Dear Diary

You can't imagine the horror when I opened the door expecting Jack, but to be faced with my father. If I had had any idea he was planning on 'visiting' I would have left the state or even the country.

I had thought that at last I could have a cosy dinner a deux with Jack perhaps see where the land lay between us, instead I had to fob him off with the excuse of an unexpected house guest, though I realise now I should have explained who the house guest was. It was almost a relief when I got the call to attend a murder at the Cavalcade of Mysteries.

I had at first to divert Jack's attention away from the new investor, my father oh god, it was all so ... and if Jack had stopped to listen I would have told him all, there and then – that my 'gentleman house guest' was in fact the bane of my life.

Dear heaven he even tried to get money out of me; actually I hate to admit he did, enough for the wages for the troupe! And he tried to charge his room-the Royal suite to Aunt P's account ... And Jack was being most unreasonable because he wouldn't listen!

I think throughout this case we were both on edge, I was so damned angry at father, Jack wouldn't listen, wires were crossed ... alright, I was ... obtuse? Reluctant to admit I had things to deal with that were challenging?

The case was solved, subterfuge, sleight of hand ... fuelled by jealousy.

I know I took a supreme risk in taking the place of the Miraculous Mermaid, I'm sure the audience assumed that Jack's hastening to my rescue was all part of the act, but in truth it was a close run thing, I try to be prepared but it only just worked in this instance.

I rescheduled my dinner during the case with Jack even though father was in the house but I was late and Mr B offered him a drink, and then another ... well, I'm sure you get the picture, poor Jack was quite squiffy when I eventually joined him and then he went off on a rant, a speech about how he didn't want to be one of the 'constant parade of men ...' I confess I was confused, there hasn't been a 'parade' for some time or anyone at all, but it was when he mentioned 'men who wear damned cravats' that it fell into place; it was before I had introduced him to father, you see; he grabbed father's glass of 'nerve tonic' and downed it, father came through the door as Jack was about to leave and knocked him out – with the door not his fist.

Father and Mr B carried him to bed, my bed, and settled him in PJs and the following morning as he was trying to sneak out the final piece of his puzzle was put in place. Jack was surprised, father was – well when he found out Jack was a Police Inspector he kind of backed off – I think I knew then that he was in trouble somewhere in the world and was running – that and the letter mother had sent to Aunt P saying she didn't know where father was and that he was supposed to be in London looking for a townhouse for them.

I knew he was lying about everything, apart from backing the show, but what has he done with the proceeds of the sale of the estate – I very much fear I am not shot of him yet.