Returning to the drabble-y format I originally intended, here's the next bit for you: Jack once again has a run in with young Constable Purdy, whom he set down so excellently in "Calling Inspector Fisher." This one requires a bit of suspension of disbelief, I think, but it's fun. :-) No beta, as I've been mulling this one over for months and it's so short besides, so all mistakes are mine. Enjoy!
"Come in!" Jack barked, then winced. He didn't mean to sound quite so stern, but good lord, he was tired. He spent his evenings trying to amuse Phryne, who chafed against her hospital convalescence more and more each day. He didn't mind; he found it infinitely preferable to those days where Phryne had willingly laid still, her face wan and tight with pain, but now even draughts and Shakespeare seemed to be losing their charms, and Jack was fast running out of novel diversions. And then, when he finally did go home to a meal and his bed, it was to a house where two infants were still settling in. Mavis and Mrs. Stanley did their best, of course, but young Randy certainly could howl when he was hungry, and that usually set off Ellie Bea, whether she was hungry or not. Despite himself, Jack's mouth quirked up as it always seemed to at the thought of his sprite; perhaps he really was as besotted as Phryne claimed.
When he saw who entered his office, however, Jack stopped feeling so sorry for his tone. "New reports for you, sir," announced Constable Purdy.
"Thank you, Constable."
Despite the dismissive tone, Purdy lingered. "Good to have you back, sir; certainly hasn't been the same around here without you. Miss Fisher home from hospital yet, sir?"
"No, not quite yet, but the baby is, of course."
"That's right. A girl was it, sir?" Purdy offered a sympathetic smile. "And here was me so sure you were going to have a footballer, sir. Oh, well. Next time, eh?"
With that, Purdy left the office, totally unconcerned. It was perhaps fortunate for him that he didn't turn back as he exited, for if he had he might well have seen steam coming out of his inspector's ears.
I rather fear for young Purdy's career in the police force; no one can be quite that dense, can they? And then of course there's always the chance that Jack might actually murder him first. :p
Yup, just a bit of implausible fluff again for your weekend pleasure; I just couldn't stop imagining the scene. Next up should be Constable Weatherly restoring Jack's faith in the new generation of young police officers, and after that some Phrack (finally!) as Phryne comes home.