Just a small update for those, who are wondering: I'm currently working on Chapter 9.

Chapter 6: A Time To Break Down

Miss Fisher was up so fast, the chair tumbled backwards onto the floor. Neither person in the room paid any attention to it.

"Are you sure, Hugh? Where was it, please think?

Collins nodded quickly, his eyes gleaming.

"I don't need to think Miss, I'm absolutely certain I have seen her. The Inspector asked me to wait in the car but I'm sure it was her face."

"Where, Hugh?"

Her outburst was harsher than she had intended but Phryne's patience was wearing thin. It had been a long day.

"At Victor Browning's house. We were there on Monday. To see his widow. It was her, I'm sure. I noticed her hair. You can't really tell from the picture, but you don't see this kinda red often, Miss."

The young police man blushed furiously and Phryne reminded herself to never mention this conversation to Dorothy.

George Sanderson, who had just gotten ready to enter his former son in laws office again after a quick chat with his lads, found himself suddenly confronted with a very enthusiastic lady detective.

"We finally have a lead. Come along, Georgey, I'll fill you in in the car." Shaking his head, he followed Miss Fisher. It was not like he really had a choice in the matter.

X

On a whim the Deputy Commissioner, who had never in life been called 'Georgey' before, had decided to drive with Miss Fisher and have a second car with a handful of armed officers follow behind. A decision he quickly came to regret as the lady detectives driving style was somewhat of an adventure in itself. However, he swallowed down the yells of disapproval he wanted to utter whenever he wasn't clutching at his door in fear for his life. If she had in fact found someone who could lead them to Jack there was no time to be lost. Collins and Miss Fisher's companion who was, as far as he had understood his sweetheart, seemed to be used to her erratic driving. Besides a hint of green around their noses they appeared rather unfazed. With screeching tyres the Hispano-Suiza came to a halt in front of the Browning Mansion. The butler, an elderly man who was probably not quite used anymore to this much action despite his dangerous choice in employers, came down the stairs, wringing his pale hands.

"Whatever is the meaning of this?"

"We need to see the lady of the house on police business. Immediately."

Phryne Fisher's voice did not allow any discussion and the elderly man hurried off before Sanderson had even time to get his breath back. He started to understand more and more why Jack was drawn to this insane woman. The other policemen, obviously not quite as adventurous drivers but not the ones to take a challenge lying down either, arrived in this very moment in the driveway.

Seconds later a small army of policemen, lead by the Deputy Commissioner and a very determined looking Phryne Fisher marched up the stairs to the front door where Elaine Browning was waiting, seemingly more than confused. Sanderson whipped Ambers picture in front of her face.

"I believe this girl is in your service?"

Elaine nodded slowly then turned to her butler.

"Robert, would you please be so kind and fetch Amber from the chambers."

With a grace that could not be obtained other than through well breeding, the lady of the house showed the horde of policeman through to her drawing room and offered them drinks, which all of them refused in polite confusion. Phryne stood back near the fire place with Dot and wondered. Did the lady know anything? Elaine didn't seem nervous. On the other hand she could not have been blind to the failings of her dear deceased husband. Nevertheless she had married him and stayed with him as he had risen to one of the most feared men in Melbourne. Finally, Amber walked through the door, followed by the Butler. As she saw the strange collection of uniforms in her employers salon all colour drained of her already pale face. Phryne took the chance to walk up to her quickly before any of the men could interfere.

"Amber! I have spoken with your mother earlier today. She seemed worried about your whereabouts."

The girl seemed confused, but thankful that she wasn't clapped into iron straight away. She very obviously knew a lot more than was to be seen on the first look. Miss Fisher turned to the lady of the house.

"Mrs. Browning, would you be so kind as to give me a quiet room to speak to Miss Walters alone. I believe this is not meant for a crowd."

Elaine hesitated while Sanderson got up. "I would also appreciate a heart to heart with the ladies, Mrs. Browning. If you could excuse us for a moment."

Phryne was sure she could handle this on her own but then again, the Deputy Commissioner had been of considerable help. Elaine finally gave Robert a wave to lead the Trio into a small parlour just across the hall. When the door shut behind them, Amber turned around trembling.

"This is not about my mother, is it?"

Miss Fisher shook her head.

"You know very well why we are here, don't you, Amber?"

The girl dropped her head.

"The policeman?"

Her voice had returned to the one of a little girl as she asked the question.

Phryne held her breath.

"His name is Detective-Inspector John Robinson." George Sanderson pitched in. "And you need to tell us where he is".

The girl stayed silent, didn't even look up.

"Amber, have you seen him?"

No answer. Sanderson seemed to get close to the limits of his patience, too. He looked like he wanted to shake the Maid. Instead he tried a threat.

"If Jack Robinson dies because you failed to tell us where to find him, I will make damn sure you will hang for it."

Now Ambers head flew up. In her eyes was a sudden spark that Phryne knew. This was the wrong approach to get to this girl. She lay a soothing arm on the Deputy Commissioners arm. 'Please.' Her eyes said.

„Would you mind to leave us ladies alone for a moment, sir? Just a little chit chat between girls." Sanderson threw her a look that could have killed on the spot, but nevertheless he drew back to the door and shut it heavily behind himself. Phryne returned her attention to the the young woman infront of her.

"Amber. I've really spoken to your mother earlier today. And she really is worried what has become of you."

The girl nodded, her jaw clenched. Miss Fisher took her hand in her own. Amber Walters let her though she didn't seem to approve. Phryne tried for as soothing a voice as she could manage despite the terror that she felt. She was losing too much time.

"I know you lost your brother. And believe me, I know just how much that hurts. I wanted to kill the murderer of my little sister." At this Ambers eyes widened in shock, something that Phryne sorted away for later inspection. "Jack is my friend. I care for him deeply and I don't want to lose him. Please, Amber, if you know anything, you have to tell me." She watched the emotions fight on the young Maids face. Now she could only hope that compassion would win this battle.

X

Jack drifted out of his dreams again. The little light that fell through the window told him that the sun was setting outside. Had it been only one day though? He couldn't tell. He was thirsty, it seemed years since Amber had fed him water. His head also seemed to be glowing and have doubled in size. The Inspector tried to lick his dry lips but even that hurt. He heard voices outside, wanted to yell out for someone. Even if it was 'Vlady'; maybe he could at least end this. His whole body was on fire. Jack managed a whispered „Help", but didn't get any further. The door broke down with a crash and people poured into the room. He must be hallucinating after all. Her blue, worried eyes were suddenly in front of him, her cool hand on his forehead. Yells were exchanged, some angry, some worried, some relieved. Jack cared about none of them, just about her hands stroking his heated face.

"Miss Fisher? Whatever took you so long?" He tried a smile. Then he faded into blackness.