Part 13: The Finale

Mt Thomas Police Station

1:00pm

"Last time, you told us you were 18." said Ben, exasperated.

"Well, last time I lied. I'm 16, and you can't talk to me without my parents!"

PJ sighed, "Well, what's your parent's phone number?"

"Small problem there," gushed Angela with a smug grin, "they're away, not back till the weekend, and I'm looking after myself and Dani till then," Angela finished indicating to her younger sister in the corner.

Ben groaned, "Any nearby family?"

"Not unless you think Perth is nearby."

"That's it." muttered PJ getting up, "I'm getting a social worker."

Dani stood up and wandered over to her older sister. Ben marvelled at how different they were. Dani's brilliant red hair, was neatly braided, and she wore jeans and smart white shirt. Her older sister however, had equally brilliant coloured hair, but of the peroxided variety, a white singlet top and technicoloured stripped pants, with the trade mark black Docs. The contrast was amazing.

Dani looked up at her sister, worried. "Is this anything to do with the pet stuff at our house, or that kitten?"

If looks could kill, Dani would have suffered a hideous death at that moment. Noticing the look, the younger girl became distressed.

"Angie? Is it? Are you going to go to jail Angie? Say some thing... please!"

"Shut up Daniella!" hissed Angela.

Ben looked straight at Angela, "do we need that social worker, or will just hand over all this stuff?"

Angela looked at her hands and nodded.

3:30pm

Car Park

Pascoe Vale

"What about dinner at the local pub guys? My shout. Maybe we can find you up a nice girl Jack?"

Jack, wasn't shocked at this comment, it wasn't the first since lunch. Jack was desperate to know what had happened in the toilets that day.

Jo forced a laugh. "Anyway, we should probably go pack, gotta leave here tonight Tess. Actually, maybe we should just grab something on the way home. We have to be at work tomorrow morning."

Jack nodded in agreement, "Sound's like a plan. Let's go pack I think." And with that, Jack leapt up the stairs, grabbing a startled Jo, and dragging her behind.

Tess smiled at them. Jo had been right, it all fitted. It was so obvious. She disappeared into her own room.

3:05pm

Jo and Jack's Room.

"Finally, I have you to myself," said Jo closing the door behind her. She put her arms around Jack, and leant in to kiss him. To her surprise Jack spun around out of her arms, and stared accusingly at her.

"Wow, you sure you know how to make a girl feel great." Jo sat down sulkily in front of the television.

"You told her didn't you." shouted Jack

"No I didn't!" yelled Jo.

"Then how do you explain her behaviour. She is... so... I dunno, weird."

Jo turned around on the couch, leaning on the back, and stared Jack straight in the eyes. "I didn't tell her."

Jack instantly melted. She knew the effect she had on him, and had used it to her advantage. He walked over to her, and sat next to her.

He kissed her softly on the lips. She responded by placing her arms around his neck, and as the kiss deepened, she pulled him down to her. They lay together on the couch, till finally, Jack pulled away slowly. "I'm sorry, I know you wouldn't tell her," Jack explained softlyl with one hand he cupped her face, the other gently stroking her hair.

Jo looked away, and buried her head in Jack's chest.

"Jo? What is it?"

Jo sat up, and looked at him, a serious look on her face.

"Stretch, promise you won't be mad?"

Instead of the supportive look she had expected, Jack's face hardened.

"Joanna Parrish, what have you done?"

Jo got up, a half worried, half guilty look plaguing her features.

She started to pace around the room, as she did when she was nervous.

"Well, she cornered me, in the toilet, put me on the spot I didn't know what to do. I had to tell her something, and I couldn't tell her the truth so..." Jo stopped, when he placed he sturdy arms on her shoulders.

"Stop, pacing. " he slowly spun her round, to face him. "Speak slowly and explain."

"I told her that you liked her, and that when you told me, we'd had a fight because I was jealous. And she got worried that she had given you the wrong impression, and.."

Suddenly Jo was overcome with the hilarity of the situation, and broke down giggling. And the look on Jack's face only made matters worse.

"You what!" Jack didn't know what was worse, how embarrassed he was, how angry he was at Jo, or the fact that no matter how strong those two emotions were, he couldn't help but smile at the giggling woman in front of him.

Angela's house

Mt. Thomas

4:00pm

"It's all here. " said Angie as she led the two police officers around the back of her house. In the backyard, there were many cats around, and at least two dogs. She opened a shed, and PJ gasped in surprise. It was like a pet store. Ben and PJ put on their gloves and started to go through all their finds. Angela just sat back watching. The occasional tear fell down her cheek, which was quickly wiped away with a grubby hand. She was defeated. Not one of her friends were there now to support her. It was just her.

Western Ring Road

Melbourne

5:00pm

Tess sat in the back of Jo's car, fast asleep. Jack looked over at the woman next to him, who was staring intently at the road.

"I can't wait to get home." said Jack.

Jo turned to smile at him, "Me never."

"Except for one problem..." Jack lowered his voice, in case the Sergeant in the back was awake, "how do we explain to Ben that I'm supposed to secretly in love with Tess?"

Jo laughed, before turning back to the road. She was glad to be heading back to Mt. Thomas. The past few days had been exhausting. Her run in with the protester, Tess' horrible night, and of course, Jack, and hiding it from Tess. There was nothing Jo wanted more, than to sleep.