"George!"

"Sir!"

George came running into the Detective's office.

"George, where did you get this letter?"

"In the mail, as usual. Why?"

"This isn't a telegram; it's a recording." Murdoch held up the little chip and then inserted it into the recorder.

"Hello Detective Murdoch,"

"Gillies." Both men came to the conclusion at the same time.

"Did you miss me, because I sure did. Did you enjoy your wedding? How is the Inspector and Crabtree and the others? I hope they missed me too. It's been just so boring without a little action around here.

"But anyway, down to business. I bet you're wondering how I could have possibly survived that jump off the bridge. I'm not going to tell you that quiet yet, but it was foolhardy of you to follow me. I was almost surprised that you survived, but then again, you're Detective William Murdoch.

"I've already paid a visit to Julia, but don't worry, she's not dead. Yet.

"I understand she's on that little island with Dr. Emily Grace,"

George clenched his fists.

"Elizabeth Jackson, Constable Killian O'Shire, and Ruby Ogden―oops. I nearly forgot. Scratch Miss. Ogden off the list. It's really too bad, but since Julia overstepped the boundaries, well, I couldn't let her tell you that I was alive, not without me telling you first! That would've spoiled the surprise!

"Now, I give you a choice, Detective. You can either stay safe in Toronto and listen as I describe each death to you, except your wife's, of course, or you can come and sign the death warrant of all on that island, including your own.

"It's your decision."

The recording ended and shut off.

"Emily. He has Emily." said George.

"And Julia, and Liz, and Killian, he has them all." said Murdoch quietly.

"Inspector! Inspector Brackenreid! Inspector!"

"What is it, Crabtree?" The Inspector asked, Scotch in hand.

"Sir, you need to hear this." said Murdoch.

He replayed the recording for the Inspector. As it shut off, he said, "Bloody hell. Gillies' alive."

"Well, sir, it could be a recording of his voice, you know, like multiple conversations mashed into one," said George. "Like what Gillies did to impersonate Dr. Ogden."

"I thought about that too, George, but when Gillies killed Darcey and tried to frame Julia, the recording was choppy and had multiple tones. This was very smooth and definitely Gillies' voice."

"But should we call him in, just to be sure?" asked the Inspector.

"Who, sir?" asked George.

"Bloody hell, Crabtree, Leslie Garland! Go find him! Bring him in for questioning!"

"Yes, sir!" George strode out of the room, determination etched on his face. George didn't like it when people messed around with his friends, especially his sweetheart.

"Murdoch," the Inspector came over to him and said, "If this turns out to be James Gillies' handiwork, I'm gonna tighten the noose around the bloody bastard's neck myself."

"My thoughts exactly, sir, but what if it turns out to be Leslie Garland again? He's still bitter about me and Julia."

"I'll deal with the little bugger myself if he's behind all of this. Murdoch, make sure you get all of those girls home. I don't want my one and only lady copper dying on me." The Inspector winked at Murdoch, took a swig of Scotch, and left his office.

What are you up to Gillies? Why now? Why Ruby Ogden, Elizabeth Jackson, Emily Grace, and Killian O'Shire? What are they to you?

  ~  All credit goes to Flynn Writer. 

Crazybird out~