Epilogue
"He may not hang," mused Jack, as he took grateful receipt of a large glass of Scotch.
Phryne nodded and sipped her own. "I suppose, if his lawyer's good enough at tap dancing, they'll get manslaughter for Schutz and just the abduction for Miss Maitland."
He raised an eyebrow. "Still a double time step then?" he quipped.
She laughed. "Have you been learning more dance steps, Jack?"
"Just watching you is education enough, Miss Fisher," he said comfortably.
She smirked. "At least no-one needs to watch Miss Stubbs any more."
"Don't tell Albert that," replied Jack. "He's still insisting on protecting her. He says she's very shaken by the whole business, and he's driving her to and from Dot's house every day, just to make sure she gets there safely."
"Somebody's going to need to protect her from Bert at this rate," remarked Phryne.
"I don't see why," objected Jack. "No-one protected you from me."
Miss Fisher knew a challenge to her reputation when she heard one, and placed her glass carefully on the table.
Inspector Robinson recognised the signs, and placed his next to it with equal care.
"Are you by any chance suggesting that I am… a danger to you, Inspector?"
"I live in constant fear, Miss Fisher. You know that."
"Fear of what, exactly?"
He thought for a moment, then shifted to kneel before her. Carefully taking one of her hands in each of his, he kissed them both gently.
"The fear that I might wake up one morning and find that you've decided being a policeman's wife is old hat, and gone to find a better adventure."
Her gaze softened, and she briefly blessed his lips with hers.
"My adventure's going brilliantly, Jack."
Her smile broadened.
"And I've always loved your hat. That's why when it gets old, or soaked, or shot, I buy you a new one – exactly the same."