Author Note

Thank you to the wonderful people who have read and reviewed. Also to all those who have read but not sent comments. I hope you have enjoyed my efforts. See further notes at the end. This is a short chapter but there is more to come (but not yet written). I think you will see why I have chosen to make you wait.

The wet roads meant Mac had to concentrate careful as she drove but Jack was grateful for the silent companionship that pervaded the vehicle. He knew he looked like a bedraggled puppy and he had expended every ounce of his emotional fortitude in the past hours, yet he somehow felt lighter than he had in years. That each mile took with it another layer of heartache, another layer of pain, another layer of self-loathing, another layer of guilt. It was as if he shed 10 years in that short distance. That he was a young man again, a young man with dreams, ambitions and pride. There were many things he needed to do to complete the journey Mac had started him on, a journey he had never anticipated, a journey he knew he must to take.

All too quickly the familiar streetscape appeared and Mac was pulling up at the curb side. Relieved of the responsibility of driving, she turned and looked at her passenger, it was clear the past few days had taken their toll and she quite honestly didn't know what response Jack would get when he walk through that door. Jack sensed her careful gaze and turned to face the woman who had a brought new perspective on his reality. Taking her delicate gloved hand in his he squeezed gently, 'thank-you' he said quietly, 'whatever happens, thank-you, you've made a difference'. Mac smiled and returned the squeeze, there were no more words, they shared something time would never change, she knew Jack would battle through from here, and she knew he would be there for her too when, inevitably, she needed a friend.

A simple tap brought Mr Butler to the door. His surprise, and uncertainty at seeing the dishevelled pair was quickly hidden by his professionalism. 'Good afternoon Doctor, Inspector' he said, just loudly enough that Dot and Jane in the kitchen heard him and came rushing out. 'How wonderful' 'We have been so worried' 'You must be so cold' their words tumbled out, talking over top of each other in their relief. 'Thank you' Jack responded, feeling the warmth of their greeting and their heartfelt concern, but he was most conscious of the missing voice, the one he most wanted to hear.

'I would like to see Miss Fisher' Jack said politely, looking directly at Mr Butler. 'I am very sorry Sir, Miss Fisher has specifically instructed she did not want to be disturbed' the older man responded with a slight hint of embarrassment tinged with sympathy. Both he and the Inspector knew why Miss Fisher did not wish to be disturbed.

Turning quickly so they couldn't see the pain in his face, his hand reaching for the door, 'In that case , can you please inform Miss Fisher I have returned to my home and arrange for my belongings to be delivered' he continued in the same balanced tone. Mac, Jane, and Dot gasped with one breath. 'I would however be pleased to call upon her at her convenience,' he continued,

in a quieter voice for her ears only 'It's alright Mac, I understand, I'm not giving up, but please let me do it my way'.

Nothing further to be said that day Jack once again left the house. This time he didn't look back as he reached the gate. Looking on Mr Butler thought this wasn't the same man that had left the previous evening; indeed it wasn't the same man he had seen so regularly in recent months.

Despite his assurance to Mac, Jack felt his confidence sink as he took the long walk back to the house he had once shared with Rosie. The place he had once called home, he could picture it now, it would be cold and dark and dusty, haunted with the memories of his nightmares and his failed marriage, full of shattered dreams. It would have been so much easier if she had welcomed him back with open arms as Dot and Jane had done.