Chapter One
"Don't sulk, Miss Fisher, it doesn't become you."
"But why can't you tell me, Jack? I'm your wife, I've a right to know where you're going."
"I've already explained. It's a confidential assignment, and it's a specific instruction from the Chief Commissioner. No-one is to know."
He wrapped his arms round her, although she was less than usually responsive; her arms remained folded and her face cast down.
"Come on, Phryne. It won't be for long," he whispered coaxingly.
"How long?"
"Hard to say, but not more than a week, I shouldn't think."
"A week? What if something happens to us? If Elizabeth falls ill? How do I get word to you?"
"Nothing will happen. If it does, leave a message at the Chief's office and they will know how to reach me." He pulled her inexorably closer, so that her face was buried in his shoulder; the disadvantage was that her next words were an incoherent mumble.
"What did you say?"
"I said I'll miss you. We've scarcely been apart since we came back from England."
How times had changed, he reflected. He used to worry that she could too easily do without his presence; now he was having to deal with the fact that she couldn't, or wouldn't easily accept his absence.
He tipped her chin up with his finger, and scanned her eyes.
"I'll miss you too."
A ghost of a kiss.
"What time do you have to leave?"
"Before first light, I'm afraid."
"Early night, then?"
"Is now too soon?"
"I suddenly find myself exhausted, Inspector. Perhaps you could come and tuck me in."
"On condition that you tuck me in as well, Miss Fisher."
"Very well then. Now, come along, drink up your medicine."
"Do you mean the amber-coloured forty percent proof medicine? I think I'll bring it with me, Nurse, if it's all the same to you."
"Bring the bottle, Jack. Bring the whole bottle."