Three weeks later Phryne was sitting in her parlor. She was let out of hospital only this morning. Because of the medication she couldn't drink something stronger, but all she wanted was just that.

Her left hand was still in cast, ribs still hurt, but all the bruises were gone and from outside she looked dashing as always. Her heart though was in completely different state. She was hurt and mad and at this point she didn't know which feeling was stronger.

„I can't do this anymore" she repeated to herself for a thousand time. Obviously the idiot thought that somehow it was his fault that she fell, and now he „sacrificed" her for no good reason. Phryne was furious at him – how the hell could he do that to her? How can he imagine that this is any kind of salvation? After reading the note she almost fell apart, when Dot returned with that glass of water she pretended to be asleep just not to cry. No man has ever made her feel like that, and Phryne admitted to herself that...she has never loved any man before. Love.

She loved him.

After that morning every time someone knocked on her door, her heart jumped in hope that it was Jack, but it never was. From time to time Collins came to visit, he always told her that Inspector was working and sends her „best wishes", but from constable's face she gathered that only first part was true – Jack has buried himself in work, in order to forget of her existence.

„Bloody idiot" she cursed to herself.

„Pardon, Miss?"

She turned her head and saw Mr. B standing in the room.

„Nothing, nothing Mr. B" Phryne responded quietly.

„Dinner is ready, Miss"

She sat there quiet for a brief moment and that turned her head to Mr. B with a mischeveouse smile.

„If you could, Mr.B, please pack dinner to go and call Cec and Burt – I will be needing their assistance." No, she will not let Jack do this to her.

X

Last three weeks he was working way too much, now Jack was sitting in his office tired, but there still was a lot of paperwork to get through. He tried not to think about her, shut out every thought of her and when it got too unbearable he got drunk. That's what the least three weeks has been for him, dreamless sleep, bottles of whisky and work.

Collins knocked on the door „If you won't be needing anything Sir, I will go now."

„Yes, good evening Collins" needless to say that constable was worried about Jack, but he and Dottie realized that it's maybe better not to get involved in situation for a while, after all Jack and Phryne were two very smart adults who could handle their relationships by themselves.

Jack was alone at the station; he hoped that dealing with paperwork will get him so tired that when he comes home only sleep will be on his mind.

Suddenly the door to his office swung open. Jacks heart started to run faster, he hoped that this moment wouldn't happen, but knowing Phryne he was sure it will. And here she was in her right hand holding basket, smiling all over her face, looking dashing as ever.

„Good evening, Jack Robinson! You are rather ill mannered man!"

And with that she put a basket on his table and sat in front of him.