leaned back in his chair, feeling a little lighter. Despite the distance, his bond with Julia and Susannah was as strong as ever. With renewed energy, he turned back to the case files, more determined than ever to crack the case.