It was easier now that Phryne had met Jack's daughter; he seemed more relaxed round her though he still became a little exasperated when she appeared at a crime scene.

"I knew, you know," she smiled. They were sitting in the parlour; all her guests had gone home, it was just her and him left.

"Knew what?" he frowned a little frown.

"That it was you, at Lydia's ..."

"The Andrews case? You remembered me?"

"I did, but I guessed you didn't want to be recognised, well not then, and not in front of Hugh."

"I didn't think you did, even though I remembered you. You had changed, but it was your eyes, at first, you have the most memorable eyes." He blushed at being quite so forward.

"Oh, I couldn't forget you," she smiled and took his hand, turning it over and stroking his palm. "You were kinder than others," she didn't meet his gaze, "you talked to me as well as ... "

"It was another life, Phryne, unkind, dark, you made me realise life was for living ..."

"You said," she interrupted softly.

"... I did? I did. You were, and are, easy to talk to, and I think you needed to talk too." He reached over and stroked her cheek.

"It helped," she admitted.

"Anyway, I had better bid you good night, fair maid," he smiled.

"You could stay," she murmured, "unless ..."

"Perhaps not this time, Phryne," he stood up, though he couldn't deny he was tempted.

"I understand," she smiled, "I do," she added when he frowned just a little.

He kissed her cheek at the front door and she watched him head down the path and into his car.

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Phryne-Rose half woke up when she heard her father come in through the front door. He had said he might be late and bid her sweet dreams before he left to have Miss Fisher sign her statement.

"It's her birthday as well, love," he smiled, "so I might be persuaded to stay for a little while."

"You like her, dad, don't you?"

"I do," he laughed, "it's hard not to, even when she interferes in a case."

"It's ok, dad, for you to have a lady friend," she reached for his hand, "mum's been gone six years now and you're not that old."

He threw back his head and roared, "Cheeky madam, I don't need dating advice from you."

Phryne-Rose rolled her eyes, as far as she knew none of her school friends had such an easy relationship with their parent; when she had been invited to tea there had been much more deference to them. There had been no teasing, or cuddling and kissing, at least not in her presence.