So far, I have published a few one-chapter stories here, which are the kind of fic I most often write. This story is a little longer. It is written from the idea of role-reversal: what would happen if the characters - in one way or another, more or less, and more or less metaphorically - would swap roles? I find this such a fascinating idea, and here is my take on it!

(and thank you for your lovely reviews on my earlier fic! I appreciate all your comments very much!)


"I have a problem with one of my inspectors," Commissioner Edward Fuller said to his wife over an excellent dinner; he found that Eugenia's perceptions and connections often clarified his own thinking, and she made excellent suggestions.

She looked at him over the glass of wine in her hand.

"What kind of trouble? Insubordination you usually handle quite bluntly and without hesitation, don't you?"

He nodded.

"It's much more delicate than that. It's Inspector Robinson."

"Robinson!" Eugenia's surprise was no more than he expected; what he was about to say seemed madness at the outset. "Isn't he one of your most trusted men? I thought you were talking about his excellent solve rate just the other week?"

"I did. He is. I am aware. Still, he often finds ways to neatly circumvent my direct orders and do as he pleases."

Eugenia added all the things left unsaid and came up with a conclusion.

"You mean his unusual crime solving partner, don't you, dear?"

The Commissioner grunted in reply, and rubbed his face.

"She has a way of getting involved in cases I find almost uncanny."

"Why? Because she's a woman?"

Commissioner Fuller considered this. "Partly, I suppose. But most of all because she's a civilian, and still accepted as if she was almost a policeman. A police force relies on clear rank and order, but have you seen the way the constables listen to her and do her bidding? If she calls, they come."

It was Mrs Fuller's time to nod.

"And the other day, when Robinson solved the case at the tennis tournament? I explicitly forbade him to work with civilians."

"He made her an honorary constable, if I recall correctly? And they worked together and solved the case beautifully."

"Yes," he looked down into his glass. "They did. It was well done. Still. It needs to stop. The whole reputation of our constabulary is in danger, not to mention the lads' trust in my leadership."

"All of that because Miss Fisher is a brilliant investigator?" Mrs Fuller sounded amused.

"All of that because my orders aren't followed."

"She solves cases and cares about those who are worst off. She is also an upstanding woman in society. Don't forget dear Prudence is her aunt."

"You know her then?"

"A little bit." She looked pensive. "So, you want to teach the poor Inspector a lesson? To ensure he doesn't go against your orders on his own whims too often?" There was a glint in her eyes that spoke of mischief and humour, a glint Edward Fuller had learnt to trust many years ago.

"Why, do you have an idea, dearest?"

"You know Edward, I rather think I do." Eugenia Fuller smiled and emptied her glass. "I say, fight fire with fire."


When Detective Inspector Jack Robinson came to work early Tuesday morning, he noticed the constables looking at him curiously. There was a tension he couldn't quite place.

"Inspector," Hugh Collins said and looked like he was bursting to say something, but trying not to.

"Collins," Jack nodded and headed for his office. Before he could enter, Hugh managed to open his mouth again. "Inspector! There is... the Commissioner is here. He's waiting for you. In your office."

Jack only answered with an arched eyebrow and a steadying breath, before opening the door and entering his minimal, and now intruded upon, space.

"Commissioner," he said politely as he hung up his coat.

"Inspector."

They exchanged an assessing look in silence. Commissioner Fuller was still rather new on his job, but he was quite respected, both by society and his own men. Jack knew the man was both happy and annoyed with him, and he usually counted on the good things weighing heavier than the bad.

"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Jack finally asked, inviting his superior with a gesture to sit down.

The Commissioner kept standing.

"I have been thinking about your way of working, Jack. I have noticed you sometimes tend to... evade my orders."

Jack looked him straight in the eyes as he answered.

"I merely need to adapt the orders with respect to changing circumstances," he replied, not giving away anything in expression or voice.

"Quite," Fuller answered, turning to eye Jack's trophies on the bureau, even touching one of them that he thought might have been added since he was there last. "It is a commendable talent," he continued, "when it isn't overused." He stressed the last words as his gaze met Jack's again, to ensure he had made himself clear.

Jack braced himself for the lecture he sensed was coming. The Commissioner was going to tell him off about Phryne Fisher; Jack, on his part, was going to defend Phryne and his collaboration with her, steadfastly and doggedly. He had all his arguments ready. She was brilliant; he was better with her than without her; she could reach out to people that wouldn't trust the police; Melbourne still didn't have any police women appointed and women were half of the population. He had defended her before, and he wasn't afraid to do it again, as many times as it took. Jack was aware it could look suspicious – he knew the lads at City North sometimes grumbled and joked about it – and he was aware his personal feelings for her could make everything look even worse. But he also knew he could explain exactly what he was doing.

The lecture never came. Instead, the Commissioner looked at him and said:

"You are an excellent detective and your solve rate is outstanding, Jack. Still, I cannot be seen doing nothing when you go against direct orders from above, even if your intentions were the best."

Jack drew in a breath to protest, but realized there was no use and just breathed out again.

"Sir?" he asked.

"I will put you under supervision, Jack. At least as a trial."

"Supervision?" This was humiliating news and he felt his stomach drop. "I have been a senior detective inspector for close to six years. You want to supervise me?"

"I do." Fuller went to the door and opened it. "For this reason, I have made a promotion. Please, meet Honorary Acting Inspector Phryne Fisher."