THE HUNT
Disclaimer: I own nada.
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Chapter Twenty One
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"How did you know he would come to your room?" Jack asked.
Phryne's bags had been collected and her car was loaded up ready for the return trip to St. Kilda which she trusted she could make in less time than the original journey, much to Dot's despair. The majority of the company had come out to say their farewells. Dot and Hugh stood in the shade, it looked as if she were giving her sweetheart a sharp warning. Phryne made note to inquire as to the grounds for this later.
"An Inkling," Phryne smiled, returning her attention to the dapper detective. "I was just about to believe I was wrong when he came in waving that thing around. Not that he had a clue how to use it. I'm beginning to think that shot at us in the forest wasn't a warning but a miss, and he probably only shot once because he was unable to reload."
"Lucky for us," Jack commented. Phryne shrugged. "But you still have one mystery to solve. Who was it that shot your cousin? Did Campbell get lucky and actually manage to land a bullet in his target?"
"No," Phryne smiled as if she knew the answer already. Of course she did, Jack mused. She looked over at Lucy Campbell who blushed scarlet.
"That… that was me," the woman managed. She really did not act her age. She reminded Phryne of a girl just out of puberty, unsure of herself and searching for surety between the legs of any attractive man she could find. Phryne understood the desire for attractive men, but never as a source of confidence. Her confidence was based primarily in her own abilities and allure. "But…"
"An accident," Guy finished, snaking an arm around the woman. Jack still wasn't sure how he felt about such affection, but Phryne smiled. Out of the corner of their eyes Prudence gave a sound that told all she did not approve. All simply ignored her.
Guy suggested to Lucy that he take her inside. "Good bye, cousin Phryne, perhaps I shall visit you in St. Kilda before I embark on my journey home."
"Perhaps," Phryne smiled. They kissed checks and Phryne muffled a laugh at the suggestive comment he whispered in her ear regarding herself and the Inspector.
"I'll take Campbell back to the station and book him," he told her once they were somewhat alone, though still surrounded by people.
Phryne took his hand in such a way that nobody else could see. It was a simply gesture and Jack felt it in his heart. He longed to say "I love you" but did not. Instead, he just smiled and squeezed the delicate hand in his.
"Goodbye Jack."
"Miss Fisher," he nodded.
And they each went their separate ways.
. . .
One more chapter to go! I should put it up tomorrow but i have an exam so it may end up being posted on Sunday.
Thank you all so much for your reviews and kind words.
xoxo