Harriet's sister, Natalie, is murdered by order of her secret lover and the married father of her nine-year-old son, millionaire businessman V.J. "Vidge" Trundel. The situation causes Harriet anguish, rage and frustration, not only because of Natalie's murder but because Chief Gillespie is reluctant to pursue the powerful Trundel as a suspect. These are the first episodes in which we see Bill and Harriet's relationship blossom. During this period, he is able to see beyond her hardened exterior and finds a vulnerable and sensitive woman behind it; she discovers his compassionate side. From this point on, a camaraderie is formed between the two. This story arc was of special significance to Nicholas, as her real-life sister had been murdered ten years earlier and the culprit had never been caught. When O'Connor approached Nicholas about the storyline, it had upset her greatly and she had to write him a note explaining the situation, as he was unaware of the circumstances. He offered to have her not appear in the episode, but she chose to do so to bring closure for her and her family. She was able to channel her unresolved grief into the role. Only O'Connor and director Leo Penn knew the truth during filming.
harriet's sister natalie is murdered by order of her secret lover and the married father of her nine-year-old son millionaire businessman vj "vidge" trundel the situation causes harriet anguish rage and frustration not only because of natalie's murder but because chief gillespie is reluctant to pursue the powerful trundel as a suspect these are the first episodes in which we see bill and harriet's relationship blossom during this period he is able to see beyond her hardened exterior and finds a vulnerable and sensitive woman behind it; she discovers his compassionate side from this point on a camaraderie is formed between the two this story arc was of special significance to nicholas as her real-life sister had been murdered ten years earlier and the culprit had never been caught when o'connor approached nicholas about the storyline it had upset her greatly and she had to write him a note explaining the situation as he was unaware of the circumstances he offered to have her not appear in the episode but she chose to do so to bring closure for her and her family she was able to channel her unresolved grief into the role only o'connor and director leo penn knew the truth during filming