Had to have a good think about this chapter, wasn't really sure where I was going, but I think I am back on track now and I hope you enjoy xx
Jack had a lot to think about. His whole life seemed a mess at the moment. But right now he needed to go to work and concentrate on being a police Inspector, the rest could come later.
Mac had indeed come over that night, Phryne however was long sleeping by that point and even Mac had agreed it had been better not to wake her. After they had argued he had coaxed her into bed seeing just how tired and worn she really looked. She had apologised with a gentle kiss to his cheek before she had drifted off to sleep. Things between them were blurring, Jack was no longer sure what she expected of him. Not that he really minded, but he thought a little time away from Miss Fisher might do some good. He had sat with her long after that eventually before slipping out leaving a note with Mr Butler.
He had not been there when she woke up, but she hadn't really expected him to stay forever. She had gotten up and dressed before Dot gave a cautious knock at the door and handed her two notes with a smile before asking when she would like breakfast. One note was from Mac and one from Jack. The one from Mac indicated she would be over for afternoon tea and the one from Jack indicated he would be back sometime that evening. She smiled at the notes and dropped them onto her bed before whisking down for breakfast ignoring the sinking feeling in her stomach.
"I saw Olivia yesterday"
Mac had made good of her note and they were currently sitting in the parlour sipping tea and eating cake. "She wants to see you." Mac was eating the chocolate cake with abandon, Miss Fisher however was staring at the slice on her plate making no attempt to even nibble at it.
"Certainly" She had a smile on her face, and she was dressed to perfection, red lips and all, but Mac could see the hurt in her eyes.
"Where might I find her?" she put her plate on the table and gave Mac a small nod.
"Are you sure Phryne, you don't have" she put her empty plate on the table and moved to sit beside her friend grabbing her trembling hand.
"No, I want to." She squeezed Mac's hand. That was the last thing she wanted to do, but as someone who had lost her own sister she knew how important it was to have comfort at such a time. Mac left shortly after (taking some cake with her) promising to arrange a time for Olivia to see her.
The next day she found herself being lead into a house similar to her own at the other end of St Kilda. It was Olivia and Isla's childhood home which had been left to Olivia after her parents had died several years before.
"Phryne"
"Hello Olivia"
Olivia gave the woman a small smile as she got up and pulled her into a firm and long hug. It was nice to see a familiar face who knew the truth. She looked expectantly at the man who was standing just behind them who she hadn't quite noticed.
"This is my friend Jack Robinson, I hope you don't mind." Phryne had begged him over dinner the night before to come with her. He had agreed only after making sure she was positive she wanted him there. To be honest he wasn't sure if she would be able to face it alone, although knowing Miss Fisher she would put on her bravest face.
"Of course not."
A man of about the same age walked in with tea and some cakes. "You remember Dudley of course."
"Of course." Miss Fisher smiled at the man who returned the favour as he put down the cakes before kissing her cheek and shaking the Inspectors hand.
"I hope you don't mind popping over, it's just that Isla left some letters for you and we're returning home tomorrow." Olivia gestured toward the table where a pile of letter sat, some she recognised with her own handwriting and some with print she didn't recognise. "She also left you this" Olivia pulled a small velvet case from Dudley's pocket and handed it to her with a sad smile.
"I believe you bought it for her?" A small smile drifted over Phryne's lips as her fingers pulled at the velvet of the box. She had given it to Isla for her birthday two years ago upon returning to Melbourne.
"It was a birthday present to make up for lost time." A drop pearl on a gold chain stared at her from the box and she snapped it shut holding it very tightly in her hand. "Thank-you"
"I knew she would have wanted you to have it." Jack wondered how they managed to get back all of Islas possessions as he sipped the tea which had been poured for him.
His question was answered by Olivia, who felt the need to explain what had happened "He left the house the next morning." Jack realised she was talking about the say Isla was murdered and felt a sudden burst of anger.
Olivia continued in a shaky voice, "He rang Dudley crying and told him to take his time and that I should come by and take anything I want." She frowned as silent tears dripped down her face, "He was upset Phryne," her face screwed up and Jack could hear the anger in her voice, "he started crying to Dudley."
Jack felt Miss Fisher tense beside him and for the first time since they had arrived she acknowledged his presence by grabbing his hand which rested on his leg and squeezed tightly to her own in a possessive move.
"I'm so sorry Olivia" her voice was still strong, but Jack could see the hurt in her eyes which had begun to shine.
Olivia wiped the line of tears from her eyes as Dudley grabbed her hand, "No one is to blame expect him."
Jack couldn't believe how sensible this woman was being. Her sister had just been beaten to death and she was sitting their quite calmly, accepting that no one was to blame. That seemed to be the end of calm Olivia though as she began to cry more and stood up, brushing Dudley away and with a "I'm sorry" she walked out of the room and up the stairs.
"I'm sorry Miss Fisher," Dudley wiped his face with his handkerchief, "If I'm honest with you she really isn't taking this too well at all." She gave him a sad smile and nodded, "I can imagine" That statement tore at Jacks heart, but he remained silent his hand still pulled to her thigh tightly.
"Please take your letters though and thank- you for seeing her, I think she needed it."
"That's perfectly okay Dudley." She gave him a hug, releasing Jack and kissed his cheek before she allowed Jack to lead her back to the car. She passed him the keys wordlessly and climbed into the passenger seat looking out the window as he drove them home in an unsteady silence.
He could tell that she was trying not to cry and went straight up to her bedroom with the letters when they got home. Jack accepted a drink from Mr Butler and they sat in the kitchen as an eerie silence crept over the house, the plate of biscuits remaining untouched.
Dot was the first to speak, "Should we check on her?"
"I think she wants to be alone." Jack considered his own words before deciding he really needed to get out of this house. "I should really go and help Collins at the station."
Neither Dot nor Mr Butler thought he should leave but they weren't in any position to stop him.
Jack knew they wanted him to stay, but as long as she was hiding in her room, he really was no use to any of them. "I will drop by later and check on her" He threw in at the last minutes as he practically ran out the front door.
