so seems like my family lives like in that age....we have a rule 'cook always cleans'...
nice post, Cath, , it made me warm in this freezing weather we have here

Chapter 13

‘You didn’t have to agree to visit the jewellers you know’ Sue wasn’t sure what she wanted him to answer.

‘It would have looked odd if I didn’t at least consider it’ he answered softly.

That wasn’t the answer she wanted and she sighed softly, it looked as though it was indeed Jack thinking fast and protecting them. She knew enough about deaf culture and medical history to know that in years past, in the absence of reliable hearing tests, people who were deaf could and would be sent to the asylums in the mistaken belief that they were retarded. She’d noticed how little Jack had signed and the slight, subtle head movements to indicate someone was talking to her.

‘So, where are we going to stay tonight?’ he asked, sliding his arm around her shoulder and signing with hid free hand.

‘Maybe we should see if the Claymore exists’ Sue suggested relishing being in his arms but needing to release the tears of frustration welling up inside.

‘What did you do this afternoon while I was up to my elbows in bits of body?’

Sue smiled softly, aware that he could be a little squeamish at times, ‘Joe took me on a tour of the city, we walked Levi then I took him and some of the other boys to get something to eat…. then we returned to the station.’

‘Here we go, one stables’ Jack’s touch on her arm broke in to her thoughts.

‘Hi, we need a cab to take us to the Claymore Hotel?’

‘Sure, it’ll cost you this time of night’

‘Not a problem’ Jack pulled out some money and watched the man’s eyes light up.

Assisting Sue and Levi in to the carriage Jack sat beside Sue, his arm firmly around her shoulder.

‘What’s with him?’ he asked as Levi dug around the rich leather seating.

‘Maybe it’s another body’ she suggested softly, rolling her eyes as Jack bent closer to look.

‘BLOOD’ he signed, ‘you think he could be the killer?’

‘Maybe, but you can’t haul him in and interrogate him’ Sue smiled.

‘I know….. but Will can……’ he banged loudly on the roof of the cab, almost falling as the horse came to an abrupt stop.

‘I’m sorry but my wife appears to have left her purse behind….. if you go back we can pay you handsomely…..’ he closed his ears to the expletives passing from the lips of the driver as he wheeled the horse around.

‘You go speak to Will, I’ll wait here’ Jack ordered as they arrived back at the house.
‘Or I could stay here…….’

‘No, I’m not leaving you with a potential killer…….’

‘urry up lady I wants me bed and the ‘orse wants ‘is dinner….’

‘Go…….’ Jack practically shoved her out the cab before turning to the driver, ‘women huh? Forget their heads if they weren’t screwed on…..’

‘I’m detective William Murdoch from number 4 station, could you step down please?’

The cabbie would have driven away but Jack had a firm grip on the reins, a grip he maintained even as the cabbie lashed out at him with the whip.

As Will snatched the whip from his hands Jack released the reins and pulled the man down from his seat, chuckling as Levi stood his ground and snarled.

Hauling the cabbie to his feet Jack momentarily lost concentration, giving the man time to pull out a knife and slice it in to Jack’s arm.

As Jack clutched his arm and growled his frustration Will kicked the hand holding the knife and brought the man under control.

‘Sue, would you be kind enough to listen out for Adam while Amy rides to the station for a constable?’

Sue shook her head at Jack, not wanting them to know she was deaf, such information would lead to too many questions. Instead she nodded and entered the house.

Jack watched in amazement as Amy hurtled off, she was almost as quick as he and Will had been earlier.

‘Life with Amy is never dull’ Will grinned before turning his attention to Jack who remained clutching his arm as blood trickled around his fingers.

‘We’ll get the doc to look at that when the constable takes him away’ Will carefully picked up the knife, wrapping it in a clean handkerchief, ‘maybe the prints will match’ he murmured.

As Amy returned with two constables Sue exited the house, ‘he’s asleep, how’s your arm?’

‘I’ll live, I’m tough’ he smiled.

Instructing one of the constables to walk the suspect to the station and the other to wheel the cycles back Will kissed Amy softly on the lips and took the reins of the carriage horse, walking it slowly to the station.

‘Brackenreid will have my head for this, another horse to feed while I look for clues in the carriage’ he explained.

‘Not if you find the killer….. the seats have a very distinct pattern, maybe you’ll find a match on the marks of the victim, from where she lay on the seat after death….. and if the prints match you’ve cracked the case. He can’t argue with that…’

‘I’ll leave him in the cell for tonight, question him tomorrow, would you like to be present?’

‘I would but I have to visit the jewellery store first’ he smiled.

‘And the doctor’ Will suggested.

‘I’ll have Sue look at it, the bleeding has stopped.’

‘I’ll see you tomorrow, good night’ Will touched the tip of his hat as they stepped in to another cab hailed outside the station.

Wow! That was intense!

Wow. When Jack took that stab in the arm, I cringed. That was some quick thinking going on there to subdue that cabbie.

Ack! You've hurt Jack! How dare you!?

It was some quick thinking on his part, though. I'm glad he was able to subdue the cabbie. I wonder if he really is the killer or not.

Interruptions.........that's all we get in this universe, too!

Intense scene! I too cringed when Jack was stabbed in the arm!
Great writing!
Looking forward to more!

Tracy

Boy, I had to hold my breath during that post!! I wonder if they do indeed have their killer???

Joy

caught up on so many fantastic post Cath and im loving it cant wait for more
Lin

Yay!!!

Jack..please don't ever let someone do that to you again...next time I think I will

You might like this post, or then again you might not

Chapter 14

‘Mr and Mrs Hudson……. do you have a room available?’

Jack took the keys from the receptionist and led Sue up the stairs.

‘We can’t share……. and we’re not married’ she hissed.

‘I know but I’m not having you in a room on your own……… I don’t want anything to happen to you, I can’t keep you safe if you’re in another room…… we don’t want to lose you…. I don’t want to lose you……anyway, how would it look if I went back to DC and said you’d been murdered in 19th century Toronto? They’d have me admitted to the nearest psychiatric hospital…….although is it possible to be killed many years before you were born……?’ The warm smile and twinkling eyes convinced her that she wasn’t going to win that particular argument and she gratefully accepted. One night in his arms was better than nothing.

‘Let me see’ she demanded as Jack slipped the jacket off, wincing as the knife wound began to bleed again, the dried blood pulling off with the jacket.

Dropping the jacket to the floor she waited for Jack to remove the tie and unbutton the shirt.

‘That looks nasty’ she whispered examining the cut closely in an effort to drag her gaze away from the firm, muscular shoulders on view, ‘if we were in DC I’d be taking you to the hospital for stitches.

‘If we were in DC I’d probably let you but not here, not now……. I’m too much of a wuss to let anyone stitch me without a local…. I’ll live…..’

‘Here…….’ he pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to her, biting back the pain as she tried to clean away the blood before wrapping the linen around the wound.

‘When we get back to DC you’re going to see a doctor, and no arguing’ she rolled her eyes and chuckled as he saluted smartly.

As he kicked off his shoes and socks Sue glanced nervously around the room, they appeared to have no bags which meant no night attire so she had the choice of sleeping in the dress which would be horribly uncomfortable or removing the dress and sleeping in the undergarments which covered her completely.

‘Sue, I can sleep on the floor’ he offered softly.

She looked at the floor which didn’t look a whole lot cleaner than the roads outside, although at least it didn’t have horse dung dotted around. ‘No, not with your arm, I’ve never done this before…. shared a bed with a man…… I guess all this is a little too much…..’ tears pricked her eyes and he knew she was wondering if they would return.

‘I know, you know you can trust me don’t you? You know I would never deliberately hurt you?’

‘I know….. I’m sorry, of all the men I know you are the one I trust the most, the one I know doesn’t want more from me……’

Jack sighed inwardly at her words, no longer requiring a cold shower, wondering if she had any idea just how much he wanted from and with her and for her.

Leaving her to change Jack removed the scratchy undershirt and slipped in to bed, turning his back to give her some privacy.

Feeling her slide in beside him Jack rolled over and took her in his arms, seeking to reassure her as well as himself.

As he tried to sleep Will’s words swam round his mind, he knew he wanted more in life than returning home to an empty apartment after an evening out with Sue, he ached for the wife, children, home aspect currently missing from his life. His heart had burned when he saw Sue with Adam, wanted to be with her as she held their son in her arms.
Amy had been right too, there were more important things in life than a job, ‘if the bureau won’t scrap the rule then I’ll leave’ he told himself……. AGAIN…..

Cuddling in to him and beginning to drift off to sleep her hand snaked over his chest before resting over his heart. She knew her mom would have a fit if she ever knew she was sharing a bed with a semi naked man but right now she didn’t care, all that mattered was that tonight her dreams were half coming true.

Planting a soft kiss on his shoulder where her head rested she murmured the words she often whispered when she knew he couldn’t hear. ‘I love you Jack……….’ before falling asleep.

Thrilling at her touch he almost melted when she kissed him then felt the tears trickle down his cheeks as he heard those simple yet beautiful words.
Dipping his head he kissed her gently on the top of her head and whispered softly, ‘love you too Sue…..’

Falling asleep he determined that whatever else they did tomorrow they would find the jewellery shop and purchase, if not an engagement ring, at least a ring which promised a future together.

So now Jack knows...but Sue doesn't know how he feels.

Now get yourself down to that jewellry shop first thing in the morning and TELL HER!

Love this Cath but I'm back to reading Murdoch.I'm up to book three.I've a lot of

catching up before the series starts.

Ch 13 Post 152 - After reading the first two sentences I've an idea how this story is going to unfold, Cath, but I'll keep it to myself for the time being. If it's what I think it is, I'm gonna love it. But then, I'll love it no matter what happens. I love your stories. Reading on...... I had not thought of this angle, although I do remember reading it in one of your posts......beautiful job of bringing these fears to the forefront of Sue's mind. Now, you are NOT going in that direction to create some angst, are you?

Cath...I have a question for you....why is it that Jack always seems to get hurt in your stories? Here I was, in the comment above, worrying about Sue, and what do you do but injure Jack, yet again! Couldn't we have just one story without him being cut, shot, burned, crashing in a plane, broken ribs, etc? *****whiney child-like voice***** Sorry, I guess I'm in a melancholy mood this morning. I just want everything to be right in Jack and Sue's world.

Ch 14 Post #162 - Now Cath, that was rather enigmatic! Reading on.... Beautiful scene....only I wish he had told her.

Oh, I know, he was too choked up to tell her...but, knowing you, a lot WILL happen before they visit that jewelry shop! Now see what you've gone and done? I'm reading each scene with trepidation, expecting the other

to drop...like what if the cut gets infected and they don't have any antibiodics to treat it? I'm not usually a worrying person Cath, but you have me worried and that's coloring the fuzzies!

Oh, woe is me! What a way to start my day...and I have to go get a flu shot...maybe I could ask for some antibiotic salve for Jack and ship it overnight to you so you could slip it into the hotel room surrepticiously. Or maybe they could just make some pencillian, you know, put something in a little glass to mold...but that would take too long! Well, guess I'd better get over to the doctor's office before they get too busy! I hope you will treat us more kindly when you come back....like easing these fears that seem to have taken over this body of mine! Here, will this help?

Lynn

Everything between Jack and Sue seems to be going so right!

that was beautiful now jack buy the ring then tell
sue you love her and wont to marry her Im loving this more soon please
pretty please Cath
Lin

I just caught up, Cath, and I am totally loving this story! I wish they were showing the Murdoch show in the US. It sounds great! Can't wait for more!!!

Em

Ok Jack...you know her feelings and that she loves you...don't you think now is the time to tell her about your fellings. Jewelery shopping is a good idea tho!

jack now you better tell her, she needs to know. really know how you feel about her. just tell her.

I would have to think that now that Jack knows how Sue feels it would be easier for him to say the words so she can see them.

Let's just hope that turtleboy doesn't come about in the nineteenth century and if he does, let's leave that part of him there!

Jack Hudson and Sue love each other so much. I love the jewelry especially the idea of a promise ring if he couldn't find an engagement ring he liked.

That was beautiful!
Now that Jack knows Sue loves him, I hope he'll tell her he loves her soon!
Looking forward to more!

Tracy

he couldn't tell her, she was asleep

just as well i've written this, i never considered lack of antibiotics and possible infection maybe i should go rewrite the ending

Chapter 15

Paying the bill they exited the hotel, both hoping that today would see them back in modern-day Toronto.

Breakfast had been sparse but tasty and Levi had wolfed down the third breakfast they had ordered.

‘I thought we could checkout that shop Amy mentioned’ Jack suggested, wrapping his arm around her shoulders.

‘And why would you want to do that?’ she asked, screwing up her face in confusion.

‘Because…..’ he smiled, haling a cab and giving directions.

Assisting her and Levi out of the cab and paying the cabbie he took her hand and led her in to the store.

She wanted to run, or slap him she wasn’t sure which was the most appealing action right now, he was taking this role thing too far and she wondered if he had any idea how much she wanted this for real.

‘Pick a ring, any ring’ he murmured, his eyes sparkling as she realised this wasn’t any undercover. ‘I love you Sue, I want to be with you now, today and for the rest of our lives, whichever century it is. Will you marry me? Please?’ tears trickled down her cheeks as he dropped to his knees, love shining from his eyes.

‘Why?’

It wasn’t the answer he was expecting or hoping for but she deserved an explanation for the sudden change after more than 4 years of bumbling.

‘Everything Will and Amy said last night made sense. I’ve spent 4 years trying to convince myself that we could continue as friends, that having a job was more important than having you….. I failed miserably to convince myself and now I don’t want to. I want a future with you and children, if I have to move units then I don’t care anymore. I want you to hold our son as you held Adam last night….. I love you and I want to shout it from the rooftops…… marry me? please?’ He did his best to sign but his mouth got carried away and the only signs he fitted in were ‘LOVE YOU ME MARRY ME YOU PLEASE’ but later he would know they were the most important signs.

‘Yes’ she whispered as tears poured down her cheeks and Jack rose to his feet and pulled her tightly against him before dipping his head and rendering her speechless and senseless with his kiss.

‘We’re American’ he explained to the rather prim assistant who had tutted and muttered all through the kiss.

‘American? I guess that explains a lot’ she snapped before turning on her most charming smile as Jack pulled out his money.

‘I like this one……..’ Jack peered over her shoulder to see a single diamond surrounded by rubies which matched her dress perfectly.

‘BEAUTIFUL’ he signed, ‘you and the ring’

Slipping it on to her finger he kissed her softly, aware this time of the presence of the assistant who looked uncannily like Arlene.

‘We could buy our wedding rings too’ he suggested shyly, his heart pounding wildly as Sue agreed.

Leaving the store with the rings they headed to the station. Jack ached to find somewhere nice and quiet so he could kiss Sue’s socks off but he wasn’t sure they wouldn’t be thrown in to prison for what might be termed inappropriate actions, not that he intended there to be anything inappropriate but from what he remembered of his history the Victorian’s had a different idea of what was appropriate or otherwise.

I don't think Sue would mind have her socks, or in this case, her stockings kissed off. Loved Jack's proposal, and I'm thrilled she said yes.

sue said YESSSSSSSSSSSS wonderful just make it soon jack please pretty please
Lin

Something very good has come out of being thrown back in time!! Jack, you did good!!! The ring sounds beautiful, and I'm sooo glad Sue said yes!!!

Joy

Whether its 1890s or 2000s he still proposed and she still accepted!

Too true and that's feinately worth celebrating! Whoo-hoo!

I love it!!!!

Em

This is SO true! I definitely agree!!!!!

QUOTE

just as well i've written this, i never considered lack of antibiotics and possible infection maybe i should go rewrite the ending

What? In your line of work? Impossible! But, I'm glad you didn't consider it and NO - DO NOT REWRITE! REWRITE IS A BAD IDEA! I'm begging here, Cath....I could not take the wrath of fanficdom if I were the cause of 19th century germs bringing down our Jack b/c I gave you the idea and you rewrote the ending!

Ch 15 Post #173 - That was simply, devinely, heavenly, beautifully, meltiliciously a wonderful proposal, Cath. And they bought wedding rings too! They might as well find a preacher and tie the knot. After all, they don't know when they will get back to 2007, if ever, so why waste any more time? Now, I wouldn't mind a REWRITE of the ending for that scenario!

Lynn

At first I thought it would be a promise ring.But whoah! Jack proposed and Sue

accepted.Sigh...They love each other.But hey!I knew that.

What happens next?What have you got up your sleeve Cath? and no illness please.

And how are they going to get back to 21st century.I'll start pondering again.

Love the posting.I'm on cloud 9 again.Post again soon.I'll wait.

Jack is sooo sweet! I hope when they return to the future the rings as well as their memories are still with them.

That was a great scene. Jack really did it. He proposed.

aww, so sweet. i can't wait to see/read what happens next. i look forward to the next chapter.

That was a fantastic post!
Love how Jack proposed at the jewelry store!

Hey, what's that supposed to mean?

Tracy

Chapter 16

‘Jack, look at this’ Will’s excitement was palpable as they entered the station.

‘Watchagot?’ he asked, his excitement matching that of the detective.

‘Do these look the same to you?’ Will showed him two sets of prints and a magnifying glass.

Grinning at Sue he peered through the glass and compared both prints before looking up at Will, ‘they look the same to me, did they match the cabbie?’

‘Yes, here…..’ Will passed him another set of prints which Jack examined carefully, nodding his agreement that they all matched.

‘Have you taken his statement yet?’

‘No, I thought I’d wait for you, how’s your arm?’

‘Painful’ Jack admitted, automatically touching the cut now throbbing angrily.

‘I know you won’t be here for the case but if you could write a statement……’

‘Sure’ Jack nodded, ‘happy to’

‘Good let’s go see Mr Bishop……..’ Will tidied his desk and he and Jack headed down to the cells.

Feeling Levi nudge her hand Sue looked up from the seat behind Will’s desk where she’d made herself comfortable after the men disappeared and saw Jack standing in the doorway.

‘I’m sorry, will you be ok here?’

‘I’ll be fine, I might go have a wander round the stables. You go…… I can plan the wedding and just let you know what’s happening’ she teased.

‘LOVE YOU’ he signed before blowing her a kiss and disappearing from sight.

Pulling out a quill pen and a sheet of paper Sue began to make the wedding plans, although they hadn’t talked much on the way over from the jewellers they had discussed having a very short engagement.

As she completed the list of things to be arranged she looked towards the door, smiling as she saw Jack watching her. ‘Hi, finished already?’

Jack nodded, ‘he folded when Will explained about the prints, Will wants me to write a statement about last night then we’re taking him for lunch. Will says you can attend the inquest but you’ll have to sit at the back of the room……’

‘I’ll finish planning the wedding, you boys have fun….’ she grinned.

‘Thought you women had your wedding planned from the age of 6? Allie had……’

‘I know what I want but until today I didn’t think it would become a reality’ she reminded him before glancing at her ring.

‘SORRY ME’ she’d never seen him look so sad as he sought to make up for the time he’d wasted.

‘I was as bad, ‘ she rose to her feet and cupped his cheeks with her hand, checking over his shoulder that no-one was coming before brushing his lips with hers, whimpering as he nipped her lips and sought access to her mouth, deepening the kiss as she responded.

Hearing a subtle cough from behind Jack pulled away, grinning sheepishly as he turned and saw Will standing a few feet away. ‘W-I-L-L’ he signed as Sue smoothed her hair and gazed at the floor trying to hide her deep blush.

‘You proposed?’ Will nodded to Sue’s left hand, slapping Jack on the back and shaking his hand as he nodded before kissing Sue’s hand.

‘Congratulations, I hope you’ll be as happy as Amy and I are….’

‘Thank you’ Sue whispered.

I'm glad they caught him! Hopefully when the rest of it is wrapped up, they can find their way home. I'm sure they're enjoying it there, but they still do have a life back in the present... or is that the future?

that was wonderful pleased they caught the killer and jack and sues planing there wedding more soon please
Lin

Em

Do their modern in that time period may not have been accepted! Oh well!

Well if that kind of kiss isn't excepted tough...cause we enjoy it none the less

Wow! That was one of those kisses

I'm so glad that they got the prints and that they matched!! Of course the cabbie caved!! They had him dead to rights!!!

You can tell Will is truly happy for Jack and Sue!! I know they will both be sad at having to leave him, but they do have a life they need to get back to - that is if they can!! Only Cath knows for sure!!!

Joy

Caught up and ready for more! You completely draw me into the era every time I read. You're making me quite excited about the up and coming Murdoch series, but I think I'll be really disappointed not to find Jack and Sue in there somewhere as well. You've meshed them all together so seamlessly that I'm afraid I can't think of the series any other way now.

kav

Another wonderful post, Cath!
So glad they caught the killer!
Looking forward to more of this fascinating story!

Tracy

Ch 16 Post #188 - Gone most of yesterday Cath and just now catching up. Why do I have this growling in my stomach, Cath? And it isn't breakfast hunger. Reading on.....thank goodness! She didn't even have time to leave, what with putting notes down for the wedding plans! And a short engagement!

I love it when Sue blushes!

Glad the killer is caught. At least if Sue does wander off while Jack goes to the inquest, we don't have to worry about the killer coming after her! But, I'm still feeling a little queasy about her wandering "around the stables" by herself!

Lynn

Chapter 17

‘SEE YOU LATER’ Jack signed as he left her at the station while he and Will cycled to the undertakers for the inquest.

While Sue busied herself with writing the guest list and making a list of the hymns she’d like at the service and wrote her promises Jack stood at the back of the room in the undertaker’s yard, chuckling as a number of those present looked at him, then Will then back to him, obviously confused by two identical men present.

Jack smiled as he watched Will show Dr Ogden the sketch of the plush carriage seating, confirming that it matched the marks on the dead woman.

It was an inquest like no other he had ever been to, run by Will and the doctor who explained their findings and the conclusions they had reached, which were that she was murdered, stabbed repeatedly which led to significant loss of blood.

Most of the men were silent but a couple of them asked questions, ranging from the intelligent and sensible to the downright stupid.

Finally they brought in their verdict, that the woman, name as yet unknown, had been murdered by person or persons unknown.

As they left Will explained that evidence would be brought at a later court case when the cabbie would face charges.

‘Finished planning the wedding?’ he kissed her softly on the cheek as they returned to the station.

‘Pretty much, hope you approve.’

‘I’m sure I will’ he chuckled.

‘Will, it’s been good to meet you and work with you…’ he extended his hand to the man who had quickly become a friend.

‘You’re heading back to DC?’

‘Yes, later today’ Jack confirmed, his conviction growing that now was the time to leave.

‘It’s been good to work with you, and thank you for all your help. Maybe one day we’ll meet again.’

‘I’m sure we will’ Jack nodded, ‘give our thanks to Amy for the delicious meal and don’t let him bully you……’ he embraced Will in a manly hug before slapping him on the back.

‘Miss Thomas’ Will raised her hand and kissed it lightly before escorting them to the door.

As Jack and Sue disappeared from view Will put his hand in his pocket to pull out his pipe. Instead he pulled out a roll of $10 bills. Offering up a prayer of thanks he took a few minutes to smoke his pipe, hope and peace burning in his heart.

‘Ok, so there’s the asylum, and that was where we were standing.’ Jack took her hand and they walked over to the spot, chuckling as they almost stepped in to a fresh pile of horse dung.

Time to go home... I'm sure they'll definately miss this place.