“Sir, there’s no question, we have to go after them.”

Higgins expressed his concern, but he should’ve done it in a calmer tone.

“Henry,” the Detective spoke in a calm tone to his constable. “I know we’re all shocked that James Gillies is alive, but we can’t do something rash, not yet. We need to think. Why now? Why wait three months to plot his revenge?”

“Probably because the bugger was too messed up to do anything else,” said the Inspector.

“Good point sir, but there are still more questions. How did he know where Julia was? Was he the one who broke our friends out of jail, and if so, why? Who will be his next victim.?

George Crabtree entered.

“Out with it Crabtree.” said the Inspector.

“Sir, I couldn’t find Leslie Garland. I contacted his family, and they said that Leslie was crippled in an accident a few weeks ago, a little while before the Detective and the Mrs. got married.”

“Gillies,” said Murdoch. “He impersonated someone who would be a grieving and loving family member to get under our skin.”

“But sir, to answer your question, I think I can answer one and two.”

“Alright George, give it a shot.”

George walked over to Murdoch’s chalkboard and drew a crude drawing of Resolute Island.

“Well sir, my theory is that Gillies could’ve heard us talking about going and then decided to take his revenge on us then.”

“But that could’ve been anywhere,” said Higgins. “the Station House, the pub, even our own houses.”

“Well Henry, that doesn’t really matter now. Gillies could’ve easily tracked the girls,” he made a dotted line from the coast to the center of the island. “from the dock and to the house.” George made a square to signify the house.

“Very good George, but what about question two?” asked Murdoch.

“Well sir, my guess is that the boys we brought in may have know Gillies previously.”

“You mean like prison mates or classmates?”

“Both sir. One of our escaped boys is none other than that Perry fellow.”

“Robert Perry? You mean to tell me we had Gillies’ first accomplis right under our bloody noses and didn’t notice?” asked the Inspector.

“That’s the one sir. Either Gillies is planning something with Perry, or he simply wanted revenge. It’s hard to say.”

“I think the bloody bastard just wanted to get his hands on the slimy git who got cold feet and ratted him out in the first place,” said Inspector Brackenreid. “Besides, I thought Gillies had killed him during that creepy doll case. I say we go out there and take our chances.”

“Sir, while I think action is our course, we can’t guarantee anyone’s safety if we go in guns ablazin’,” said Murdoch.

“Well, we can’t just sit here and do nothing.” argued Higgins.

“Henry, we’ll figure something out”

As if on cue, Jackson came in holding a package.

“For you, sir.”

“Thank you, Jackson.”

Murdoch opened the package and, sure enough, there was another recording. He plugged it in, and soon James Gillies’ voice filled the room.

“Hello Detective. I’m surprised you haven’t come with the entire Toronto Constabulary to rescue your wife. It has been entertaining, it really has been. And so simple, really.

“Who would’ve thought that Killian would have been so gullible and naive. I guess some people never change.” Henry’s hands balled into fists.

“He knows Killian.”

“She was just so easy to manipulate, Murdoch. She reminds me of you a little. She has such a fiery aspect to her, but Killian is just so hell-bent on keeping everyone she cares about safe, she forgets about her own well being.”

“He’s killed her,” whispered Henry. “He’s gone and killed her.”

“Oh, don’t worry, she’s not dead yet, just… out of the way. Without Killian, there really isn’t anyone to protect the rest. We’re down to three, Murdoch. Who will be next?”

The recording shut off, and Murdoch pulled out a slip of paper from the package. It was a picture. A picture of Elizabeth Jackson.

“ ‘Down to three’? But Gillies said that he hadn’t killed Killian,” said George.

“He wasn’t referring to the constable, George.”

Murdoch handed the picture of Mrs. Jackson to his constable.

“Jackson, I’m sorry.”

Jackson looked down at his wife’s smiling face and traced the outline of her lips.

“I thought we’d become a family,” he said, tears pouring down his face. “Have children, watch them grow up.”

Murdoch stood.

“Sir?” George looked heartbroken and concerned.

“George, break out the armory. Jackson, gather up as many constables as you can find. Higgins, go down to the docks and find the Ferryman. Tell him to set course for Resolute Island. Now!”

“Yes sir!”

~~
Finally got this published since these past few days have been busy.

~
All credit goes to Flynn Writer.
Crazybird out~