Couldn't keep you waiting too long! Thank- you for the wonderful reviews!


Miss Fisher meanwhile had dumped the letters on her dresser before falling into bed shoes and all. That was before she realised there was no alcohol in her room and with reluctance she got back up and thanked god that Mr Butler had not yet taken the bottle of scotch from her dressing room. Jack had not yet allowed her to get drunk which apart of her was thankful for, but now it really was needed.

Jack.

Now there was a problem. He was her lifeline. Funny how life worked like that. She threw back a drink and pulled off her coat. Why had he left her alone? He should be here now. She was glad she took him to see Olivia. So much of her wanted to be alone. And yet so much she wanted him near her. She took another drink and unbuttoned her shirt clumsily.

Maybe she did need him after all.

Hot tears pooled in her eyes and she frowned into her empty cup. He had seen so much, knew so much about her, she couldn't remember ever showing anyone so much emotion. Her heart was pounding now and she kicked off her shoes and undid her pants, her fingers slipping at the buttons on her hip.

Why was Jack so important to her? Why had it taken him to pull her from the dark? The word 'love' echoed around her head as she took another drink and sat back into the pillows. Maybe love wasn't such a bad thing. She did love a lot of people, but somehow that was different. They needed her and now, for once, she needed someone.

She needed Jack.

She was sure there was no one else in the world who would stay with her unquestioning. Go for walks before dawn, run her baths or hold her while she sobbed and not feel the need to pry. With a groan she took another drink.

Jack. She couldn't remember the last time he hadn't filled her dreams, whether good or bad.

She liked having him around, he wasn't in her way, but a constant. It was nice to know someone cared, that someone wanted the best for her. She never understood love, not properly. The only person she had loved was murdered when she was 10. She had wanted everything from the world. But now. Now she wasn't so sure. When had she become so dependent on Jack? Another drink down and she felt like crying again. She was doing a lot of that lately. But no, not now, no more crying. Now was the time for smiling and rejoicing in life. She knew all of this and could accept it.

But Jack.

He was a problem.

Where was he anyway?


He had retreated back to his office where Collins filled him in on the latest in the shoe murder. Jack was in a strange mood. Collins even asked if he was okay, which he replied with a smile and a "Certainly Collins." He pulled the small velvet box from his pocket and placed it on his desk. She had slipped it to him when she had given him the car keys, although he was sure she hadn't noticed at the time.

"Collins"

"Yes Sir" He gestured for the younger man to take a seat and Hugh was immediately worried, but reluctantly took a seat.

"How is Miss Williams?"

"Ahh" he looked puzzled, but managed to provide an answer, "good I think Sir?" Had he missed something?

The Inspector nodded, his fingers dancing on the desk in front of him. "She has been very good to Miss Fisher in the past week."

"Has she Sir?" The Inspector gave Collins a half smile, "Yes Collins she has." Hugh made a mental note to ask Dot what exactly she had been doing for Miss Fisher in the past week which warranted such behaviour from the Inspector.

"When Miss Fisher is feeling a bit better I want you to take her to dinner." Hugh looked blankly, "Miss Williams that is" Jack considered his own statement for a moment, "I'll arrange it and let you know."

Hugh looked like he was going to faint, since when did Detective Inspector Jack Robinson arrange dinners for Constables and their sweethearts? "Thank- you Inspector."

"You're more than welcome Collins" Hugh sat stunned for a moment before rising out of his chair with a slight frown and walking back to his own desk.

Jack sat at his desk awhile longer catching up on paperwork begging to be done before allowing himself the time to think.

Miss Fisher.

Phryne as she had told him long ago to call her.

She needed him. The past days had proven that.

He was needed.

It was only a matter of time before she would admit it, be it for better or worse he wasn't sure. It hurt him seeing her upset. That was what had helped him realise it was love he felt for her. He worried for her wellbeing and he cared what happened to her. He wondered when he had stopped being brave. A braver man would have told her long ago how he felt. But that same man would not be in this same situation. It was his gentle quietness that drew him to her. She was his opposite in almost every way. He wondered if she was okay, he really shouldn't have left her in such a vulnerable state. That was inexcusable really. He looked at the paperwork which he had completed acknowledging that he no longer had any excuse to be at the station.

With a sigh he walked out of his office and into the cool breeze of the dusk unsure about what was to come.


He was let into her house by Dot whose face broke into a broad smile at the sight of the Inspector. She looked back at the stairs torn between giggling and being polite while answering the door and he wondered what had happened.

"Are you okay Miss Williams?"

"Miss Fisher is in her room, she has been asking for you." He took off his coat and hat as the giggles won over Miss Williams.

"Be careful" she hissed mysteriously before walking toward the kitchen, her giggles leaving him in the entry way feeling puzzled.

That was the second time in the past few days he had been warned to "be careful" around Miss Fisher he considered as he walked up the stairs slowly. Opening her bedroom door he suddenly realised what they meant.


Sorry to cliffhanger like that, I love this story though and another chapter will be up soon I promise xx