Author's Note: With all the amazing feedback I got on my last MFMM fic I was so inspired with fic ideas! This is based on a loose idea I had of how Jack's family would react to the change in him since he's become part of Phryne's family (with strong mentions of how he and Jane relate to one another as well.) I'm not exactly where this fits in just yet...post the Season 3 cliffhanger? Maybe...pre end of Season 3 but not by much? Also very likely. I guess, just take this as separate from that particular track and go with it! (You're all very smart-you'll figure it out!) Again...please please please review! I am trying to improve myself as a writer so if you see mistakes or want to give advice or just comment on how you liked (or hated) it please please do! I am also very open to direction on where this story may lead...not quite sure exactly where we are going yet! I can't wait to find out! Thank you all for reading this! I hope you enjoy! XOXO ~ E

"Mother!" Jack practically leapt to his feet, his eyes wide with surprise as a middle aged woman with a kind smile and the crinkle lines of someone who has been very happy very often around her eyes stepped through the door and into Jack's office. When he had heard the clacking of heels through the foyer he had instantly thought a certain lady detective was paying him a visit. She hadn't been by in a few days and Jack would be lying if he said he hadn't been anxiously awaiting the scent of French perfume.

"John." She returned, her smile growing substantially as she opened the door widely, revealing Jack's father and older brother behind her. Jack stepped around his desk and sweat the woman into a hug. No matter how old he got, he would never stop being his mother's little boy and he only had to step into her embrace to feel at home and at peace.

"What on earth are you doing in Melbourne?" Jack addressed his entire family.

"You've been working so hard and we all wanted to see you." His father answered.

"Besides, Sarah and the kids wouldn't stop whining to come along as soon as they heard mum and pop were going to see the incomparable Uncle Jack." His brother grinned, stepping forward to clap his younger brother in a tight hug. "They're waiting at the Windsor. Didn't want to overcrowd you at work." Jack smiled appreciatively and glanced at his watch.

"Your timing is perfect. I have an hour for lunch. Let me take you out." After a few minutes of 'oh we couldn't possibly' and the like Jack had loaded his family in the car and was off to his favorite French bistro. He would, of course, deny any reason at all for his current craving for French food other than its deliciousness.
As they stepped through the door the familiar scent of his last few dinner outings with her rushed through him and Jack hoped fervently that it didn't show on his face. If anyone were to notice how just the memory of her made him happy it would be his mother.

"Monsieur Jack!" The host greeted him like an old friend, shaking his hand happily. "How wonderful to see you my friend!" His accent aside, Enjolras spoke near perfect English and had a flair for making the language work to his own advantage, his foreign tendencies only adding to his obvious charm with the ladies. "And of course, zis must be your sister, I think, yes." He winked obviously at his mother, making her blush and smile almost shyly. "No? Your lady friend then! Shall Miss Fisher be jealous, sir policeman?" Now it was Jack's turn to blush. He could feel his entire family's eyes turned to him but he avoided any eye contact.

"My family and I require a table for 4 Enjolras." The man winked at Jack as though he knew precisely the hot water he had put his customer in and led them graciously to their table.

"Our best table, of course. The family of the Detective Inspector's deserves nothing less than our finest. Your server will be with you shortly." As they settled into the table Jack busied himself with his menu but his mother's fake cough finally forced him to look up.

"Been taking some special lady friend out to French Bistros have you?" Well she had never been one to beat around the bush. Jack hesitated. He didn't want to lie to his mother, of course, but then again, by 'special lady friend' his mother meant a girl he was courting. And that wasn't exactly what was happening. In fact, she would probably be very offended by such an accusation. Jack half smiled at this, deciding on his answer. "A work college mother. A consulting detective."

"A female consulting detective?" His mother asked incredulously.

"It isn't like that." He assured them. He glanced at his father and brother for help to no avail. They too stared at him expectantly, his brother going so far as to smirk mischievously at him. What he wouldn't give for someone to change the subject! Where was that waiter anyway? "She's a colleague and a friend." He said quickly. "Let that be the end to that. Are Elle and Beth here too?" Jack's asking about his sisters effectively drew the attention away from himself. "Beth planned on driving out with her family tomorrow but your youngest sister is still in America." His father answered tensely. Elle was a thoroughly modern woman and while it had, at one time, simply amused his father and made his mother something Jack would have sworn was proud but when she decided to up and leave for a tour of America with a rich friend from school they hadn't exactly been thrilled. Jack had the distinct feeling that his father was more offended by the fact that her rich friend had been male where as his mother had simply preferred her daughter stay closer to home.

The meal proceeded much in this vein but even though she had left the conversation, she hadn't left Jack's mind. Why hadn't she shown up at any if his cases? Why hadn't she invited him over for a drink? Was she finally getting bored of her policeman? Was his heart about to break? A million times for her, of course, but also for the rest of his new family. Especially Jane. The pair had grown quite close recently and helping her with her homework, chatting with her easily over Mr. Butler's delicious concoctions, playing her requests on the piano, over and over and over again, so she could practice dancing just one more time, those had been some of the best moments in his life. He had felt like a father. And what was more? She seemed to think of him as father as well. Jack wasn't ready to give any of them up.

As the group returned to the station, ready to say goodbye having made plans to meet back at the Windsor after his shift ended, Jack shared a significant glance with Constable Collins. The young Senior Constable shook his head slowly, hearing Jack's unspoken question about possible visitors clear as day. Jack had to remind himself not to look disappointed as his father stepped forward to shake his hand. Before a single word could leave the man's mouth however, the door to the precinct swung open and a whirlwind of energy poured through the room as a small body rushed forward, colliding with Jack forcefully.

"Jack! Jack please!" The brunette begged pulling at his arm. "You have to help us! Come quick!"

"Jane?" His heart quickened nervously as he noted her tears. "Slow down Jane. I can't understand you." Still the girl blubbered on incoherently as she shook, wide eyed and hyperventilating. "Sweetheart, what is it?" Jack had knelt down to be at her level, pulling her into his arms as comfortingly as he knew how, wiping her tears away and motioning for Collins to ready himself for whatever the girl said.

"It's Phryne, Jack! She's missing!"

I know I'm evil with that cliffhanger. Sorry. I promise I DO love you all! Please review!