11. The Horrible Man

Before setting up a meeting with the claimant Paul Anderson, Greg had a conversation with Jack.

"Jack, are you or do you intend to be: Jane's parent or foster parent, Miss Fisher's husband, intended or affianced! Because I don't believe we require a police presence for this civil matter, and I doubt I can introduce you as Miss Fisher's paramour, lover, or general ladies champion! And "Police Protector" doesn't sound any better!"

It was decided that Jack would not attend the meeting.

Greg also had a conversation with Phryne. "Most claims are related to either family matters or money matters. I am assured that Anna did not have any money, but it does appear that you - the foster parent - do! I think it would be best if you dress in a modest manner for this interview. That way he may be less inclined to try to extort money from you!"

"Do people do that?"

"Apparently so!"

So on the day of the interview, Phryne appeared in Dot's spare coat and hat. They met in an office in the city where Greg borrowed rooms from a colleague. Phryne attended alone, as women of "modest means" were usually not in a position to afford a companion or chaperone!

"We cannot use the police interview rooms at Russell Street for non- police work!" Greg said, "This shows how many favours I am pulling in for you two!" he told Phryne.

Phryne assured him that she appreciated all he was doing for them.

Paul Anderson was a rough looking man, although he had put on his best suit for this meeting. He greeted Greg Bryson gruffly and ignored Phryne, when she was introduced as "Miss Fisher, Jane's foster mother." He did sneer at her apparently modest apparel.

Greg started, "Mr Anderson, I need some proof of identity firstly."

Mr Anderson produced a driver's license.

"Thank you, Mr Anderson. Now, I believe that you have a claim to the estate of Mrs Anna Marie Ross."

"Yes, I married her in Ballarat in 1920."

"Did you have a family?"

"Yes, she had a daughter called Jane."

"Is she your natural daughter?"

"No."

Phryne let out a silent sigh of relief.

"Did you have any other children of your own or with Mrs Ross?"

"No."

"For how long were you married to Mrs Ross?"

"Four years until she ran off!"

"How was your relationship?"

"We were married. I was a good husband. I bought home the bacon. It was her job to cook for me!"

"How was your relationship with Jane?"

"She was a good kid, when she wasn't snivelling, or clinging to her mother's skirts! Always crying!"

"Probably for good reason!" snapped Phryne.

"Thank you Miss Fisher!" warned Greg.

"Mr Anderson, do you have any evidence of your marriage to Mrs Ross?"

Phryne held her breath again.

Mr Anderson produced a piece of paper, which he gave to Greg.

Greg looked it over and said "This is not a legal or recognised marriage certificate!"

Phryne let out her breath.

"We signed this contract in front of witnesses" said Anderson. "That makes it legal!"

"In the colonial days, that may have been so. But it is no longer legal in the eyes of the law!" said Greg.

"Listen" said Anderson, "We said the words and signed the contract! There were witnesses!"

"Still not legal!"

"We said we would share everything, even that snivelling child! That gives me the right to make my claim!"

Phryne interjected. "A claim to Anna's estate maybe, but not necessarily a claim on the child, Mr Anderson!"

He glared at her "I want to collect what's due; Miss Fisher!"

"Mr Anderson," said Greg, shooting a warning look at Phryne, "As you have acknowledged that you have no paternity claim to the child, do you have any desire to care for the child?"

"Only if Anna's estate can provide for her!"

"You do realise that if you have no paternity claim to the child, and have no wish to take in the child, then the estate is obliged to give some money toward her upkeep!"

"I'll take whatever's leftover."

"Well Mr Anderson," said Greg, "Anna left almost nothing but a pile of clothes. There is nothing of monetary value for even the upkeep of the child."

"Then what was the point of calling in for people to claim!"

Phryne took an idea from Bert. "Anna left debts Mr Anderson, and as you claim to be Anna's common law husband, perhaps you will be willing to pay for those or her tombstone!"

There was a silence.

"I'm not paying for that!" he snapped. "What about the kid?"

"In the past year, young Jane has runaway twice, been up for suspension from school twice, found with stolen goods, known to answer back and is prone to hysterics!" said Phryne.

"That would be right. Always sneaking around, hanging onto her mother. She deserved a good smack around the ear. She got on too, from time to time!"

"I take it you don't want to burden yourself with such a troublesome child then!" said Phryne.

"No, I'll be shot of her!" said Anderson.

"Mr Anderson, do you relinquish any claim to the estate of Mrs Anna Marie Ross?" asked Greg.

"Yes! It wasn't worth me coming in!" he snapped.

"Apparently not"! Answered Phryne.