The realisation
Jack led George out of his office, where Hugh was waiting to take him to the cells. George had denied everything, from his knowledge of Sidney Fletchers doings, to the contents of a "treasure" box of incriminating items found in the cabin of the Pandaras. (Well, of course he would!)
Jack had concluded the interview with "I'm arresting you, George Sanderson, for being an accomplice in kidnapping of minors for the purposes of human trafficking."
Hugh stood waiting to take George away and Phryne leant tiredly against a door jamb. "I think I'm copying someone else" she thought idly, watching the scene unfold.
Then she saw Rosie.
Rosie had been waiting in the outer office, for her father to emerge. When he did, Rosie broke down completely.
"How could you! How could you do that to those girls?" Rosie kept repeating.
Phryne thought her distress entirely reasonable. No matter what one's father did in life, there was always the caring father figure held up by daughters, no matter what age. Having that figure head dashed must have been shattering for Rosie. Phryne waited for Rosie to bear out her distress.
Rosie collapsed in Jack's arms, something Phryne thought was also reasonable. His arms were inviting, strong, warm and part of Jack. Comfortable looking arms, backed up by a muscular chest, familiar scent and a soft voice. Phryne shook herself, she must be tired!
But, what happened next, Phryne didn't count on!
Jack's arms closed around Rosie. He held her, murmured words of comfort, and she welcomed it. He cast no looks towards Phryne, no catching of her eye. Rosie was the centre of Jacks attention, and they looked as if they fitted together, their familiarity obvious. "Like a married couple" said a voice in Phryne's head.
Phryne felt a wave of emotion pass over her. She was suddenly cold, and found herself gripping for the door jamb, as if the floor had suddenly given way. She felt empty and discarded. Suddenly, the one place she wanted to be was taken!
Phryne made her way to the outer door, but no-one noticed. She looked back over her shoulder, but Jack only had eyes and arms for Rosie. Even Hugh was elsewhere in the building, attending his duties, Phryne forgotten. Alone, Phryne walked out to look for a taxi. She forlornly hoped Cec and Bert were outside, but apparently they had retired for the night. Phryne found an anonymous driver for the trip home, and it was probably just as well.