Mac watched as Phryne selected some fresh clothing, draping it across her right forearm before carrying it behind her screen. Mac tidied away her medical things and made the bed as Phryne got changed, putting on her red skirt and white blouse, the latter of which Dot had kindly altered for her, ensuring that it fit very comfortably. Although the clothes themselves fitted well and felt comfortable, the act of putting them on was another matter; Phryne's injured right hand made getting dressed a much more complicated and lengthy task than it was usually, with her stocking proving to be particularly problematic. However, Mac's ministrations had soothed the wound slightly, making it slightly more bearable. Just. Phryne quickly put on her make-up and, after an initial attempt with her right hand proved to be quite painful, attempted to apply her lipstick with her left hand, scrutinising it closely in the mirror. As she finished her task and found herself reasonably satisfied with the result, she lowered the lipstick back onto her dressing table and leaned back slightly, catching sight of Mac sitting on the edge of her bed, watching her with concerned eyes. Phryne met her gaze in the glass and her expression softened.

"I'll certainly have to practice using my left hand" Phryne said gently, offering Mac a weak smile. "Otherwise I fear I'll leave the house everyday looking like a newly-trained circus clown" she added lightly. Mac watched her for a few moments, before clasping her hands in her lap and meeting her friend's gaze.

"How's the pain?" Mac asked. Phryne lowered her eyes.

"It's fine" she said gently.

"No, it's not" Mac responded.

"It's barely noticeable" Phryne stated, as she reached for her hair brush with her left hand.

"You're lying" Mac replied, her voice gentle yet assured. Phryne put the hairbrush down and turned around to face her.

"Mac, I'm fine" she stated with conviction. Mac stared at her, before unclasping her hands and looking up at her with a confident expression.

"The burn is second-degree, which I'm sure you're aware of" Mac said gently. Phryne inhaled deeply. "You'll also know that your hand will need to be bathed in saline at least twice a day, cream applied and the bandages changed regularly" she explained.

"I'll manage" Phryne assured her. "I spent two years dressing wounds during the war. I can deal with a minor burn" she said gently.

"It's not a minor burn" Mac stated. "And despite your experience and your abilities, even you won't be able to tend to an injury to your dominant hand by yourself" she added tentatively. Phryne sighed and lowered her gaze from Mac's, before quickly looking back into her eyes. "Phryne, let me help you" Mac said gently. Phryne considered her argument for a few moments before nodding. Mac offered her a warm smile. "I'll come over in the morning to change the bandage, and I'll bring a supply of saline and some of the cream you'll require" she stated. "I'll can show Dot how to change the dressing and the bandages, but I'll need to keep an eye on the injury" she explained. "Which means that you'll have the pleasure of daily visits from me for the next couple of weeks" she declared, offering her a teasing smile. Phryne's expression softened and she smiled.

"Thank you, Mac" Phryne said gently. Mac nodded, watching her for a few moments before continuing.

"We also need to talk about the pain" Mac stated tentatively.

"It's fine" Phryne returned. Mac stared at her.

"Pain associated with second degree burns is not 'fine', Phryne" Mac stated with conviction. "I know you're in considerable pain, despite your attempts to convince me otherwise" she added gently. Phryne sighed. "There are medications which can provide some relief" she explained. Phryne swallowed hard. "I can give you-"

"No" Phryne interceded, her voice low but confident. Her hand was throbbing and it felt like her palm was ablaze, but the thought of taking any drug for it seemed unfathomable. Mac looked up at her, confused.

"Phryne?" she asked.

"I don't want to take anything" Phryne stated, meeting her friend's gaze, her eyes filled with confusion and concern, the former of which quickly cleared.

"Darling, it's alright" she began reassuringly. "I wouldn't give you anything that could harm the baby" she said gently. Phryne felt flushed with embarrassment and slightly panicked; she knew Mac wouldn't give her anything that could pose a risk to her child, but she was still afraid. How could she be so certain? What if she was wrong? And also, part of her questioned whether she should attempt to remedy the pain at all; it was the punishment she received for risking the baby's life, and it was a reminder of how close she had come to losing the child she was supposed to be protecting. She deserved the pain. Phryne was distracted from her thoughts by Mac, who was trying to convince her otherwise. "There's-"

"No" she replied, her voice low and nervous. "Thank you" she added gently. Mac stared at her.

"Phryne, you don't have to be in pain" she said gently. "There is no reason for you to be in pain" she stated, in such a kind and soothing manner that Phryne found herself wondering whether she had somehow divined her thoughts. "If the pain is acute and causes you discomfort and distress it could have the same effect upon the baby" she explained gently. Phryne looked up at her with worried eyes. "I can't prescribe as strong a drug as I would like to due to your condition, but there are other options" she stated. Phryne watched her for a moment, considering her words and contemplating the prospect of taking medication and possibly distressing the baby, both of which were concepts she found unbearable. Mac watched as a troubled expression befell her friend. "Phryne-" she breathed.

"I'll handle it" Phryne said gently. Mac looked at her with an uncertain expression. "The pain is fine, Mac, it's manageable" she assured her. "I'd tell you if it wasn't." Mac considered her for a moment. It was clear that she wasn't going to be able to convince Phryne to take any medication, not tonight at least, despite the pain she knew she would be in. Mac knew Phryne well enough to realise that persisting in trying to convince her would be futile, and would possibly distress her, which would not be good for her or the baby, especially in the circumstances. She just hoped that Phryne would change her mind. If not, she would try again tomorrow.

"No, you wouldn't" she replied quietly. "But I need you to" she stated. Phryne swallowed hard and nodded. "I'll leave some painkillers with you in case you change your mind" she stated, standing up and going through her medical bag and placing a dark bottle of pills upon Phryne's bedside table, which she knew would remain untouched.

"Thank you" Phryne said sincerely. Mac met her eyes with a gentle expression.

"Please think about it, Phryne" Mac gently urged. "And if the pain becomes too much-"

"I'll call you" Phryne assured her. Mac considered her for a moment before nodding, as she sat on Phryne's bed opposite her friend, placing her hand tenderly upon her upper harm and looking into her friend's tired eyes.

"Darling, you need to rest" she said soothingly, her bright eyes meeting Phryne's. The lady detective nodded.

"I will" Phryne assured her. "But I need to talk to Jack first" she explained. Mac nodded in understanding. She knew that Phryne would not be able to relax, let alone sleep, until she had talked to Jack, certainly after the heated exchange that Dot had described when outlining her fears for the lady detective. And there was no doubt in her mind that Jack would ensure Phryne looked after herself and got the rest she so desperately required. Mac, though somewhat reluctantly, nodded gently in agreement.

"Alright" she replied gently. "I'll be back in the morning, but if you need me beforehand you can reach me at the hospital" she explained, offering her a warm smile. Phryne nodded in response and watched as Mac slowly rose from the bed. Just as Mac was about to turn towards the door, Phryne rose from her seat and reached for her friend with her uninjured hand. Mac stopped instantly and turned back towards her, watching her expectantly.

"Thank you, Mac" she said sincerely, her voice tinged with tiredness and emotion. "I will rest, I promise" she assured her. "I'll also clear my diary for tomorrow and spend a day without murders or investigations or hedonistic sex clubs" she stated. Mac smirked and raised her eyebrows.

"Quite a challenge, no doubt" she replied. "But one I'm sure you will manage" she assured her warmly. "Goodbye, Phryne" she added gently. "It's alright, I'll see myself out". Phryne nodded and watched as her friend walked out of her bedroom, listening as she heard her footsteps upon the stairs.

Phryne inhaled deeply and looked down at her hand, which was throbbing, and felt like it was burning with an intensity akin to the sun. She found her eyes drifting longingly towards the brown bottle reposed upon her bedside table, and found herself imagining the 'eat me' label from her favourite childhood book. Despite the pain, which she found to be both physically uncomfortable and mentally distracting, Phryne found herself worrying about the effects of such medication on her baby, and resisted the temptation to take the pills with relative ease. Although Mac had assured her the medication was quite safe, and that she would not prescribe it otherwise, something within Phryne was not quite able to convince herself of it. Whilst she did not want to question her friend, or voice concerns which she was certain would make her paranoid and borderline hysterical, she found herself completely unable to come up with an alternative. Besides, after what she had done, how she had risked her child's safety and clearly upset Jack, she did not consider herself to be the one deserving of relief from pain. She had to make things right again, and the pain, which acted as a firm reminder of her recklessness and selfishness, would help her to achieve that.

Phryne walked from her dressing table and towards her chest of drawers, opening the drawer on the top left hand side and removing a pair of red gloves, which she put on with some difficulty. It felt as though she could feel the heat from the burn not only through the bandages, but even through the glove itself. Phryne inhaled deeply as she breathed through the pain, flexing her fingers slowly and wincing slightly, before picking up her red cloche and heading downstairs.

By the time Phryne reached the bottom of the staircase, her assistant, Dot, was standing in the hallway looking up at her with confusion.

"Miss?" she said, concern present in her tone, as she glanced over Miss Phryne, who was dressed in her red skirt suit with matching heels, as opposed to the loungewear she had expected her to appear in. "Where are you going?" Upon hearing the rising concern and confusion in her companion's tone, Phryne looked up and met her gaze.

"I need to talk to Jack, Dot. But don't worry, I won't be long" she assured her. Dot looked at her uncertainly.

"Shouldn't you be resting, Miss?" she asked tentatively. Phryne met the statement with a small smile.

"I will" she stated reassuringly. "I just need to talk to Jack first" she explained, as she walked past her companion and picked up her bag from the table beside the coat rack. "I owe him a rather large apology, and I also have some information which might clear up this case" she stated. Dot considered her for a moment before nodding.

"Shall I come with you, Miss?" she asked. Phryne looked up at her with a gentle expression.

"Thank you, Dot, but I'll be fine" Phryne responded. "You'll be going home soon" she said gently.

"I can stay, Miss" Dot offered. "If you'd like me to" she added. Phryne smiled warmly in response.

"Dear Dot, you are welcome to stay here any time" she stated. "But you don't have to look after me" she added gently. "I'm just going to speak with Jack, give him the information he requires, then come straight home and get some sleep" she continued. "I promise that tonight I'll be tucked up in bed before you are" she assured her. Dot smiled weakly in response.

"Is there anything I can do, Miss?" she asked. Phryne considered the question for a moment.

"I'd be grateful if you'd be able to rearrange my appointments for tomorrow, if you have time, of course" Phryne stated, as Dot nodded in agreement. "I assured Mac I'd clear my schedule and spend tomorrow relaxing" she said gently. Dot smiled gently and nodded.

"Of course" she assured her. Phryne smiled and thanked her. "How's your hand, Miss?" Dot asked gently, her eyes drifting towards the lady detective's injured extremity. Phryne rose her right hand in the air.

"Still attached to my body" she replied lightly, offering her companion a warm smile.

"Why don't I call Cec and Bert, and ask them to drive you? Or Mr Butler?" Dot offered. "Surely you can't drive with an injured hand?"

"I could drive with no hands, Dot" Phryne replied lightly, as she placed her cloche on her head and adjusted its position. "Sometimes I do" she added quietly, a teasing tone entering her voice. Dot seemed poised to respond when Phryne stepped forward and put her uninjured hand upon her arm. "I'll be back shortly, alright? I promise" she stated, before leaning forward and kissing her companion on the forehead, her deep red lipstick staining Dot's pale skin. "I'll see you in the morning" she stated, rubbing her arm soothingly. Dot nodded in response and watched as Phryne walked past her and headed towards the door.

"Be careful, Miss" she called after her. Phryne turned around and offered her a warm smile, before nodding and opening the door, and stepping outside.

As Dot had stated, and as Phryne had suspected given the pain she experienced during her drive from the Palace of Eros to her home in St Kilda, the injury to her hand made driving quite painful, and prompted Phryne to attempt to hold the steering wheel with her left hand and the fingers of her right hand, keeping her palm as far away from it as she was able to. Whilst she was able to hold the wheel rather securely this way, Phryne found the angle at which her right hand was bent in order to maintain her grip upon the wheel caused the burning in her palm to intensify which, as she reached the city itself, she found to be almost a blessing, as it distracted her from the rising anxiety she was experiencing at the prospect of seeing Jack again.

As Phryne drove the short journey from her home to City South Police Station, her mind was flooded with the memories of their heated exchange, the hurt look in his eyes, the frustration and concern present in his tone, all of which she had caused so unjustly. But of all the memories she had of that exchange, which she remembered perfectly, the image that struck her the most had been the look in his eyes when he first saw her. She had never seen him look so terrified, so concerned and so lost. He'd rushed towards her, reaching out for her and holding onto her waist securely, as though afraid she would disappear if he let go. His eyes had drifted across her face and down to her abdomen, where they'd rested for a short while, as he pressed his palm upon her swollen stomach, which he stroked tenderly with his thumb. The gesture had caused Phryne to feel dizzy with guilt, as did the memory. Despite what she had done, despite the risk she had taken, the first thing Jack had said to her had not been a reprimand, which she would have quite rightly deserved, but it was an enquiry after her wellbeing. Phryne remembered the conversation perfectly, and her mind drifted over their exchange, from his concern to her to his frustration that she had acted the way she had done. He'd seemed hurt, worried, concerned and confused but never, Phryne noted with surprise and guilt, angry. He had not raised his voice to her or criticised her which, under the circumstances, demonstrated a remarkable show of restraint. But whilst he had not been angry, she did not doubt that he was concerned, upset and disappointed, all of which, she reasoned, were far worse than anger. Phryne was so preoccupied with her thoughts that she only noticed that she had reached her destination when several Police officers walked down the pavement beside her car as she parked directly outside the Police station.

Phryne looked up at the familiar building with anxiety, finding her heart racing and her hand burning with intensity as she mentally prepared herself for seeing Jack. Assuming he was there, of course. He might still be at the crime scene, she thought, the notion causing her to feel a pang of worry. After a few moments of gathering her thoughts, during which time the images of Jack's worried expression returned to the forefront of her mind, Phryne inhaled deeply and opened her car door, stepping out into the road and walking onto the pavement, before heading into the building before her with a sense of anxiety and uncertainty.

Phryne closed the door behind her as she stepped into the station, glancing around warily at the scene before her. There was an elderly gentleman who appeared to be homeless sitting upon the bench to her right, who looked up at her with a curious expression, before blinking and lowering his head once more.

"Miss Fisher?" came the confused voice of Hugh Collins, who looked up from the paperwork he was working on from behind the counter. "Are you alright?" he asked as he put down his pen, surprise present in his tone.

"I'm perfectly fine, thank you, Hugh" Phryne responded warmly. "Is Jack here?" Hugh stared at her for a moment before nodding slowly in response.

"Uh, yes, Miss, he's in his office" he replied. Phryne swallowed hard and attempted to ignore the anxiety which was threatening to overcome her. Instead, she forced a small smile and nodded, before thanking him and walking across the corridor and towards the office, which had never before seemed so far away.

Phryne inhaled deeply and looked up at the door, staring at the letters of Jack's name which were printed upon it, as she released a long breath and attempted to calm herself. As she reached for the handle of the door she stopped herself suddenly, retracting her hand and looking up at the lettering once more, as the prospect of entering the room unannounced seemed too intrusive somehow. Instead, Phryne swallowed hard, attempting to ignore the feeling of rising emotion she was experiencing as she slowly rose her hand to the wooden surface, and knocked gently upon the door.

Jack was sat behind his desk in his office, surrounded by files, paperwork and pictures of the crime scene. Following his heated discussion with Phryne, which he felt conflicted and troubled over, Jack had attempted to investigate the cause of the inferno which could quite easily have claimed the lives of his wife and unborn child; a fact he was forced to acknowledge despite wanting nothing more than to banish it immediately from his mind. Despite his concerns for Phryne, whose physical and emotional wellbeing he was worried about, Jack had managed to investigate the arson attack with his officers, and had made significant progress. After having spent some brief time at the Palace of Eros for the second time in two days, Jack had ordered his men to conduct a thorough search of the area, which quickly resulted in the apprehension and arrest of the arsonist, whose motivations for the crime were made immediately clear. In light of this swift result, Jack had returned to the office to complete the necessary paperwork and consider the new piece of evidence which Phryne had led him towards, which prompted him to read his notes on the interviews with Miss Cassidy once more. Although Jack was familiar with the file in question, he found himself utterly unable to recall a single word. As he sat behind his desk with the file before him, his eyes drifted down the first paragraph for the sixth time, and he was still utterly unable to retain any information from the sentence he had just read. Instead, his mind drifted back to the conversation he had had with Phryne, who he had not stopped thinking about since the incident just over an hour ago.

As he attempted to concentrate on the case, which he wanted to solve as quickly as possible to enable him to return to Phryne, he found himself utterly unable to concentrate upon it. When he had been at the scene and discussing matters with his men, his concentration, whilst affected, remained largely intact, and he had been able to focus upon the task in hand. But as soon as he returned to the sanctity of his office, his mind forced him to relive the troubling events of that afternoon. He remembered Hugh's face when he opened the door and informed him of the telephone call he had just received; he recalled perfectly his breaching of several traffic laws as he drove to the Palace of Eros, his mind placing the most unbearable images into his mind and forcing him to confront terrifying yet very plausible possibilities as to the wellbeing of Phryne and the baby; the sight of Phryne standing there in the middle of the road, pale and covered in soot, clutching her injured hand before her and staring up at him with her wide, expressive eyes; and the anguish in those eyes as he had berated her at the roadside. Jack closed his eyes at the memories and rubbed his forehead, as he attempted to cast aside the memories of the harsh words he spoke to his wife. He'd been consumed by concern for her and the baby, confliction over her conduct, and surprise at his own rising agitation and the edge to his tone. Despite what he said and how frustrated he had been by her actions, all he had wanted to do as he reached her side earlier that afternoon was to draw her to him, hold her close, and take her home. She was frightened and in pain and clearly injured, but he did little to comfort or console her, and instead berated her and questioned her as she stood before him, looking up at him with a confused, shocked expression. Her surprise at his words quickly turned to shock and defensiveness, which was understandable under the circumstances, and which had, at the time, increased his frustration and his concern for her. Had she not seen how dangerous her conduct had been? Had she not been aware of the danger it posed to both her and their child?

Jack sighed deeply at the thought and slowly opened his eyes. Phryne was many things, but she was not naïve; she was kind, she was selfless and she was brave, and despite the risk she took, it was the qualities she had which he so admired which had compelled her to enter the building that afternoon. There was not a doubt in Jack's mind that she would do anything to protect their baby, but that day had demonstrated an element of Phryne's personality which she had been struggling with during her pregnancy; in order to protect the baby, Phryne needed to protect herself, which was a notion she was not used to. She always placed her own wellbeing below everyone else's, which he had witnessed many times, from the time she risked her life to save him and Jane from Murdoch Foyle to when she almost electrocuted herself in the factory when she saved Dot's life. Phryne would always put others above herself, prioritising their wellbeing above her own, making the selfless decision to save others easily and without much consideration. But in order to protect the baby, she needed to acknowledge the physical link between them, and realise that ensuring their child's safety depended completely upon her maintaining her own. And that was something she had never done before, that she never felt she had a reason to do. Until now. And because of Phryne's selflessness and her bravery, and her natural instincts to help and protect others at any cost, it was certainly something that she would struggle with, which had been demonstrated earlier that day.

As Jack considered this face he found himself overcome with guilt once more, as the memory of his words and his tone, and the look in her eyes as he spoke to her, returned to him with an almost physical force. She'd needed his help, not his criticism; his guidance, not his scorn. Instead of trying to assist Phryne in realising that she not only needed to be protected, but that she deserved to be, he had spoken to her in a manner which had probably exacerbated her existing concerns about her ability to be a mother and her pregnancy in general – concerns which she was beginning to feel comfortable enough to discuss with him. Jack swallowed hard at this knowledge, and he began to feel sick with guilt over his handling of the situation. She should not have gone into the building, but he should not have spoken to her the way he had done, and the memory of each word he said to her cut through him like a knife, but inflicted more pain than any blade ever could. He was supposed to be helping her, protecting her and their child, but he had failed them both completely that afternoon. He should have been with her. He should have insisted on driving her home, and ensuring she got their safely. Instead, he acted in a way he promised himself that he never would, not with her, and his conduct that afternoon may have upset her so much that she'd close herself off again, refusing to acknowledge let alone discuss her fears and concerns. The idea of Phryne being afraid pained him deeply, but the thought of her feeling unable to confide in anyone and suffering in silence was unbearable. And if it did happen, which was a distinct possibility, then it was all his fault.

Jack sighed once more and rubbed his head, as he pushed the file he was holding across the table, realising that he would be unable to concentrate on the case at present. He wanted to go home, be with her, talk to her and explain. But more than anything, he needed to make sure she was alright. He had asked Dorothy to call him after Phryne had been examined by Dr MacMillan, and he was yet to receive the call. Jack glanced down at his watch and found that just over an hour had passed since he had insisted she return home. Perhaps Dr MacMillan was engaged at the hospital at the time? Perhaps Phryne was being examined right now? If something was wrong, Dorothy would have called him, of that he had no doubt. But his ignorance as to the wellbeing of Phryne and their baby was unbearable. Jack had reached for the phone and picked up the receiver when he heard a tentative knock upon the door.

After being startled from this thoughts, Jack removed his hand from the phone and looked up towards the door and stared at it for a moment, before instinctively addressing the knocker.

"Yes?" he called, his voice low and slightly hollow.

At the sound of Jack's voice Phryne's stomach dropped, and she felt sick with guilt once more, which threatened to consume her completely. However, she also found herself struck with a strong, almost innate need to apologise, to explain, to be close to him. She inhaled sharply, pushed down upon the handle, and slowly opened the door. Phryne pushed the door open a few inches and glanced inside, her eyes drifting across the office towards Jack, who was sitting behind his desk, as she opened the door to reveal herself fully. As she did so, her eyes met Jack's across the room, and she watched as his eyes widened with surprise.

"Jack?" she said, her voice low and slightly broken, and sounding considerably weaker than she had intended.

"Phryne" Jack breathed, surprise present in his tone, as he looked over her with concern and rose from her seat. Phryne found herself facing Jack's concern and not his anger, and she felt completely overwhelmed.

"Jack, I'm so sorry" she said sincerely, her voice slightly choked, her eyes glistening. Before she had uttered the final word Jack was at her side, staring at her with kind, reassuring eyes bearing a look of concern. She felt his hands upon her waist once more, but this time his touch was not quite as restrained as it had been on the roadside after the fire; his left hand was placed protectively upon her waist, and his right hand travelled immediately, perhaps even instinctively, across her body and onto her abdomen, where she felt warmth from his palm and splayed fingers upon her swollen abdomen. Her fears abated for the briefest of moments, and Phryne felt her heart flutter.

"Are you alright?" he asked with concern, his eyes meeting hers. Phryne nodded immediately.

"The baby's fine" she assured him, offering him a weak smile as she looked up at him nervously. Jack nodded immediately in response and stroked her waist with his left hand, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Are you?" he asked gently. Phryne, who had been expecting criticism and possibly even anger, both of which she felt were justified, seemed confused by the question. "Are you alright?" Jack repeated, his patient voice low and gently. Phryne nodded. Jack's eyes drifted over her face for a few moments as he considered her, as though he wished to reassure himself that she was, indeed, alright. Phryne watched as his eyes befell her left hand, which was concealed beneath her red glove. "How's your hand?" he asked. Phryne felt overwhelmed and guilt-ridden at Jack's concern for her wellbeing. She didn't deserve it. Not at all.

"My hand's fine" she said quietly, her emotional eyes meeting his once more. "Jack, I'm so sorry" she repeated, her words sincere and heartfelt, and prompting Jack to draw her slightly closer in an attempt to comfort her, as he stared deep into her eyes.

"I'm sorry too" he replied, quite unexpectedly, causing Phryne to look up at him with confusion. "I should never have spoken to you like that-"

"Yes, you should" Phryne responded with conviction, her voice gaining confidence as she spoke. "You had every right to criticise me and were right to do so" she assured him. "You don't have to be sorry for wanting to protect our child, and ensuring that I do too" she added, looking into his eyes but struggling to maintain his gaze. "I acted recklessly and without thought. I should never have gone into that building" she said quietly, her voice low and filled with remorse. "But I would never intentionally do anything that would endanger our child" she added, her eyes shining with tears as her voice became increasingly emotional, "and I am so sorry-"

"Phryne" Jack breathed, as he drew her closer with both hands and held her against him, holding her in a comforting embrace and encouraging her to lean into him. Phryne, who appeared surprised by the action, quickly relaxed into Jack's arms, and he felt her hands travel tentatively up his sides, as her presence caused some of his anxieties to dissipate and reassured him immeasurably. "It's alright" he soothed, stroking her back comfortingly as he offered her words of reassurance, which were almost whispered against her hair. "It's alright" he repeated, his voice slightly quieter, as he held her against him. "I know" he assured her, as he continued to rub her back as she leaned into him.

Phryne closed her eyes as he spoke, the final two words reassuring her that despite his justified frustration at her actions, he understood why she had done what she did, and he wasn't angry at her. Phryne swallowed hard and opened her eyes. But he should be, she thought. I don't deserve this kindness. Phryne inhaled deeply and leaned back from the embrace, prompting Jack to lower his hands from her back to her waist once more, as he looked down upon her expectantly, his bright eyes meeting her emotional ones.

"I'm sorry, Jack" she said, her voice low but slightly more assured, as she stared into his eyes. "You were right. I should have gone for help, I should never have walked into that building. I didn't think" she stated honestly, watching as Jack continued to listen to her patiently. "I just saw the fire and heard the screaming and I-"

"I know" Jack soothed, as Phryne's voice became more emotional and her tone was tinged with sadness. She looked inhaled deeply to compose herself and looked deep into his eyes. A brief but comfortable silence fell between them, as Phryne nervously considered her next words.

"I am trying, Jack" she assured him, her eyes meeting his.

"I know you are" Jack replied instantly, his eyes looking upon her with concern. Phryne inhaled shakily.

"I'm just… I'm not used to having to-" she continued, breaking off suddenly as she struggled to find the words for her explanation. Jack ran his hand reassuringly up her side and watched her patiently. "The baby deserves better than this" she said quietly, her voice low and slightly hollow. Phryne inhaled sharply and shook her head. "I'm only sixteen weeks pregnant and I'm already failing as a mother, and I-"

"No, Phryne, you're not" Jack stated, holding onto her as he looked into her eyes with a confident expression, as he felt himself becoming consumed by guilt. She looked into his eyes with an uncertain expression, as though his words confused her. "I promise you, you're not" he assured her. Phryne swallowed hard and her breath caught in her throat, as she found herself becoming emotional once more, much to her frustration. She was tired and upset, overwhelmed with guilt and her hand was really, really hurting. But all of that paled in comparison to the fact that she had placed her baby in such danger. Jack looked down upon her with concern. "Phryne, I know you would do anything to protect our baby, and I know you are trying" he assured her. "And I'm sorry if anything I said to you today made you feel otherwise, because that is absolutely not the case" he assured her, watched as she inhaled sharply and stared into his eyes. "Although going into that building was dangerous, I understand why you did it" he stated, "but please don't do that again" he said gently.

"I won't" Phryne assured him, her voice confident and sincere. He nodded. "And you shouldn't have to understand" she added, her voice low and quiet. "Running into burning buildings is not something women in my condition should be doing; I shouldn't have even considered it, though I didn't, really, I just ran straight towards it" she said guiltily, swallowing hard and inhaling deeply. "I'm sorry, Jack" she said again, her voice heavy with regret and sincerity as she met his gaze. "I have good instincts as a detective, but as a mother…" she stated, shaking her head and trailing off as she lowered her eyes from his. "I'm really not very good at this" she admitted sadly, as she crossed her left arm defensively across her chest. Jack felt his heart break at her tearful admission, which he disagreed with completely.

"No, I don't agree" he stated with conviction, prompting Phryne to look up at him slowly, her eyes filled with tears. "You are trying, Phryne, and you are taking care of our baby" he assured her gently, as her doubtful eyes stared into his. "You shouldn't have gone into that building today. It was dangerous to both you and the baby, and you were fortunate that you are both alright" he explained tentatively, "but you mustn't put yourself in that kind of danger again" he stated. "I know you want to protect the baby, and to do so you need to remember that if anything happens to you, then it will affect our child, so your safety is paramount" he explained, as Phryne nodded in agreement to his statement. "Phryne, I'm not angry with you, and I'm not disappointed. You have never disappointed me, I don't believe you ever could" he assured her, watching as she looked up at him with emotional eyes. "But I am concerned about you, and I need you to realise that you can't take the kind of risks you are used to taking" he explained carefully, "you aren't infallible, Phryne, despite your history of various brushes with death. The War, Foyle, Fletcher" he explained, watching as Phryne listened to him attentively, "Captain Courageous and the plane crash in Madagascar" he added lightly, earning a small smile from Phryne, whose eyes were still glistening with tears. "You need to be careful, Phryne, now more than ever" Jack said gently. "I know you want to take care of this baby, and you are doing everything you can to do so" he stated with conviction. "And the best way to take care of our child is by taking care of yourself" he said, looking into her eyes as he spoke, uttering words which echoed Mac's. "Going into that building was dangerous, and you shouldn't have done so, but it does not mean that you are failing" he assured her. "You went into that building to help people, because that's what you do, it's who you are" he explained, "and it's because of who you are that I know you will take care of this baby, as you have done already. And I have absolutely no doubt that you will be a wonderful mother. You already are" he assured her. Phryne swallowed hard and stared at him uncertainly. "I know this is difficult for you, and I know that you have had to make some huge adjustments in a very short space of time" he continued, "but you are doing wonderfully, and I can't even begin to explain how proud I am of you" he said sincerely, as he considered her with a warm expression.

Phryne, who had remained silent as Jack spoke, found that his words reassured her of his faith in her, but could not make her feel confident of herself. His words were kind and sincere and far better than she deserved, and she was overwhelmed with gratitude and relief. She tried to compose herself as she met his eyes, which were watching her with a tender expression, as she poised herself to speak.

"I am trying, Jack, but I promise you I will try harder" she stated with conviction. "I can do this. I will do this" she assured him. Jack rubbed her side gently.

"I know you can, you already are" he responded, his voice gentle and soothing. "You're not alone, Phryne" he said gently. "We'll do it together" he declared. A small smile played on Phryne's lips and she nodded, as Jack drew her close once more, holding her in a warm embrace. Jack held Phryne close for several moments, feeling her arms tentatively drift up his back, prompting him to hold her tighter. "It's going to be alright" he whispered against her ear. Phryne's eyes drifted closed and she held onto him, allowing herself to seek solace in his comfort for just a few moments, despite not believing that she deserved it. Phryne and Jack remained together, holding each other close in his office for several minutes, until a familiar knock at the door drew them quickly out of their thoughts and embrace.

Phryne stepped back first, swallowing hard and inhaling deeply as she turned away from the door and attempted to compose herself. Jack watched her with concern for a moment, before turning to face the door.

"Yes, Collins?" he called. The door opened slowly and Hugh stepped over the threshold.

"Sorry for interrupting, Sir" Hugh said apologetically, glancing from the Inspector to Miss Fisher – Mrs Robinson – who turned to face him with a tired but gentle expression. "Er- I just thought you'd like to know that Harry Hamilton has been taken to city jail ahead of his arraignment tomorrow, and Miss Cassidy has arrived" he explained. "She, um… she was quite insistent that Miss F- that Mrs Robinson be present, Sir" he added tentatively. Jack considered the information for a moment before nodding.

"Thank you, Collins" he replied. "Put Miss Cassidy in an interview room. I'll be with you in a minute." Hugh nodded in response and quickly left the room. Phryne, who had listened to the exchange with interest, was staring at Jack, who felt her gaze upon him and looked towards her.

"You arrested the Councillor's son" Phryne stated, looking up at Jack with confusion. "What for?"

"Arson" Jack replied simply. Phryne stared at him for a moment, considering the information for a moment before realisation dawned upon her.

"Of course" she sighed. "The petrol bomb, the motorbike-"

"Harry Hamilton works at a garage less than two miles away from the Palace of Eros" Jack explained. "My men informed him of his father's death this afternoon. It appears that Mr Hamilton blamed the club for his father's demise, and for the ruin to his reputation which he believed would follow, and took it upon himself to avenge both" he stated. "He drove to the Palace of Eros on a motorbike belonging to a client, threw a petrol bomb through the window and made his getaway" he continued. "My men found him at a pub half a mile away, with the motorbike parked outside, and the arsonist getting very drunk inside the premises" he stated. "He confessed all to my officers before they had even left the pub" he explained. Phryne nodded in understanding.

"His poor mother" she breathed, remembering the frightened eyes of the kindly older woman. "But you don't believe he is the killer?" she asked, despite already knowing the answer.

"No" Jack returned. "Ironically, his motivations for the arson would suggest his innocence, and he has a solid alibi for the night of the murder" he stated. Phryne looked at him expectantly.

"Which is?" she asked. Jack met her gaze.

"Mr Hamilton was arrested at a small establishment in Little Lonsdale Street which was raided by Vice last night" he explained. Phryne scoffed lightly. "He spent the night in a Police cell." Phryne hummed.

"Like father like son" she stated.

"So it would seem" Jack responded. Phryne nodded, before looking back up at him.

"And Miss Cassidy?" she asked. "You asked for her to come in." Jack considered her for a moment, realising where the conversation was heading, and nodded tentatively.

"I did" he confirmed. Phryne looked at him with a gentle expression.

"And why is that?" she asked. Jack walked towards his desk and picked up a framed photograph.

"Because of this" he explained, handing Phryne the photograph of Miss Cassidy and a young woman who bore a striking resemblance to her, which Phryne had seen in her office the night she had been called by the lady in question. Phryne's attention instantly befell the necklaces both women wore, a small smile playing on her lips. "We've re-interviewed Thomas, of course, but he's refusing to talk" Jack stated. Phryne nodded in understanding.

"I knew I'd seen the necklace before" she stated, as she glanced upon the clear image of the necklace in the photograph. Phryne was silent for a few moments as she considered it, before looking up at Jack. "You went to Miss Cassidy's office to collect the photograph" she said simply. "The photograph which prompted my return to the property." Jack nodded slowly.

"I did" he returned. Phryne met his gaze and watched as Jack looked upon her with a gentle expression. "Whilst I may not always approve of your methods, Miss Fisher, your powers of observation are beyond refute." Phryne smiled modestly in response and nodded.

"Thank you, Jack" she said gently, before returning her attention to the photograph. "So I take it you've asked Miss Cassidy to come in to discuss the fact that this necklace was found beneath the body of Councillor Hamilton" she stated. Jack nodded in agreement. "And Miss Cassidy has arrived" she continued, looking up at him as she lowered the photograph in her hand, "and has asked for me to be present" she added, somewhat hesitantly. Jack exhaled deeply and nodded.

"Apparently so" he returned quietly. Phryne met his gaze.

"Will you let me sit in on the interview?" she asked gently, watching as concern entered Jack's expression. "I know I need to be careful, and I know I have to rest, especially after the incident earlier this afternoon" she continued. "And if you ask me to go home, I will, I won't argue" she assured him, which surprised Jack somewhat. "I'll be sat behind a desk with you right beside me, and it won't take long" she assured him. "The case is almost over" she stated. "We know who killed him and how it was done, and based on his character we can make a rather accurate deduction as to why" she stated. "And I believe I know the role Thomas played in it" she explained. "We can lay this whole matter to rest this very evening, possibly in less than an hour" she stated. "And we can make sure that justice is achieved for the true victims in this crime" she said gently. "Given the delicate nature of the situation, I think a female presence would assist all involved."

Jack watched Phryne for a few moments as he considered her argument, as well as her very sincere offer to return home should he advise her to, which was very tempting. Given her lack of sleep, her injury and the dangerous situation she had been in earlier that afternoon, there was nothing that Jack wanted more than for her to go home and rest. But this case was particularly troubling, especially for the true victim, and Jack knew that Phryne would struggle to relax enough to rest if the matter remained unresolved. He felt incredibly conflicted about what he should do, knowing that her mind and her strong duty towards justice would prevent her from relaxing enough to enable her to rest. The sooner this matter was concluded, the sooner she would be able to get the sleep she and the baby so desperately needed. And this time, he would drive her home himself. Jack sighed gently and looked down at his watch, noting that the time was half-past six, and looking up at Phryne with a firm expression.

"You can sit in on the interview with Miss Cassidy" he said gently, "but if she does not cooperate by seven o'clock, I'm driving you home" he stated. Phryne nodded immediately in response.

"Of course" Phryne replied gratefully. "Thank you, Jack" she added. Jack nodded in agreement, finding himself questioning his decision already, as he led Phryne from his office.

A few minutes later Jack and Phryne were in the interview room, with Phryne sat opposite Miss Cassidy and Jack standing by the door. Phryne watched as Miss Cassidy looked from her to Jack nervously, clasping her hands tightly on the table before her, as she exhaled deeply and looked up at Jack.

"I understand you caught the man who set fire to my establishment" she said quietly. "I'm very grateful for your efforts, both of you" she said, turning from Jack to Phryne. "I hope you aren't hurt" she said sincerely, her eyes befalling Phryne's bandaged hand.

"No, Miss Cassidy, I'm fine" she responded. Miss Cassidy considered her for a moment before nodding.

"May I ask why I have been summonsed here, Inspector?" she asked, her voice adopting a confident tone which she neither felt nor believed. Jack looked at her with a reassuring expression.

"We know what happened last night, Miss Cassidy" he explained, watching as the woman before him stared at him for a moment, before shifting slightly in her seat.

"What happened?" she asked gently, her eyes drifting from Jack to Phryne, who was watching her with a warm expression.

"I think you know what happened, Miss Cassidy" she stated, before placing the photograph on her lap upon the table and turning it to face her. Miss Cassidy's eyes widened and her lips gently parted. "You didn't work it out until we found the necklace beneath the body" Phryne stated. "You couldn't have possibly known until then. And if you had, you would have arranged for the Councillor's body to be thrown in the Yarra, as opposed to hiring a private detective" she stated. Miss Cassidy, who had remained silent but appeared visibly uncomfortable, swallowed hard.

"Where did you get that?" she asked, panic clear in her tone. Phryne's expression softened.

"It's alright" Phryne soothed. "We know it wasn't her fault" she stated. "It was self-defence." Miss Cassidy, who was now staring at Phryne with wide eyes which shone with tears, inhaled sharply.

"The necklace is mine" she stated firmly. "I must've lost it when I-"

"No, you didn't" Phryne responded gently. "You didn't lose it during a struggle with the victim, if such a word is appropriate, because you didn't kill him" she explained. "Your daughter did." At the utterance of that final sentence, tears began to spill down Miss Cassidy's cheeks, and her breath hitched in her throat.

"No, she didn't. I did" she stated resolutely. Phryne watched her with a tender expression.

"Your daughter is wearing the necklace in this photograph, Miss Cassidy" Phryne said gently. "We know she was in the room" she explained tentatively. Miss Cassidy inhaled deeply and faced Phryne with a look of feigned confidence.

"She came to see me last night, and that animal found her" she stated. "I went to find her and heard her cry out. So I went into the room and found him attacking her" she stated. "I wanted to get him off her so I grabbed the statue and I-"

"No, Miss Cassidy, you didn't" Jack said gently, as he walked slowly towards the table, taking a seat beside Phryne.

"Yes I did" she said quietly, staring at Phryne with an imploring gaze. Phryne shook her head, and watched as a tear drifted down Miss Cassidy's cheek.

"Your daughter is very lucky that you and Thomas care about her so deeply" Phryne said sincerely, the statement surprising Miss Cassidy. "It's why you're both willing to go to such lengths to protect her" she declared. Miss Cassidy stared at Phryne and did not respond. "How old were you when she was born?" she asked. Miss Cassidy stared at her, as though considering whether it was dangerous to answer the question, before inhaling deeply and brushing the tears from her cheeks.

"I was nineteen" she stated. Phryne nodded.

"About the same age she is now?" Phryne asked. Miss Cassidy inhaled deeply.

"She turned eighteen three months ago" she stated. "It's when her parents told her that she was adopted" she added. Phryne nodded in understanding.

"And, naturally, she was curious" Phryne said gently. "As were you, I imagine" she continued. "It's why you moved back, isn't it?" she asked. Miss Cassidy nodded slowly as tears began to spill from her eyes once more.

"I was living in Fitzroy and working as a dancer when I had Alma" she explained. "Her father was my childhood sweetheart, and he died in an accident in the docks a few weeks before I found out I was pregnant" she explained. "I couldn't look after her, how could I?" she asked, shaking her head. "She deserved better than me" she added, the statement striking Phryne in the heart like a bolt of lightning. Jack noticed a brief change in Phryne's demeanour, which she corrected immediately. "I arranged for her to be adopted into a good family, where she would have the opportunities I never did" she explained. "I wanted her to have a better life than I had" she stated. Phryne nodded.

"But staying in Melbourne was too painful" Phryne stated. Miss Cassidy nodded.

"I moved to Sydney two weeks after she was born" she explained, looking up and meeting Phryne's eyes, "and I thought about her every single day" she stated. "I inherited a substantial amount of money from a client, and decided to create a place of safety where one could indulge in one's hedonistic pleasures in safety" she said, the final word choking her. "So I bought a property down here and returned to Melbourne" she stated. "Perhaps part of me wanted to feel close to her" she admitted, swallowing hard, "despite knowing that we would never meet" she added sadly.

"But you did meet, didn't you?" Phryne said gently, watching the woman before her with a gentle expression.

"About two months ago I received a letter from her, explaining who she was and that I was her mother" she stated. "She found her birth certificate when she was applying to University, and it was then she realised that she was adopted, which she confronted her parents about" she stated. "Shortly after I bought the property and began to model it as the 'Palace of Eros', the papers published many articles about my intentions, and mentioned me by name" she explained. "Alma recognised my name and wrote me a letter, explain that she wanted to meet me" she stated. "At first I wasn't sure. I wanted to see her, of course I did. I wanted to know that she was alright, that she was happy, and see the kind of woman she became" she explained tearfully. Phryne looked upon her with a gentle expression and nodded encouragingly. "In the letter she told me that she was happy, had a loving family, and had just been accepted into University to train to become a doctor" she stated. "I thought, she's fine, she's done it, she's nothing like me" she said with a smile. Phryne nodded in understanding.

"So you felt it was safe for you both to meet" Phryne stated. Miss Cassidy nodded immediately.

"So I wrote back and arranged to meet her, and she-" Miss Cassidy began, putting a trembling hand over her mouth as she looked at Phryne with emotional eyes, "she's the most beautiful girl I've ever seen" she said sincerely. Phryne smiled warmly in response. "She's an incredible young woman, Mrs Robinson, and we got on so well" she stated, her eyes drifting down towards the picture frame. "That picture was taken the week we met" she explained. "The day I gave her the necklace" she added. "We spent a lot of time together" she added.

"But not at the Palace of Eros" Phryne stated.

"Alma is a very modern woman, Mrs Robinson" she remarked. "Although I did not deem it appropriate for her to attend the Palace at night, she did not disapprove of it" she explained. "I didn't think it appropriate that she came to the Palace, given the circumstances" she stated. "Alma is from a very good family" she explained. Phryne considered her for a moment.

"But she came anyway, didn't she?" she asked. Miss Cassidy met her gaze, seemed surprise, and nodded.

"About a month ago, during the refurbishment" she explained. "How did you know?" she asked.

"Because she and Thomas love each other" Phryne responded gently. "And given he works at your club, the most logical assumption would be that that is where they met." Miss Cassidy considered her words and nodded in agreement.

"She came to the Palace to look for me" she explained. "She had to cancel our dinner plans as she had to attend the University for a formal meeting" she added. "Thomas caught her trying to get into the building, and he brought her to me" she explained, a small smile playing upon her lips. "I could sense the connection between them the moment they entered my office" she said with a small smile. Phryne nodded.

"Despite your daughter's acceptance of your establishment, you were still concerned, weren't you?" Phryne asked. "Your establishment earned you criticism, criticism which you were worried would be applied to your daughter if her connection to you was ever made known" she stated. "So you kept your relationship secret" she explained. "Even from her adoptive parents, I'd imagine" she stated. Miss Cassidy nodded slowly in response. "So you must have been very surprised when you saw her necklace beneath the body of Councillor Hamilton" Phryne said gently. Miss Cassidy looked up and stared at her. "You didn't kill the Councillor defending your daughter, Miss Cassidy. You didn't even know that she was there" Phryne explained tentatively. "Your daughter killed him by defending herself" she stated. Miss Cassidy stared at Phryne.

"I don't know what you're talking about" she said tearfully, her voice low and choked. Phryne felt guilt-ridden at the prospect of causing this woman any pain. She couldn't imagine the torment she was currently experiencing. Phryne looked at Miss Cassidy with a gentle expression.

"Miss Cassidy, the Inspector and I are both aware that no crime occurred last night" Phryne stated with conviction. "Councillor Hamilton was a cruel misogynist with a noted history of treating women very badly" she explained, "he had attempted to assault one of your goddesses the night of his death" she stated. "And it didn't end there, did it?" she asked. Miss Cassidy swallowed hard and inhaled deeply. "Why don't I tell you what I think happened last night, and you correct me if I'm wrong?" she asked. Phryne watched as Miss Cassidy stared at her, a single tear rolling down her cheek, as she slowly nodded. Phryne offered her a reassuring look.

"Your daughter arrived at the club late last night, probably some time between eleven and half past" Phryne began. "She was upset, wasn't she?" Phryne asked. "Possibly because her parents had discovered that she had been meeting with you and they had argued about it" she stated. Miss Cassidy inhaled sharply, averted her eyes from Phryne and wrapped her arms across her chest, before nodding slowly in agreement. Phryne watched her with a gentle expression. "She was upset and overwhelmed, and so she sought out the people who made her feel safe" Phryne explained gently. "You and Thomas" she added. Miss Cassidy's bottom lip began to tremble. "When she arrived at the club she sought out Thomas, knowing where he would be working at that time" she stated. "Thomas snuck her around the building and let her in through the back" she stated. "Given the fact that she was probably very upset when she arrived, Thomas would have taken her somewhere to clean up before taking her to you" Phryne explained. "The issue, of course, was taking her to your office without attracting the attention of the guards. A young woman who was not a goddess would stand out in an establishment such as yours" she stated. "So they made her into one, didn't they?" Phryne asked. Miss Cassidy met her gaze. "They found a spare dress, in silver silk, and she changed into it" she explained. "I'd imagine Thomas hid her clothes, taking them with him later that night" she continued. "Thomas then walked with Alma through the building quite calmly. All the staff were new, many of them were still getting to know each other, and so seeing a young goddess who did not seem immediately familiar would not have raised anyone's suspicions" Phryne explained, "particularly not when the young lady in question is being escorted by a guard" she added. Miss Cassidy wiped the tears from her cheeks and inhaled sharply. Phryne reached across the table and held her hand.

"It's alright" she soothed. Miss Cassidy met her eyes and inhaled deeply, but did not utter a single word in response. "Thomas led Alma upstairs at around half-past eleven, when the door to your rooms were unguarded, due to the drunken man who had snuck upstairs being escorted back down by your guard" Phryne explained. "So Thomas left Alma in the corridor and returned to his post" she explained. Miss Cassidy's eyes met Phryne's with a terrified expression. "I'm not sure exactly why she went into that room instead of into your office. Perhaps there was an issue with her dress, or maybe she was still crying and wanted to compose herself before seeing you" she stated, "but for whatever reason, Alma did walk into that room" she explained. "And shortly afterwards, so did Councillor Hamilton" she explained. Miss Cassidy visibly tensed and wrapped her arms tighter around her chest. "I'd imagine he saw the guard escorting the drunk man downstairs, and seized his opportunity to remain on the premises" Phryne explained. "He picked up a bottle of whiskey from a side table and snuck upstairs" she stated. "He may have seen your daughter enter the room or walked in purely by chance" she added. "We don't know why he went into that room, but we know what happened when he did" she continued. "When Thomas heard about a man who had assaulted a young woman, the first place he searched was the corridor where he had left Alma, which he remembered had been unguarded" she stated. "Perhaps he searched all the empty rooms, or perhaps Alma stepped into the corridor and he saw her" she stated. "Either way, he found her, and realised quickly what had happened" she stated. "He then snuck her out of the building through the back door, and took her somewhere safe" she continued. "I'd imagine he borrowed your car to do so. A car which you only noticed was missing after the discovery of the necklace" she stated. "But as soon as you saw the necklace you would have understood immediately why Thomas had disappeared so suddenly, and so you remained silent" she stated. "Because like Thomas, your main concern was protecting your daughter."

"What's going to happen?" Miss Cassidy asked suddenly. "Please, Mrs Robinson, don't let them arrest her" she said, leaning against the table and staring at Phryne.

"Alma will not be arrested, Miss Cassidy" Phryne assured her, squeezing her hand tightly with her uninured one.

"The Councillor entered the room and assaulted your daughter, and she used reasonable force in order to defend herself" Jack stated, causing Miss Cassidy to turn towards him. "There is no doubt in my mind that his death was an accident."

"The evidence supports an act of self-defence" Phryne assured her. "The law protects your daughter, Miss Cassidy. And so will we" she assured her. Before they could discuss the matter further, there was a sharp knock at the door, which caused Miss Cassidy to jump.

"Yes, Collins?" called Jack, prompting the senior constable to open the door and step into the room.

"I'm sorry, Sir, but a Miss Alma Costello is at the front desk, and she's very upset" Hugh explained, "She said she is here to confess to the murder of Councillor Hamilton" he added, prompting Miss Cassidy to rise immediately from her seat.

"I need to see her" Miss Cassidy stated, before turning towards Phryne. "Please" she said. Phryne nodded.

"Of course" Jack agreed, rising from his seat as Phryne rose from hers, before leading the ladies out of the room and into the corridor.

Phryne and Miss Cassidy followed Jack towards the front desk, where a distraught young woman was speaking with one of Jack's constables, who was attempting to calm her. She was wear a light pink dress and cloche, with a white coat and scarf and pink and white bag, which she was holding onto tightly. Her blonde hair was long and tied back elegantly, her eyes were red and her pale face was tear stained. Even from her distance several feet away, Phryne could tell that Alma had bruising to her cheek and wrists, and her nose was slightly bloodied. Despite the constable's best intentions, she appeared terrified of him, and he stopped as she began walking away from him and crying louder. Phryne's heart broke, and she found herself moving instantly towards the young woman, walking past Jack and Hugh and towards the Alma, who looked up at her with a worried expression.

"Alma?" Phryne said gently, causing the young woman to walk towards her. "Alma, it's alright" she soothed, placing her left hand tentatively on the young woman's upper arm.

"You're Mrs Robinson, the famous detective" she responded, her voice slightly choked. "I need to tell you something, please. These officers won't believe me and I-" she began, before catching sight of her mother, who walked quickly towards her. "Mother" she said, before bursting into tears once more. Miss Cassidy walked forward swiftly and held her daughter, drawing her close to her and holding her tight, as she whispered words of reassurance to her and rubbing her back soothingly. Phryne watched the scene with deep sympathy, her heart breaking for the poor young woman and what she had been through. She hoped that, in a very few minutes, she would be able to alleviate her concerns.

"It's alright, Alma, we know what happened" Phryne said gently, once the girl's crying had subsided. "You aren't in any trouble" she assured her. Alma's breath hitched and she looked up at Phryne. "We know that Councillor Hamilton attacked you and you defended yourself" she explained. "I'd imagine you would've come here sooner to talk to us, had you been aware of Thomas's confession" she said tentatively. Alma nodded.

"I heard on the wireless that a guard had confessed to the murder" she said. "They called it murder" she added, her body trembling.

"It wasn't murder" Phryne assured her. "You didn't murder anyone, sweetheart" she stated, placing her hand upon her arm once more. "And I promise, nothing bad is going to happen to you or to Thomas" she stated with conviction. "You won't be punished for defending yourself" she stated. Alma stared at Phryne for a moment, her intelligent eyes meeting hers, as she considered the information she had been provided.

"I didn't think anyone would believe me" she explained. "But when I realised that Thomas had confessed, I couldn't just sit back and-"

"I understand" Phryne assured her, as Alma became upset once more. "This is Inspector Robinson" Phryne stated, as Jack slowly approached the scene and looked at Alma with a gentle expression. "Why don't we step into his office and talk?" she said kindly. Alma looked into Phryne's eyes for a moment and nodded, wiping her eyes quickly as her mother wrapped her arm around her and guided her towards the office, which Phryne and Jack led them towards.

Jack led the three women into his office and drew two chairs opposite his desk, before indicating for Miss Cassidy and Miss Costello to sit down. Phryne followed Jack across the room and perched on the edge of his desk as he stood beside her. They allowed Miss Costello a few moments to collect her thoughts.

"It's alright, Alma" Phryne soothed. "As I've explained, we have a fair idea of what happened last night" she stated. "But we need to hear it from you" she stated. Alma met Phryne's gaze with eyes which matched her mother's and nodded gently, clasping her hands tightly in her lap, before explaining the events of the night before.

In a few minutes Alma recounted events as Phryne had described them, explaining that she had arrived at the Palace of Eros shortly after 11.20pm, following an argument with her parents, who assumed she was spending the night at a friend's house. She confirmed Phryne's theory about changing into the silver silk dress and heading upstairs with Thomas, who left her to visit her mother.

"After Thomas left I went towards the door to my mother's rooms, which is at the end of the corridor" she said quietly, her hands clasped before her, her voice slightly broken. "But as I reached it I began to cry again, and I didn't want to worry her so I went into the nearest room, which was empty" she stated. "I'd been in there for less than a minute when I heard the door opening" she explained. "At first I thought it was Thomas, but when I turned around I realised that it wasn't" she explained. "I vaguely recognised the man, possibly from the papers, but at the time I wasn't sure" she said, holding her hands tightly in her lap. Phryne watched as Miss Cassidy laid her hands over her daughter's, which caused her to relax slightly, before inhaling and continuing her narrative. "He walked up to me and held me by the arms" she explained. "He told me I was the 'prettiest whore in the whole building' and that he wanted to-" she broke off, closing her eyes and turning away.

"It's alright" Phryne soothed, as Miss Cassidy wrapped her arm around her daughter. "What happened next?" she asked gently. Alma sniffled.

"He told me what he… what he wanted to do to me" she stated. "I told him I didn't want to. I said I didn't work there and I wanted to leave, and he said we all wanted it and I couldn't leave" she said. Phryne felt anger burn within her, and Jack clenched his jaw at the statement, lowering his eyes from Alma for a moment. "Then I tried to leave but he grabbed me" she explained. "He pushed me against a wall and told me I had to, that I was his" she stated. "I pushed him off me and he slapped me across the face" she said. "So I kicked him in the shin and tried to run" she said. "Then he grabbed me again and held me against him. He put his hand over my mouth and I bit him, then he threw me against the wall and tried to strangle me" she explained, before tentatively removing the scarf from her neck, revealing some purpling bruising around her neck. Phryne swallowed hard and Jack's expression darkened. "I couldn't get him off me, he was too strong" she explained. "At some point I reached out towards the mantel piece, and I felt something cold, made from marble or stone" she explained. "He was strangling me and I couldn't breathe, I felt like I was going to pass out" she stated. "So I picked it up and I hit him with it" she admitted sadly, before looking up at Phryne. "I didn't mean to kill him" she stated tearfully.

"I know" Phryne said. "You just wanted him to stop" she explained. Alma nodded in response. "And then Thomas found you, didn't he?" she asked. Alma nodded.

"When I realised what I'd done, I panicked" Alma said. "I stepped into the corridor. I was going to try and find some help, but I froze" she added. "And then Thomas came running towards me" she explained. "He saw the man's body and he saw that I was bruised and bleeding, and he worked out what happened really quickly" she stated. "He put his arm around me and told me to come with him, quickly" she said. "I was in shock, I didn't know what to do" she explained. "I followed him downstairs and through the hallways towards the back of the house" she continued. "We borrowed my mother's car and Thomas drove me to my friend's house, and she took care of me" she explained. "I was worried when he didn't come back, and when I heard that a guard had been arrested I knew that it had to be him, and I couldn't let him take the blame for something I did" she stated. "He won't be in any trouble, will he, Inspector?" she asked tearfully, staring at Jack with the same imploring gaze as her mother. Jack shook his head.

"No" Jack stated. "Your statement is supported by the evidence, and it clearly demonstrates that what happened was self-defence" he explained gently. "As Phryne explained, you are not in any trouble, you didn't do anything wrong" he assured her. Alma stared at him with wide eyes and a shocked expression.

"What happens now?" she asked. Jack looked at her with a reassuring and kindly expression.

"I'm going to ask an officer to take your statement, Miss Costello, which I will need you to sign" he replied. "I will then speak to Mr Emmerson again, who I have no doubt will corroborate your story" he stated. "The evidence supports everything you've said, and no charges will be filed against you or anybody else in connection with the Councillor's death" he assured her, before walking across the room and summoning Hugh, who appeared in the doorway within moments. "This is Hugh Collins, one of my constables" Jack explained. "Hugh will take your statement in here, and your mother can remain with you" he explained. "After you've given your statement, Hugh will take you to the hospital to have you checked over" he explained. "I'll telephone the Chief Commissioner and inform him that the matter is concluded, and explain why no charges are required" he assured her. "It's alright, Miss Costello" he said warmly. "It's over now." At Jack's final words, Alma placed her hand over her mouth and burst into tears, nodding in understanding before looking up at him and Phryne.

"Thank you" she said, her voice choked. "Thank- thank you" she stammered. Phryne rose from her seat and walked towards her, placing her hand upon her shoulder.

"It's quite alright, Alma" she said warmly, before reaching into her pocket and removing one of her cards. "If you need anything, call me. Alright?" Alma accepted the card and nodded.

"Thank you, Mrs Robinson" she said gently. Phryne smiled.

"Call me Phryne" she said warmly. Alma nodded, offering her a weak and tearful smile, before leaning back against her mother.

"Thank you, Phryne" Miss Cassidy said, her face pale and her eyes wide. Phryne nodded.

"It was my pleasure" she assured her, before offering her a weak smile and disappearing from the office with Jack, who led her towards the front desk.

After a brief conversation with the Commissioner of Police, who agreed with Jack and Phryne's conclusion and fully supported the notion of no charges being filed in the circumstances (especially due to his fears of escalating the scandal), Jack informed Miss Cassidy and Miss Costello of the same, leaving them in the capable hands of Hugh Collins, as he closed the office door behind them and headed back towards Phryne, who was leaning against the front counter. She was clutching her right hand in her left, but lowered it the moment Jack turned around, offering him a small, tired smile as he faced her.

"Are you alright?" he asked, glancing down towards her hand. Phryne followed his glance.

"Of course" she returned, offering him another smile. "I'm just tired, that's all" she explained. "And famished" she added, her eyes widening as she spoke. Jack considered her for a moment before nodding.

"I think it's time I take you home, Miss Fisher" Jack said gently, as he walked towards Phryne and stood before her.

"It's ten to seven, Inspector" she said gently. "We're ahead of schedule". Jack considered her for a moment and nodded in response, before placing his hand upon her waist and feeling her lean against him. "I'm so glad that is over" she said sombrely. Jack nodded once more.

"So are Miss Cassidy and Miss Costello" Jack said, satisfied with the result, and glad that the true victim was being fully supported following her ordeal. "You're exhausted" he stated, his eyes drifting over Phryne, who smiled weakly in response.

"I'd imagine you are too, Inspector" she returned. Jack nodded slowly.

"I am" he confirmed. Phryne ran her left hand down his chest and rested her palm over his heart.

"Then I think it's time we both went home" she said gently. Jack smiled tiredly.

"I couldn't agree more" he responded, before placing his arm across her back and guiding her towards him, as he led her out of the building and towards the Hispano, which Phryne allowed him to drive.

Phryne and Jack arrived home shortly after seven o'clock, with Mr Butler greeted them in the hallway as both of the exhausted detectives removed their hats and coats.

"Good evening, Miss, Sir" Mr Butler said pleasantly. Phryne smiled tiredly as she and Jack greeted the kindly butler. "Would either of you care for dinner?" he asked, looking at Phryne, who was pale and visibly exhausted, with concern. Phryne smiled once more.

"That would be wonderful, Mr B, thank you" she replied.

"Of course, Miss" he replied congenially. "Would you care for drinks in the parlour he asked?"

"You're a Saint, Mr B" Phryne commended. Mr Butler smiled and disappeared back into the kitchen.

Jack watched Mr Butler walk into the kitchen, before returning his attentions to Phryne, who looked as though she was about to fall asleep where she stood.

"Come on, Miss Fisher" he said gently, placing his hand on her back and guiding her towards the parlour. Phryne hummed in assent and allowed herself to be led into the parlour, sitting down in an armchair and leaning tiredly against the side. As she did so, her right hand came into contact with the seat, prompting her to groan in pain and draw it towards her. Jack placed his hand upon her arm and tried to encourage her to let him look.

"It's nothing, Jack, I'm fine" she said tiredly, her bright eyes meeting his.

"You're in pain" Jack responded.

"No, I'm not" Phryne returned. Jack stared at her, and she felt her resolve crumble beneath his eyes. "It's only a little sore" she added, downplaying her discomfort significantly. In truth, her hand was incredibly painful, and felt as though it were on fire. "I'll be fine" she assured him.

Jack was about to respond when Mr Butler entered the parlour with a silver salver, handing Phryne a tall glass of iced lemonade, which she thanked him for, taking several sips of it as she leaned back in her seat. Jack accepted his whiskey from Mr Butler, drinking it quickly, before placing the glass upon the table.

"I'll be right back" he informed Phryne, who drew the glass from her lips as she watched him disappear from the room. Had she not been so incredibly thirsty she might have called after him, but instead she continued to drink the remainder of the tall glass of lemonade, feeling refreshed and slightly cooler having done so.

As Phryne placed the glass upon the table beside Jack's and leaned back, she heard the familiar sound of the inspector's footsteps entering the room, and turned around to find him walking towards her with a folded red and white tea towel. Phryne watched as Jack walked confidently towards her, before sitting in the arm chair beside her and facing her directly.

"Let me see" he said gently, gesturing towards her hand with a nod. Phryne swallowed.

"Jack, I really don't think that-"

"Phryne" he said warmly, his kind tone relaxing her immediately. She looked into his eyes for a few moments before leaning forward in her seat and offering him her injured hand.

Phryne watched as Jack held her right hand very carefully by the wrist, before gently placing the tea towel which contained ice upon her burning palm, finding that it soothed her instantly. Phryne let out a sharp breath at the contact of the ice against her hand, before relaxing immediately against the sensation, and sighing quietly with relief. Jack watched as the tension in her body quickly dissipated, and she leaned against the edge of the armchair, her entire body relaxing. He was silent for several moments as he considered her.

"Why didn't you tell me you were in so much pain?" he asked gently, his tone devoid of anger or accusation. Phryne opened her eyes slightly wider and faced him.

"I didn't want to worry you" she responded honestly. Jack stared at her.

"Phryne-" he said gently.

"Mac has already given me instructions on how to take care of the injury, and she'll be back in the morning to check on me" she explained. Jack, who seemed comforted by this information, nodded in response. "That feels wonderful, Jack" Phryne breathed, closing her eyes as she felt her hand tingle and become numb. Judging from how hot her hand had felt, she was rather surprised that the ice had not all melted.

Phryne had closed her eyes as Jack tended to her injury, and had been so calm and relieved of her discomfort that she had drifted off to sleep in the armchair, and was not aware she had done so until she felt a familiar hand upon her arm and head Jack's voice close to her ear.

"Phryne" he said, for what she felt was the second or third time. "Phryne, come on" he encouraged, running his hand down her side and towards her back, attempting to guide her forward. She was exhausted and attempted to resist, but found herself unable to do so. "Phryne, it's time for dinner" he stated. With this declaration Phryne opened her eyes tiredly and hummed in response, as Jack placed his arm around her and guided her to her feet, leading her towards the dining room.

Phryne managed to stay awake during dinner, which sated the hunger which had been tormenting her for the past couple of hours, but politely declined dessert. Instead, Phryne excused herself from the dining room and rose unsteadily to her feet, her exhaustion weighing her down with such force that she felt as though she might fall back into her chair. However, before this fear came to fruition she felt Jack's hand upon her waist, and she leaned against him as he led her from the room and up the staircase, along the corridor and into their bedroom, which had never appeared more inviting. Which, given Phryne's experiences inside it, really was saying something.

Phryne found that her exhaustion increased the moment she stepped into her bedroom, her eyes drifting towards her bed, which was her sanctuary. Her hand was throbbing and was becoming painful once more, but she felt dizzy with exhaustion, which she willingly allowed to claim her. She slowly moved away from Jack and headed towards it, shedding her clothing as she walked, and tiredly collecting a nightdress from a drawer. Jack watched as Phryne dropped her clothes on the floor as she crossed the room, before pulling the nightdress tiredly over her head and perching on the edge of the bed. He suppressed a small smile as he followed her steps across the bedroom, picking up her discarded clothing and placing them in the washing basket in the bathroom, before walking back towards her and watching as she tiredly removed her stockings, tossing them onto a nearby chair. By the time he reached her she had crawled across the bed and eased herself beneath the covers, lying on her side facing the door with her right hand upon the pillow, and was fast asleep.

Jack prepared himself for bed quickly and quietly, mindful not to disturb Phryne, which he doubted was possible, given the extent of her exhaustion. Jack found himself considering the events of the day yet again, from Phryne's exhaustion due to her dedication to her work, to her entering an inferno and sustaining an injury, and the conclusion of a disturbing case. It had been a very tiring day, physically and emotionally, for them both; but especially for her. Although she was now asleep, Jack was worried about her. Given the day she had, he found himself doubting that a simple night's sleep would be sufficient to enable her to recover, especially given the nature of the injury to her hand. Although she had assured him she would clear her diary for the next day and spend it relaxing, he still found himself worried about her wellbeing, and overcome by a need to ensure that she and their baby were alright. He should have driven her home that afternoon, he should have insisted, but he hadn't. And as a result, he could have lost his wife and his baby. Jack shuddered at the thought, and found his eyes drifting towards Phryne, as if hoping to reassure himself that she was still there, here, with him. Despite the relief this provided him with, Jack found his stomach dropping and anxiety overcoming him once more as he watched Phryne, as his mind drifted back over the conversation they had had in his office, where she had confided in him her struggles and self-doubt. He wanted to console her, comfort her, and assure her that she was not failing; she was finding some of the adjustments she needed to make difficult, but this did not amount to failure. And she was right in what she had told him: she was trying. As Jack watched his wife sleep, finally allowing her exhaustion to claim her and provide her and her baby with the rest they so desperately needed, he found himself resolving to ensure that he would assist her with her recovery and her concerns the next day. And he had a good idea of how he could achieve this.

After feeling satisfied with his decision, Jack got into bed beside her and spent a few minutes watching her sleep, as light from outside bathed her face in a pale glow. Although she was now asleep, her expression was not one of calmness and serenity, and Jack frowned slightly at the realisation. Her brow was furrowed in what he believed to be pain, and she was mumbling inaudibly as she slept. Jack placed his left hand upon her injured right one and drew it towards him, which Phryne resisted even in sleep. As he did so, Jack's fingers drifted over the bandage across her palm, and he felt the heat emanating from beneath it, causing him to look up at her with concern. She was clearly in considerably more pain than she had led him to believe. He remembered seeing a bottle of pills on her bedside table, which he expected Dr MacMillan had prescribe her. Hopefully she had taken some more before falling asleep. As Jack considered this, she slowly drew her injured hand towards his lips, placing gentle kisses upon her fingers, which prompted her to hum in response. Jack slowly lowered her hand back towards the pillow and removed his hand from hers, before placing his left arm across her waist and encouraging her towards him, prompting her to press herself against him as she slept, exhaling deeply against him. Jack smiled at her in the darkness, watching her as she slept once more, before allowing his hand to drift over her waist and onto her stomach. Jack splayed his fingers across her swollen abdomen and felt her changing body beneath his palm, finding himself feeling comforted and reassured by the gesture. Jack glanced from Phryne's stomach to her face to ensure his actions were not distressing her, and he was relieved to find that she appeared content. If anything, she appeared calmer and more relaxed than she had done a few minutes before. Jack stroked Phryne's stomach tenderly, exploring it curiously with his hand, before resting his palm upon the side of her curved abdomen, where it remained, as he too fell asleep.

Phryne woke shortly after 10am, finding herself feeling calm and well rested, her body almost completely recovered from its previous lack of sleep. However, if she had not woken due to the intense burning pain in the centre of her right palm, she felt reasonably certain that her rest would have lasted longer into the morning. Instead, Phryne found herself sitting up in bed, staring down tiredly at her hand, which was throbbing. She glanced to the side and realised that Jack was not beside her which, judging from the amount of light in the room, was not surprising. Phryne threw her covers aside with her left hand and eased herself out of bed, walking quickly into her bathroom and turning on the cold tap, before quickly removing her bandage and the dressing and holding her hand beneath the ice cold water. She sighed in relief as the water cooled her instantly, soothing her burning skin and alleviating some of the pain, which had quickly restored her fully to consciousness. Phryne winced in pain and turned her hand over and looked down at her palm, which was red and sore, with blisters already beginning to form. As she drew her hand towards her and placed her left hand above the wound, she could feel the heat from the burn, as she gently examined the wound and winced in pain. She was so focused upon her ministrations and the pain she was experiencing that she failed to hear her bedroom door opening, and was unaware of the presence of others until she heard a familiar voice calling to her from outside the bathroom door.

"Phryne" called Jack, the concern in his voice prompting her to turn towards him immediately, holding her right hand with her left. "Are you alright?" he asked, as he walked into the bathroom. Phryne was about to respond when Mac walked up behind him, setting her sights upon her instantly, and walking towards her patient.

"I… I'm fine" she stated, as she bent her fingers in an attempt to conceal her palm from him. Jack's concern grew and he placed his hand upon her waist, looking down upon her injured hand as Mac walked up to her.

"Good morning, Aurora" Mac said brightly, causing Phryne to raise her eyebrows and smile gently in response. "I come bearing gifts" she added. Phryne suppressed a smirk.

"Something tells me it's not champagne and truffles" Phryne said drily. Mac smiled and showed Phryne a brown bag containing cream, saline and fresh bandages, which she showed to Phryne.

"How lovely" Phryne replied, meeting Mac's gaze and offering her a grateful smile.

"Thank you, Mac" she said sincerely. Mac nodded.

"How's the hand?" she asked, as she encouraged Phryne's fingers away from her hand and considered the wound.

Jack, who had not seen the injury before, paled at the sight and his eyes widened. He had no idea the burn was as deep as it appeared. It was red, blistered and looked incredibly sore. She must have been in agony.

"It's nothing" Phryne said gently, sensing his discomfort. "I'm fine" she stated. Mac placed her fingers on either side of Phryne's hand and looked up at her.

"Darling, can you put your hand beneath the cold water again, please?" she asked, which Phryne assented to immediately. Jack watched her with concern as she placed her hand beneath the cold tap. "It looks better than it did yesterday, and appears to be healing" Mac reassured her. Jack looked from Phryne to Mac, before returning his attention to Phryne's hand. "How's the pain?" she asked gently. Phryne shrugged her shoulders dismissively.

"Fine" she returned, her eyes upon her injury. After a brief period of silence Phryne looked up and found both Mac and Jack staring at her. She sighed gently. "Bearable" she corrected. Jack considered to stare at her with a concerned look in his eyes as Mac turned off the tap and drew her hand towards her, drying it carefully as she spoke.

"Are the painkillers not helping?" Jack asked gently.

"I'm sorry?" Phryne asked, looking up at him with a confused expression. Jack met her gaze.

"I saw the bottle of pills on your bedside table" Jack explained. Phryne swallowed hard and nodded, and Jack turned his attention towards Mac. "As they don't appear to be assisting Phryne with the pain is it possible she could take something stronger?" he asked. Mac looked up and Jack and turned towards Phryne, who suddenly looked rather nervous. Jack stared from the doctor to his wife. "What's going on?" he asked. Phryne inhaled deeply and turned towards Jack.

"I haven't taken any painkillers" she confessed. "Mac tried to convince me to but I wouldn't. She left those on the table for me in case I changed my mind, but I didn't" she stated. "I haven't touched them." Jack stared at Phryne with confusion.

"Why?" he asked, confusion and concern present in his tone. Phryne shrugged her shoulders.

"I'm fine" she said gently. Jack stared at her.

"You're not fine" he returned. "You have a second degree burn to your palm and you're in pain" he stated, his tone heavy with confusion. "Why won't you take the medication that Mac has prescribed for you?" he asked gently. Phryne felt guilty and slightly embarrassed as she looked up and met his gaze.

"I don't want to take anything" she said simply. "I don't need to take anything" she added. Jack looked at her with warm and patient eyes.

"Phryne" he said gently, as he took a step towards her, his eyes not leaving hers. "What is it?" he asked, looking into her eyes with confusion or concern. Phryne stared into his eyes and swallowed hard, finding herself unable to lie to him.

"I don't want to hurt the baby" she said quietly, feeling embarrassed by her words, knowing how ridiculous they sounded in the context of this particular conversation. Jack's expression softened and he nodded gently.

"I understand, Phryne, but they won't hurt the baby" he assured her. "Dr MacMillian wouldn't have prescribed them if there was even the slightest chance that they could" he said gently. Phryne swallowed and looked towards Mac, who had remained silent during her conversation with Jack.

"He's right, darling, I wouldn't" Mac assured her. "Those pills are perfectly safe, I promise" she explained. "They are the strongest ones that I can prescribe given your condition, but they aren't harmful and they don't have any nasty side effects" she explained. "They won't hurt the baby." Phryne looked from Mac to Jack and inhaled deeply, finding herself feeling embarrassed and rather ridiculous. But despite her concerns over how they would consider her conduct, and the incessant pain in her right hand, she found the idea of taking the painkillers unfathomable. Whilst she held Mac's medical opinion in the highest regard, how sure could one be about the effects of such medication? And after everything she'd done so far, could she really risk taking anything at all? Phryne felt terrified at the concept. Besides, did she really deserve to be free from the pain? It was a reminder of how her thoughtlessness had almost cost her child its life. Her stomach clenched at the realisation.

"No" she said gently. Jack looked up at her with concern.

"Phryne-" he said gently.

"Jack, I don't want to take anything, I'm fine" she responded, her voice nervous yet assured. Jack watched her with a concerned expression, identifying the look of conviction in her eyes and knowing that she would not change her mind, so he nodded gently in response, and attempted to ignore the sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach caused by the prospect of her being in pain.

"Fine" he said gently. Phryne felt relieved, and nodded slightly in response.

"Thank you" she said quietly, before returning her attention to her wound, which Mac had bathed in saline, applied cream to and was now dressing.

"I'll leave them here, though, in case you change your mind" Mac explained. Phryne nodded absently in agreement and watched her work. Jack watched Phryne as Mac tended to her, his eyes drifting from her face to her hand as Mac secured the dressing. "As I explained yesterday, your wound will need to be bathed in saline, cream applied and the bandages changed twice a day" she stated. "You also need to remain nourished, hydrated and well-rested" she stated, "and if you could give burning building a wide berth, that would help considerably" she stated with a smile. Phryne smiled gently and nodded.

"Of course" Phryne agreed, as Mac picked up a bandage. "Why don't I do that?" she asked. Mac watched her expectantly. "It's not fair to take you away from your patients twice a day to deal with me, Mac. Certainly not for a minor burn."

"It's not minor" Mac said confidently. "And I need to keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't become infected" she explained. Phryne inhaled sharply and nodded. "But I can come over once a day to check instead of twice, providing you follow my instructions exactly and telephone me if anything changes" she stated, meeting Phryne's gaze with an imploring look. Phryne nodded.

"Of course" she said, holding out her left hand expectantly. Mac drew the bandage back towards herself. Phryne stared at her, confused. "I bandaged hundreds of wounds during the War, I can deal with a simple burn" she assured her. Mac stared at her.

"You can't bandage your own injury, Phryne" she replied gently. "Not with only one hand, certainly not when it's your dominant one that's affected" she explained. "The bandage needs to be properly secured" she stated. Phryne nodded in agreement and sighed slightly.

"I can do it" Jack said, causing both women to turn towards him. "If you'd be kind enough to provide a demonstration of exactly how it should be done, Dr MacMillan?"

"Of course" Mac agreed, before gesturing to Phryne to hold her hand up, which she did obediently. Phryne watched as Mac talked Jack through how to apply the bandage correctly, and he listened attentively to her instructions. Phryne remained silent during the tutorial, and found herself feeling very self-conscious, like a child being tended to. She waited patiently and listened as Mac continued to talk Jack through the entire treatment of her injuries, before securing the bandage and returning her hand to her.

"Thank you" Phryne said, turning from Mac to Jack.

"You are most welcome" she stated warmly. "I know it may not feel like it, but it is healing, and there are no signs of infection, which is excellent" she stated. "Keep the bandage dry, try to wear gloves as much as you can, and allow the inspector to assist you with changing the bandage and tending to the wound with only minimal teasing" she said, offering Phryne a small smile, which her friend returned.

"I can't promise that, I'm afraid" Phryne teased. "Though I shall keep it dry and I'll certainly wear gloves" she stated. Mac nodded with satisfaction.

"Then I will leave you good people in peace" Mac declared, as she tidied the medical supplies away into the brown bag and placed it on a small table in Phryne's bathroom. "I'll be back tomorrow morning to check on you" she said gently. "If you need me in the meantime, you can reach me at the hospital, alright?" she asked. Phryne noticed that when Mac said this, she looked from her to Jack. Phryne nodded in response.

"Of course" she replied. "Thank you, Mac."

"Thank you, Dr MacMillan" Jack echoed. Mac nodded.

"I'll see myself out" Mac said kindly, offering Phryne and Jack a warm smile before disappearing from Phryne's rooms.

Phryne held her hand towards her and flexed her fingers experimentally, as she considered the pain and discomfort she was in and attempted to gauge the limitations of her injury. When she heard Mac close her bedroom door behind her she looked up at Jack, and was fully expecting him to try and convince her to take the medication which was less than twenty feet from where they stood. To her surprise, however, he did not.

"I spoke with the Commissioner this morning" Jack stated. "He confirmed that he will be releasing an official statement to the press this morning about the Councillor's death" he explained. "He'll confirm that there was an altercation which resulted in the death, that the death was accidental, and that no charges have been filed" he stated. Phryne stared at Jack.

"I take it he'll be omitting the details surrounding the nature of the altercation?" she asked. Jack nodded gravely. Phryne scoffed and shook her head. "Of course" she sighed, before lowering her hands and looking up at Jack with a gentle expression.

"I'm sorry, Jack. I didn't mean for you to spend the morning of your day off playing nursemaid" she said gently. Jack offered her a small smile.

"It's fine" he assured her, walking towards her as he spoke. "How are you feeling?" he asked, knowing that the question was useless but finding his concern for her compelling him to ask it anyway.

"Very well rested" Phryne replied with a gentle smile. "I slept for almost fourteen hours" she said, her eyes widening as she informed him of the time. Jack nodded.

"Yes, you did" he confirmed. "Dr MacMillan arrived half an hour ago to see you, but you were fast asleep" he explained. Phryne nodded. She imagined that they had both been glad to the time to talk privately, and she hoped Mac was able to reassure Jack somewhat, regarding both the baby and her injury. But mainly the baby. "How's the pain?" he asked tentatively. Phryne inhaled deeply.

"It's more bearable than it was yesterday" she responded candidly, flexing her fingers. "I'm sure it will improve" she said gently. Jack nodded in understanding.

"Phryne, I know you don't want to take the painkillers, and I understand why" he said gently, as Phryne watched him attentively. "I do, completely, and I'm not going to try and convince you to do something that you are not comfortable with" he explained. "But if the pain does get worse, or if it's too much to bear, please tell me" he stated. Phryne considered his words for a few moments and found herself nodding in agreement.

"Of course" she breathed. Jack nodded.

"Thank you" he replied. Phryne smiled.

"I'm the one who should be thanking you, Inspector" she returned. Jack smiled.

"Is that so, Miss Fisher?" he asked.

"Mm" she replied, walking towards him and placing her hands upon his chest. "Thank you for your gallantry yesterday, and for today" she said sincerely. Jack smiled.

"You are most welcome" he assured her. Phryne smiled. "Do you have any plans for today?" he asked gently. Phryne sighed.

"I was due to meet with a couple of potential clients, but I've had to ask Dot to reschedule" she explained, "Mac's orders" she added.

"Ah" Jack said, nodding in understanding. "Are you tired?"

"No" she returned honestly. "No, I am feeling decidedly awake" she stated, before considering Jack closely. "Why?" she asked. Jack looked at her with a gentle expression.

"I thought we might spend the day together, out of the city" he responded, "if you're feeling up to it, of course" he stated. Phryne, who was touched by the gesture, smiled.

"What did you have in mind?" she asked gently.

"That, Miss Fisher, is a surprise" Jack responded. Phryne smiled again.

"Then I am most definitely feeling up to it" she stated warmly. "When would you like to leave?" she asked.

"Whenever you're ready" he responded. Phryne felt calm and relaxed instantly. And she was intrigued.

"Do I have time for a bath?" she asked. "I'm still smelling slightly barbecued."

"Of course" Jack replied. Phryne nodded.

"Shall we leave at, say, eleven o'clock?" she asked.

"That will be fine" he returned. Phryne considered him closely for a few moments before nodding.

"You're not taking me back to Maiden Creek, are you?" she teased. Jack smiled.

"I don't think we'd be very warmly received" he returned. "And you're hardly in a condition to make wine" he said, suppressing a smile. Phryne place her left hand on her hip and looked up at him defiantly.

"I make wonderful wine, Jack" she declared. "It would just the sampling of it that I cannot partake in" she added.

"Even so" Jack returned. "We are not returning to Maiden Creek" he said, meeting her teasing expression with one of his own. She was clearly trying to goad him into revealing the location, and he would not be tricked into doing so. Phryne, sensing defeat, sighed.

"Very well, Jack" she stated. "I'll be downstairs at by eleven" she stated. Jack nodded.

"I look forward to it" he returned.

"When we won't be travelling to Maiden Creek" Phryne added, as she walked slowly towards the bathroom.

"No" he confirmed, watching as she turned on the tap and looked back at him with a sultry expression. He suppressed a small smile. "Goodbye, Miss Fisher" he said simply, before disappearing from the bathroom.

Shortly before eleven o'clock Phryne walked downstairs smiling, holding onto the bannister with her left hand as she looked at Jack with a warm expression. She was wearing white trousers, grey shoes and a light pink blouse with a white jacket and cloche. Jack also noticed that she carried a pair of white gloves in her hand. Jack considered her closely, observing her content expression, genuine smile and look of excitement. She appeared so different from the exhausted Phryne Fisher he had helped upstairs to bed the night before, and yet, as she walked closer to him, he noticed that one thing was the same: there was still a look of pain in her eyes.

"Are you ready?" Phryne asked. Jack smiled.

"Always, Miss Fisher" he stated.

"Excellent" she smiled. "Would you like me to drive?" she offered innocently, as she picked up her bag from the table and selected a scarf from the coat rack. "I am excellent at being given directions" she assured him.

"But listening to them, on the other hand, is an entirely different matter" he replied drily. Phryne gave him a faux reprimanding expression. "I'm not sure that driving when your injury is so recent and still painful is such a good idea" he said gently. "Besides" he added, as he walked slowly towards her, "that would rather defeat the object of the surprise, now, wouldn't it?" he said quietly against her ear. Phryne felt shivers run down her spine and heart began to beat slightly faster.

"Yes, I suppose it would" she admitted gently, offering him a flirtatious smile. "I will just have to try and cope with being a passenger" she said, smiling up at him before turning on the spot and walking towards the door, which she opened quickly, before heading down the garden path.

Phryne Fisher as a passenger in her own car in an hour long drive, Jack thought. This is going to be interesting.

Contrary to Jack's concerns, the hour long drive with Phryne to their secret destination proved to be both calming and wholly uneventful. They began by discussing the case they had recently solved, which was still playing heavily on both their minds, which resulted in Jack finally telling Phryne the story of his raid on a brothel in Chinatown during the beginning of his career; a story which, to Phryne's delight, was much more interesting and memorable than she had imagined, and she teasingly commended Jack on his ability to 'pay such close attention to such matters at what must have been such a troubling yet thoroughly educational time', which Jack responded to by raising his eyebrows as they approached their destination. Although he had answered her question politely when she had asked if he had 'learned anything interesting' during the raid, he decided not to respond at all when she asked if any of the confiscated items were still held at the station.

Phryne smiled in response to Jack's silence and turned to face the road ahead, as she took in the beautiful fields and rustic homes on one side, and the cliff-face, beach and ocean on the other. She could smell salt in the clean, revitalising air, as well as grass and eucalyptus. Although Phryne loved living in the city, she adored the country, and found it a most relaxing place to escape to when circumstances required it. Jack, who knew her so well, had clearly been working on just such a hypothesis, and as they drove into the little town Phryne found herself feeling calm and relaxed, as she glanced around surroundings which seemed somehow familiar. It was not until they saw a sign half a mile later that she realised where they were.

"Mount Eliza" she read, smiling slightly as she spoke. "I haven't been here since I was a child" she breathed, before turning towards Jack. "What a lovely idea, Jack" she said warmly. Jack turned towards her with a gentle expression.

"My parents brought me and my sister here when were children" he explained. Phryne turned towards him and listened attentively. "It's a charming place" he stated. Phryne nodded in agreement.

"It certainly is" she affirmed, looking at the old farmhouses, beautiful fields, rustic homes, and small shops as they drove along the main road through the village. It was clear that Jack had wanted to bring her somewhere away from the city, somewhere calm and peaceful, with fresh air that he hoped would restore her following her fiery encounter the day before, the memory of which caused her hand to tingle. He really was a wonderful man. "Thank you, Jack" Phryne stated, in such a sincere manner that Jack turned towards her.

"You're very welcome" he assured her, as they drove through the town and towards a small clearing of land, where he parked. "Are you hungry?" he asked.

"Starving" Phryne returned, smiling in response. Jack turned off the engine and got out of the car, walking around to Phryne's side just in time to open her door for her. She looked down and watched as he offered her his hand, which she accepted, allowing him to assist her from the Hispano. "Are there any cafes or restaurants nearby?" she asked, as she put her arm through his and walked with him towards the back of the car.

"I'm sure there are" he returned, stopping suddenly as they reached the back of the Hispano. "But I thought we might have this instead" he stated, gesturing to the back of the car. Phryne looked down and found a picnic basket fastened securely to the back. She looked up at Jack and smiled.

"I would" she returned with a grateful smile. "Thank you" she stated. Jack nodded as he removed the basket from its bond and carried it in his free hand, as Phryne placed her arm through his. Jack led her away from the car and across the top of the small cliffs overlooking the beach, as birds called out overhead and friendly locals walked past them, greeting them pleasantly as they did so. Phryne smiled cheekily and looked up at Jack. "That picnic basket suits you, Jack" she teased, prompting him to turn towards her.

"Do you know what suits you, Miss Fisher?" he returned lightly, looking ahead as he led her across the land and through the town.

"Diamond jewellery, silk underwear and my golden revolver?" she offered, facing him with a flirtatious smile. Jack suppressed a smirk and turned towards her.

"Silence" he replied quietly. Phryne laughed out loud as they continued to walk together over the top of the cliff on the edge of the town, arm in arm.

After an enjoyable walk along the land overlooking the beach, during which Phryne had rebutted Jack's remark by informing him that silence 'didn't suit her at all' and was the one look that she could 'never quite pull off', Phryne and Jack descended from the cliffs to the beach itself, sitting beside each other on the sand as they enjoyed their picnic. They spent almost an hour together on the beach, enjoying Mr Butler's food and each other's company, before concealing the almost-empty basket beneath a small cliff and going for a walk along the beach.

The day was bright and warm, and due to it being a Monday in late April, the beach was largely deserted of children and holiday makers, meaning that Phryne and Jack had it almost entirely to themselves, with the exception of some friendly locals and several fisherman, who brought their boats in and greeted the new arrivals warmly. Phryne found herself feeling energised by the tranquil surroundings, which reminded her very much of the beaches in Devon she had visited when she was younger, and she found her memories of Mount Eliza from her youth returning to her in small bursts. Phryne and Jack walked a long length of the beach, talking and laughing and taking in the sea air, as Phryne carried her shoes and bag in her left hand and linked her right arm through Jack's. Jack bought Phryne an ice cream which amused her greatly, and he laughed when she managed to get a small amount on the tip of her nose, which she did not seem to notice for almost a minute. He teased her about her detecting skills in a manner that made Phryne privately commend herself for resisting the urge to smear the aforementioned ice cream across his face. Which, in all honesty, she simply could not have done; it was divine. After they had walked for almost half an hour they turned around and headed back again, collecting their picnic basket and carrying it back towards the car, which they reached shortly after half-past one, securing the basket to the back and then walking along the cliff in the other direction, past the beach and towards the town itself.

Phryne and Jack walked along the pier and greeted some of the fishermen, making polite conversation with them and acquiring information about the history of the town. However, after a few short minutes, the strong smell of the fish made Phryne feel dizzy with nausea. Jack, who had noticed her sudden quietness, felt her grip upon his arm increase as he continued a conversation with one of the local fishermen. As he felt her hand tighten upon his arm he turned towards her and noticed that she had suddenly become startlingly pale, her breathing was increasing, and she appeared visibly agitated, all of which were signs he had come to recognise over the past few months. He politely excused them from the company of the fisherman, who Phryne waved to and offered a polite smile, before leading Phryne quickly away from the scene and back up the sand towards the main road. As they reached the edge of the road Jack felt Phryne remove her arm quickly from his and hurry forward, standing beside a nearby tree and placing her hand upon the trunk as she attempted to recover her breathing. Jack walked towards her and called her name when he was a few paces away, prompting her turn towards him with an embarrassed expression.

"Sorry, Jack" she said slightly breathlessly. Jack considered her for a moment, and was relieved to find that colour had returned to her cheeks and she appeared to be recovering.

"You don't have to apologise, Phryne" he assured her, as he placed his hand tentatively upon her back to steady her. "Would you like to sit down?" he asked. Phryne shook her head.

"No, thank you, I'm fine" she said, before releasing a deep breath and turning towards him with a nervous smile. "Shall we?" she asked, linking her arm through his once more and walking towards the town.

Phryne and Jack walked through the town itself, which was quaint and very rustic, with two rows of stores either side of the road, which sold everything from groceries and confectionary to clothing and antiques. Jack had been watching Phryne closely since her recent bout of nausea, and was relieved to find that she seemed to have recovered, and was commenting upon various items in the windows of some of the stores. They spent a few minutes inside an antique shop, where they admired some artwork and an ornate table, before heading into a confectioner's, where Phryne bought a small supply of lemon drops, which she had a sudden desire for. Phryne had just finished one of the sweets and was about to place another in her mouth, when something in the shop they were walking past caught her eye, and she stopped abruptly. Jack stopped immediately and turned towards her, watching as she gazed into the shop window. He saw a look of interest and surprise in her eye, and watched as she slowly lowered the sweet from her mouth, as she stared into the window with a look of intensity. Jack looked up at the shop, which appeared to specialise in toys, clothing and household necessities, and wondered what it could be that had so engaged Phryne's interest.

"Phryne?" he asked gently, causing her to blink herself from her reverie. "Would you like to go inside?" he offered. Phryne, who suddenly appeared to be rather embarrassed, shook her head.

"No, thank you" she replied, before turning back towards the street and continuing to walk. But after taking a few steps Jack felt her stop abruptly again, and he looked towards her as she appeared to be considering something. Before he could speak, she looked up into his eyes. "I'm sorry, would you mind?" she asked gently, indicating towards the shop.

"Of course not" he assured her. Phryne smiled at him gently and removed her arm from his, before turning on the spot and walking back towards the store, which Jack followed her into with great interest.

Phryne opened the door to the shop and stepped inside, as the bell rang to announce the arrival of customers. She glanced curiously around the modest establishment, which had wooden floors and light yellow wallpaper, which made it feel warm and inviting. The shop itself, which appeared to be a general convenience store, consisted of a large room was well lit and open plan, displaying a vast selection of various items, which Phryne and Jack considered with interest. The store which featured rows of various items, including wool, linen and other materials, buttons, knitting needles of various sizes, small items of furniture, household necessities, toiletries, tools, newspapers, various stuffed animals and toys, books, games, and racks of clothing which lined the walls to the back of the building and far left. There was a counter with an old-fashioned till at the far left of the back wall, behind which was a door leading to the private rooms of the proprietor. To her immediate right were shelves and rows of assorted items, and which were lined on the walls and arranged neatly behind the two large window displays. Jack watched as Phryne looked towards the window display and then to the shelves to the immediate right, which she stared at fixatedly for a few moments, before walking slowly towards it. Although Phryne's interests and tastes were varied and unpredictable, Jack was not sure what it was in this eclectic establishment that had so attracted Phryne's attention. As he followed her towards the shelving unit which her attention was so focused upon, his eyes befell the item that had captured her interest: it was a stuffed toy cat.

Jack watched as Phryne stared at the item on the shelf, which was a toy cat about fifty centimetres long, with ginger fur and a long tail and legs, the latter of which were white at the bottom. Phryne considered the toy for a few moments, before removing her gloves and tentatively reaching for it, picking it up gently and drawing it towards her with care and wariness, as though she feared it might break. Phryne's attention was focused completely on the toy, and Jack watched with great interest as her eyes drifted over it analytically, stroking its limbs and its head and examining it with her hands, as though it were some interesting piece of evidence. Instead of commenting upon it or asking her any questions, Jack remained perfectly silent and watched the scene unfold before him with great interest.

Phryne had seen the toy from the shop window, and had been instantly drawn towards it, due to some undefinable and inexplicable force. She'd found herself feeling compelled to go into the shop and to view the toy, which frightened her slightly, confusing her and making her feel uncomfortable to the point where she felt she had to do the exact opposite. But as soon as she began to walk away she felt a strong almost magnetic pull within her, which seemed to be drawing her back towards the store, and the item within it that had so engaged her interest. As she considered the item in her hands, she felt the strength of this strange draw towards it, and she found herself both unable and unwilling to resist it. It was a ginger cat toy with the softest fur and most pleasant appearance; it had a sweet face which was very well made, with a moveable ears and bright blue beaded eyes, a small pink nose of an intricate design, and a mouth sewed into a pleasant and somehow natural looking expression. Jack watched as Phryne smiled gently as she held the toy to her, feeling its soft fur beneath her fingertips as she examined it, noting that it had a white stomach with soft, white fur. The cat had a pink ribbon tied in a bow around its neck, and even had artificial whiskers, which Phryne found somewhat amusing. It was only as she drew her index finger down the side of her face that she stared into its blue eyes, which reminded her of Jack, that she found herself suddenly conscious of his presence behind her. She lowered the toy in her hands and turned towards him, and found him watching her with a patient expression and gentle eyes. She suddenly felt flushed with embarrassment.

"I'm sorry, I don't know-"

"Don't be sorry" Jack said warmly, having been quite touched by the warmth of her expression and her reaction to the toy. She was clearly feeling confused and uncomfortable and he sought to reassure her. "I'm not sure that it's your style, but-"

"Ha ha" Phryne replied drily, offering him a small smile. A comfortable silence fell between them for a few moments as Phryne returned her attentions to the toy. Jack watched her with a kind and reassuring expression.

"Do you like it?" he asked gently. Phryne considered the question for a moment.

"Yes" she replied, her eyes not leaving the toy. After a moment or so she blinked. "Yes, I do" she said, her voice low and gentle, almost hesitant.

As he stood slightly behind her, Jack considered how Phryne sounded quite confused, and she was appearing to appear so too. She also looked visibly nervous, and he understood why almost immediately; the concept of her pregnancy, and of her impending motherhood, frightened her, and he did not doubt that these fears would be exacerbated after the events of the previous day. Phryne was torn between wanting to talk about the baby and everything associated with it, and feeling too afraid to as it made the situation seem so real, and if it was real then so were the dangers she associated with it, including herself. Jack took a step towards her and stood beside her, looking down upon her with a kind expression.

"Phryne, it's alright" Jack began. "There's nothing wrong with wanting to buy things for the baby" he explained gently, his voice low and soothing. He watched as Phryne tensed slightly, before looking up at him with a nervous expression, as she stared into his eyes as though searching for answers. She swallowed hard and nodded.

"I know" she replied quietly. Jack considered her for a moments. She didn't sound sure.

Phryne turned away from Jack and looked back at the item in her hands, staring at it for a moment as she tried to understand why a stuffed animal was making her feel so anxious and afraid. It was ridiculous. She was being ridiculous. Wasn't she? Although she had considered the implications of having a child since the moment she discovered her pregnancy, it was only quite recently the baby had seemed to move beyond being an almost surreal prospect, almost like a concept more than anything else, to an actual human being that she was completely responsible for. As Phryne's pregnancy progressed and she began to discuss matters with Jack, and think deeply about their child, whose growth inside her was causing her stomach to swell, she found herself finding that it felt very, very real. And that was terrifying. This was terrifying. Because like her swollen abdomen, this toy was a physical reminder that their baby was real, a person created by her and Jack, who they would both be responsible for and who, at this moment and for the rest of its life, would be relying on her so completely. The prospect was daunting and terrifying and completely overwhelming, and the potentially devastated consequences of her actions the day before reminded her of her capacity to fail her child so completely before it had even left her body. But as she held the toy in her hands, Phryne found herself realising that the baby would not always exist inside her, that it would be born, and that it would feel and touch and see and experience just as she did, as Jack did, as everyone else did. And for some reason, that realisation had only dawned upon her when she had seen the toy, and had rapidly developed inside her mind once she'd picked it up. And she suddenly found herself feeling rather foolish. As she stared down at the toy Phryne found herself imagining a child playing with it, holding it, pulling at its fur and dragging it through puddles or dirt as he or she walked down the street, and suddenly the concept of this child – her child – living and breathing and existing in her world seemed very, very real, more real than it had done before. And despite her fears over her abilities to protect her baby, to deliver it safely, and to take care of it once it arrived, she found herself desperately clinging to the image of that child, a child who would exist, who would thrive, who she would protect. It was an image and an intention that she absolutely refused to let go, and she clung to it with conviction. Like she did with the toy.

"I do want it" Phryne said, before looking up at Jack with wide, emotional eyes. "Jack, I do want this" she added, her voice gentle and assured. He nodded immediately in understanding; it was clear she as talking about more than just the toy.

"I know" he assured her, placing his hand upon her back.

Phryne inhaled deeply and blinked herself out of her stupor, before walking confidently past Jack and approaching the front desk. She rang a small bell on the counter top which prompted an elderly gentleman to emerge from the back room. He was small and slightly hunches over, with white hair and thick-rimmed glasses, wearing a threadbare black suit and blue tie. Phryne smiled at him kindly as he looked up at her with a gentle expression, his eyes befalling the cat toy she had placed before him, prompting him to smile.

"It's lovely, isn't it, Miss?" he said gently, as he placed the toy into a brown box, curling its tail and limbs so that it fit in, before placing the lid on and securing it with an emerald green ribbon.

"Yes, it is" Phryne replied sincerely, suddenly finding herself feeling self-conscious and slightly embarrassed. The kindly older man smiled at her warmly and nodded, as he tied off the ribbon, trimmed the ends and offered her the box. Before Phryne had a chance to open her bag, Jack had withdrawn some money from his wallet and handed it to the proprietor, prompting her to turn towards him with a confused expression. Jack simply smiled at her warmly and gave her a reassuringly look, and Phryne found herself relaxing instantly, and returning the smile as she accepted the box. Jack insisted that the proprietor keep the change, which he thanked him for sincerely, before the two detectives left the store.

Once they were out onto the street Phryne placed the box under her free arm and linked her other through Jack's, inhaling deeply before looking up at him.

"Thank you, Jack" she said sincerely, as she offered him a small, nervous smile. Jack turned towards her and met her gaze.

"It was my pleasure, Miss Fisher" he replied with equal sincerity, as Phryne leaned against him slightly and looked around the small little town, as they crossed the road and headed back towards the car.

After spending the majority of the day in Mount Eliza, Phryne and Jack returned home shortly after four o'clock, and were greeted by Dot who, seeing the colour and smile restored to Miss Phryne, smiled brightly.

"Did you have a nice time?" she asked, looking from her employer to the inspector. They looked at each other and smiled.

"Highly enjoyable, and most instructive" Phryne replied, holding the box slightly tighter in her arm. Jack nodded in agreement. "Thank you, Dot" she added. "How was your day?" she asked.

"Good, Miss" she agreed. "I rearranged those appointments for you and I've separated your correspondence" she explained, indicating towards the table.

"Wonderful, thank you" Phryne responded, placing the box beneath her right arm and reaching for the letters with her left hand.

"I've also been adjusting some more of your clothing, Miss. The items you wear most frequently" she explained. Phryne nodded in understanding.

"Thank you" she said sincerely, as she began to flick through the letters. "Are there any urgent telephone messages?" she asked. Dot's lips parted slightly and she nodded somewhat hesitantly.

"The Commissioner called, Inspector, and asked if you could call him about the Salvatore trial" Dot stated, before turning towards Phryne. "And your aunt called, Miss, three times" she stated. "She said she'd like to speak to you as soon as you get home."

"Oh?" Phryne asked, frowning in confusion.

"Yes, Miss" Dot said hesitantly, before walking towards the telephone and reaching for a newspaper that she had placed beneath it. "Because of this" she explained, handing it to Phryne, who stared at her for a moment before considering the page.

"'Famous Lady Detective rescues Palace Princesses from Blazing Inferno'" she read. "Will Mr Burns never stop" she sighed, before looking up at Dot. "Thank you, Dot" she said, as Dot disappeared into the kitchen. "It appears we both have urgent telephone calls to make, Jack" she said gently, meeting Jack's gaze. "And as we only have one telephone, it's important that the most urgent call is made first."

"I quite agree" Jack stated, before nodding slowly and meeting his gaze. "So I'll remove the Salvatore files from the safe whilst you call your aunt" he stated, offering her a cheeky smile before disappearing into the parlour.

Phryne chuckled lightly in response, before telephoning her aunt's home and being informed by her maid that she left for a hospital board meeting three hours ago. Phryne left a message requesting that her aunt return her call. By the time she had done so, Jack stepped out of the parlour and into the hallway, carrying the large files with him.

"I think I'll read through these outside" Phryne stated, raising her letters in the air as she spoke. "Would you care to have dinner in the garden tonight?" she asked. Jack nodded gently in agreement.

"Alright" he agreed. "I'll be right with you" he assured her, as he made his way to the phone. Phryne rose her eyebrows.

"Surely that depends on the Commissioner's mood" she teased, prompting Jack to turn towards her as she walked towards the dining room. "Give him my love" she called over her shoulder, as she headed through the kitchen and into the garden.

Phryne placed the letters and her package upon the wrought iron table in the garden, and took up a seat facing away from the sun. As she began to open the first envelope her eyes drifted towards the box, which she stared at for a few moments, before she felt the same strong draw towards it she had experienced earlier, prompting her to drop the letter onto the table and reach for the box, which she drew towards her. Phryne removed the ribbon and opened the package, staring down at the toy cat within it, with its soft ginger fur and beautiful face. She found herself smiling slightly as she drew her fingers through its soft fur, over its ears and towards one of its legs, which she lifted into the air and then laid back down very carefully. Phryne didn't know how long she spent with the toy, but it must have been several minutes, as her attentions were only drawn from it when Jack approached her from the kitchen, having ended what she suspected was a fairly tiresome conversation with the Commissioner.

"Phryne" he said gently, sensing that she was deep in thought and not wishing to startle her. Phryne blinked and rose immediately from her seat, as she looked up at him with a slightly embarrassed expression.

"I was just-"

"You don't have to explain" Jack assured her kindly, watching as her looked up at him nervously.

"I'm sorry about earlier, in the store" she said gently, still finding herself puzzled over her conduct, and feeling very conscious of Jack having witnessed it. "I don't know what came over me, I just-"

"Phryne" he said gently, placing his hand on her waist and drawing her towards him, causing her to relax against him. "It's alright" he assured her, his kind eyes staring into hers. "I know that discussing the baby can sometimes feel frightening, and that it can overwhelm you, and that's alright, it's understandable" he explained, "as is wanting to begin to prepare for its arrival" he continued, his words causing her breath to hitch. "But there is absolutely no rush" he assured her, "we have plenty of time, and we will take as much of it as you need" he stated. Phryne's expression softened and she stared into his eyes.

"Five months isn't that much time, Jack" she explained gently, nervousness entering her tone as she met his gaze. "Besides" she added, as she reached for his free hand and drew it towards her, placing it over her swollen abdomen, an action which caused Jack to smile gently in response, "this isn't just about me" she stated, before leaning up towards him and kissing him passionately upon the lips, as he held his hand protectively over her stomach, with her hand on top of his. Phryne's blouse drifted up to reveal the curve at the base of her stomach, which she and Jack held in their hands between them, as they kissed passionately upon the grass.

It was only when she broke the kiss a short while later that Phryne realised her Aunt Prudence was standing in the garden just outside the kitchen door, and was staring in shock at the sight before her.