Axiom Tilt Chapter 9

"Where the hell have you been?" Mac demanded.

Jack had just set foot in City South. The fire-maned woman jumped up from the bench as soon as she saw him.

Mac looked exhausted. Her normally well-groomed hair was looser than he'd remembered seeing it. Her eyes were bloodshot with deep, dark circles underneath. She clearly hadn't slept much, if at all.

"Has something happened to Phryne?" Jack felt his heartbeat beating a tattoo, threatening to break his ribs.

Mac threw her arms in the air in frustration, "I don't even know, Jack! I couldn't find her. She wasn't at home. She wasn't at the usual clubs… but there's more."

Jack ran his hand over his mouth in anxiety, "More?"

Mac looked around the station, "Can we talk about this in your office?"

"In my…? Of course," Jack motioned for her to go ahead of him. He shut the door behind them, looking at Mac expectantly.

Mac hadn't stopped into City South to visit Jack since he and Phryne had returned from their travels, but she knew where to find what she wanted. She opened the bottom desk drawer and pulled out the whisky and a glass. She looked up at him asking tacitly if he was joining her in imbibing.

Jack looked at his wristwatch, it was just before 8:00 a.m. He shook his head.

Mac poured herself a glass and then sat in Jack's desk chair.

"I think Phryne's been drugged," she said after taking a big swallow.

"What? How?" Jack asked confused.

"I don't know," she shook her head, "but I think I may have been as well."

Jack gaped at her.

"After I couldn't find her last night… I went back to my office and tested the sample from the… uh…" Mac paused realizing she was about to say something she shouldn't.

"The pregnancy test?" Jack supplied, "she told me that you were doing it."

Mac's shoulders relaxed just a fraction, "Yes. From that. In any case, between what you said and my own observations… I thought it would be best. The technique is new, but it has some prom…"

Jack was getting impatient, "I trust your methods, Mac. What did you find?"

Mac exhaled, "It seems as if there are significant quantities of both amphetamines AND barbiturates in her urine."

"How? How is that possible? I'm not with her all the time, but she knows better than that." Jack ran his hand over his hair.

"I'm not sure, but it's not something she would do on her own," Mac agreed, "But I'm beginning to have an idea. I couldn't figure out what it was from the urine test alone, and well… we'd been together earlier, so I tested my own. I found a similar result. Not as concentrated, but…"

"Have you taken anything?" Jack was pacing trying to work this out.

"Not… intentionally, no," Mac continued, "But when I found the result, I decided to draw some blood to get a better idea what I'm dealing with. The urine test seems to be reliable, but it isn't precise. In my blood, in addition to what I found with the urine, I found traces of scopolamine."

"Scopolamine? The truth drug?" Jack stopped pacing and gawked at Mac.

"Not really a 'truth drug', Jack. It has been used for that, but it can cause hallucinations, erratic behaviour, exhaustion… headaches," Mac looked at Jack meaningfully, "the amount in my blood was small, but if Phryne's urine is any indication, she's received a much higher dose. And it may have been mixed with a stimulant… who knows what that could do."

"Rebecca Isaacs," Jack said with dawning horror.

Mac snapped her eyes to him, "Rebecca? Why would she do this? How?"

Jack turned quickly to his file cabinet, "I… I don't know why," he opened to drawer and pulled out the Marjory Murdockson file, including her diary, "But I think she might have done the same thing to the head nurse in the mother's ward at Royal Melbourne."

He opened the diary to the spot he had bookmarked regarding Nurse Fletcher's odd behavior and appearance, "Here," he pointed at the entry handing her the diary, "Flushed, forgetful, headaches… are those consistent with the effects of scopolamine?"

Mac took the book and examined the writings of the dead woman. After a moment, she lifted her eyebrows responding, "Well… yes. All of these," Mac confirmed, "But to what purpose?"

Jack shrugged, "I don't know. What do you know about her?"

Mac stared at him for a moment in disbelief. Seeing nothing to indicate he was kidding with her, she closed her eyes trying to remember all she could about the seemingly sweet Rebecca Isaacs.

"Uh… not much," she searched her memories, "She said she was getting away from an abusive relationship. I don't recall her ever saying anything about a family."

"Abusive relationship?" Jack pressed, "Did she say with whom?"

Mack shook her head, "She didn't. She said she needed to find a place to work that her ex couldn't find her."

Jack paced the room rubbing his mouth in agitation. Mac sipped at her whisky and watched him.

"Mac?" he finally said, stopping the latest round of pacing suddenly to turn to her, "Did you ever tell Miss Isaacs about Phryne's past? About Paris?"

Mac stared at Jack. A look of growing horror bloomed across her face, "Damn," she set the glass down, "Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn."

"What did you tell her, Mac?"

Mac's head dropped into her hands. She ran her fingers down her face to her mouth as she looked at him.

"She told me about being in a relationship with a man who hit her, who tried to own her." Mac's horror grew, "It reminded me of Phryne and Ren… well, it reminded me of Phryne. I was only trying to help. I was trying to show her she wasn't alone… that she could be stronger for going through it."

"Mac."

"I wanted to show her I understood," Mac said closing her eyes in shame.

"Mac," Jack said softly, "I… I know you didn't mean to do anything to hurt Phryne."

"This is all my fault."

"No," Jack crouched in front of the chair she occupied and took her hands, "No, it isn't. We just need to find Phryne."

Mac searched his eyes for signs that he was angry with her, but saw only sadness and fear. She nodded.

"Yes, we do."

"Oh. Good morning, Miss Isaacs," Dot waddled into the kitchen to find Rebecca putting food and tea on a tray.

"Mrs. Collins! How are you this morning?" the young brunette responded pleasantly.

"Enormous," Dot responded, "I can take tha…"

"I don't mind," Rebecca smiled sweetly at her and turned to the toddler hiding behind his mother's legs, "Good morning, Master Collins."

Teddy hid his face in Dot's skirt with a whimper. Dot looked down at her son in confusion. He was normally so gregarious. She put a hand soothingly on the boy's head.

"Yes, well… when Miss Phryne awakes, let her know I'll have her client correspondence sorted."

"Of course, Mrs. Collins," Rebecca curtseyed slightly as she picked up the heavy tray.

Dot felt a sharp clutching pain, low in her abdomen. She grabbed the back of the nearest kitchen chair and gripped it tightly as ripples of pain radiated from her core. It wasn't time yet. Dr. McMillan said at least another 2 weeks.

"Mum-mah?" She looked down at the miniature Hugh Collins while trying to get control over her own body. "Cocoa?"

As the pain faded, she smiled at her son, "Alright, you. Hop up," She pulled out the chair she'd been using for support and let the boy scramble on to it, and set about making both of them some cocoa.

Rebecca set the tray down on Phryne's bed and watched the raven-haired beauty for a time before waking her. She had spent some time in wee hours, when Phryne's mind was most receptive, filling her head with doubts and fears and misdirected vengeance. She wondered how much of that Phryne would remember now. She'd nearly broken that old bat, Fletcher, but she'd adjusted the mix since then.

She did feel badly about Marjory. She was a sweet girl. She never really did suspect. Marjory had been so certain the world was fair—even after all my rumours started. So certain that things would work out. So hopeful that the worst was over when I befriended her. Ha! At least the poor fool never realized how unfair it really was. If only Brian didn't have a type; Marjory could have lived. But he did. Like everything else, it was Brian's fault.

Yes, too bad about poor, sweet Marjory… but Brian's suffering really is the point.

She was looking forward to Emily. She never liked Emily.

"Miss Fisher?" Rebecca called sweetly.

"Ughn… Dot?" Phryne yawned. She could feel the curtain filtered sun on her face as she blinked away the sleep, "Oh. Rebecca. Good morning." She pushed herself up to sitting. Her eyelids were still heavy, and her hair was disheveled. Rebecca noted bitterly but silently that she still looked gorgeous.

"Good morning, Miss Fisher," Rebecca handed her a tea cup. She'd have to test the waters carefully. She thought Miss Fisher was almost ready to play her role, but she'd have to get rid of her meddling staff first. What a lucky break that Miss Fisher and the Inspector were so easily split! With him out of the way, this was so much easier.

"Where is Mrs. Collins?" Phryne's voice was heavy with sleep.

"I offered to bring you breakfast. She's downstairs sorting through your correspondence. You're so lucky to have her. It's a shame you'll lose her soon," Rebecca was moving through the room opening curtains.

"Lose Dot? What are you talking about?" Phryne was still groggy.

"Oh… I just mean with the baby almost here… I assumed she'd be spending more time with her family," Rebecca said, "I know it's hard on her having to do all she does for you with one child. How much more difficult will it be with two?"

Phryne put her head in her hands, "Of course. The baby. But I never knew how much of a struggle it was for her with just Teddy here. Why wouldn't she tell me?"

"She loves you, Miss Fisher. She doesn't want to leave you. But running a household of her own, and then looking after yours? It's a lot of responsibility."

Tears welled in Phryne's eyes, "I've been so selfish. I never knew how hard it was for her. Thank you, Rebecca. You are a treasure."

Soft, rapidly thudding footsteps caused them to turn toward the door.

"Fi-nee… mummah… peed!" young Teddy Collins came barreling into her boudoir.

"Teddy, darling, this is Aunt Phryne and Uncle Jack's priv..." her heart squeezed in panic as she realized Jack wasn't there. She wasn't sure where he was and when—or if—he'd ever want to return. She didn't have time to consider it as Teddy was pulling on her arm trying to drag her from the bed.

"Mummah hurt! She peed big!" he was insisting.

Rebecca was moving toward the door, "I think her waters have broken. Mrs. Collins might be in labour."

Phryne's eyes widened quickly, "Oh no! Dot!" She jumped from the bed and flew down the stairs, swooping Teddy into her arms as she did.

When she arrived in the kitchen, the floor was wet and Dot was nearly doubled over, gripping a chair. Rebecca was fussing over her, trying to check her pulse.

"She's in labour, Miss Fisher."

"I need… aaah… I need to get to hospital."

"Let me check you, Mrs. Collins," Rebecca said soothingly, "I am a natal nurse. I'm not sure we have time to get you to hospital."

"I'll call Hugh!" Phryne hitched Teddy up on her hip and dashed back to the foyer.

Teddy squirmed in her arms, but she held him tight, "Help Mummah."

"Yes, darling, we're going to help Mummah," she kissed the top of his head.

She picked up the receiver, "City South Police, operator!"

Constable Blalock answered the exchange, "City South."

"Bill, is Hugh at the station?"

"Uh… Miss Fisher? Um… yes, just a moment," she could hear him moving away, "Collins! Miss Fisher on the telephone for you," she heard faintly on the line.

Teddy was still squirming. She loosened her grip on him and he pushed himself away hard enough to drop from her grip and start back toward the kitchen. She was about to go after him when she heard a familiar voice over the line.

"Phryne! Where have you been?" Mac's voice was frantic.

"Mac? What do you mean? Where's Hugh?"

"He's here… but I've been searching for you all night!"

"Dot is in labor! Her waters have broken," Phryne cut off this line of conversation as she heard a shout of pain from the kitchen. She'd work out misunderstandings later, "Meet us at hospital. Bring Hugh."

She rang off and dashed back to the kitchen. Dot was panting, Rebecca was washing her hands.

"If we go now, she can make it to hospital. She's not fully dilated," Rebecca announced.

"Where is Mr. Butler?" Phryne asked.

"Morning… shopping…" Dot provided, just starting to catch her breath from the last contraction.

"Damn," Phryne cursed.

"Damn," Teddy mimicked.

"Hugh Theobald Collins, Junior!" Dot admonished her son. He shrank back at her raised voice.

"Right. Rebecca, help me get Dot into the motorcar." Phryne went to one side of Dot.

"Miss… you're still in your pajamas," Dot fussed at Phryne, "At least grab your coat. I'll manage."

Rebecca went to the other side of Dot, "We'll meet you outside." She said to Phryne and directed Dot out the door.

Phryne ran to the foyer to grab her driving coat, throwing it on over her pajamas. Something heavy hit her leg as she put it on. She reached into her pocket and realized her gun was there. She thought she'd removed it—well there wasn't time now—she ran back through the kitchen.

"Mummah!" Teddy was standing at the door with tears streaming down his face.

"Oh, Teddy!" Phryne scooped him into an embrace and headed out the door.

"If only Mr. Butler were here!" Phryne made it to the car with the toddler in her arms, "I'm afraid hospital might not be the best place for young Teddy. Rebecca, can you drive?"

Rebecca looked at the car warily, "No, Miss Fisher. But… I can look after Teddy," she smiled at the boy.

Teddy buried his head in Phryne's shoulder.

"Maybe you should stay here with Teddy until Mr. Butler returns."

"OOH!" Their discussion was cut short by another contraction from Dot.

"Go… we'll be fine. But hurry," Rebecca reached her arms out to take Teddy. He clutched tighter to Phryne. Between Phryne pushing him away and Rebecca pulling him, he finally came loose with flailing limbs. "NOOOOOOOOOO! Mummah! Fi-nee! NOOOOOO!"

Phryne looked desperately at her godson. His face was red with screaming.

"Teddy… sweetheart… Mummah's… fine… stay," A panting Dot managed from the car.

"NOOOOO!" he wailed again. Dot turned her eyes to Phryne and nodded. Phryne got into the car and started it as Rebecca walked back into Wardlow with the screaming child in her arms.

Phryne could still hear his screams as they sped away toward the Women's Hospital.

Phryne pulled up quickly in front of the Women's Hospital honking her horn. Orderlies rushed out to meet them and helped Dot from the motorcar.

"I'm right behind you, Dot!" she called after her companion as they wheeled her into the building and then maneuvered the Hispano Suiza into a nearby parking spot. As she was walking back toward the building a police motorcar came up quickly. Her breath caught as she realized it was Jack driving. Mac and Hugh jumped out of the vehicle and met her at the entrance.

"She's inside. It hasn't happened yet," Phryne reported. The trio ran into the building leaving Jack to catch up.

Mac glanced at her friend as they walked through the building, "We need to talk, Phryne."

Phryne gave her a look in return, suddenly afraid that the worst possible news was awaiting her. She couldn't be pregnant! Later. She'd deal with it later. Dot was all that mattered now.

"Fine. Later. Deal with Dot," Phryne huffed.

Mac nodded and headed straight to delivery.

Hugh was turned away at the door, "Husbands wait out here, mate," the orderly who was likely a Full Forward on a local footy team—or should be if he wasn't— stopped him short.

Hugh ran his hand over his head in frustration.

"Mac has this under control now, Hugh," Phryne rubbed his back, "Trust her."

She lightly pushed him toward the benches lining the hallway and helped him sit, "It could still be a while. Rebecca said she wasn't fully ready to give birth."

"Rebecca? Isaacs?" Hugh looked at her in alarm.

"Yes, she's staying with me," Phryne was trying to soothe Hugh, but he seemed to be getting more and more agitated. Jack walked up to the pair. She couldn't quite look him in the eye, but she could tell by his shoulders he was tense.

"Where's Teddy?" Hugh asked desperately.

"He's at Wardlow with Rebecca. Mr. Butler was out at the market or she'd have come with us. She really is a treas.."

"She's a suspect!" Hugh shouted, facing Phryne in anger, "You left my son with a possible killer!"

Phryne felt like Hugh had slapped her. She stared up at him slack-jawed.

"No… She's… she's a victim! She's my client!" Phryne protested.

"Phryne," Jack's voice cut in softly, but it stung her unexpectedly to hear it. She whipped her eyes to her… what was he to her? Lover? Partner? Ex? She had never felt more uncertain.

"Phryne," Jack continued now that he had her attention, "There are things you don't know. We believe Miss Isaacs has been drugging you."

She searched his eyes for something to tell her he was lying. That this was a joke. She found only sadness, pain… and absolute certainty he believed what he was saying.

"No… you're wrong," Phryne protested, "I… I would know."

"Mr. Collins?" the voice of a nurse broke through the tension, "There's been a complication. The doctor needs to speak with you."

Hugh's face was in anguish. He wanted to rush off to find his son. To make sure he was safe—but now Dottie and his second child needed him as well.

"Jack," they both turned toward Hugh. His voice cracked. He didn't often use Jack's first name. Normally it was, "Sir" or "Inspector Robinson" or sometimes both. "Please! Go get my boy."

Jack nodded and turned on his heel to rush home— (was it still?) over—to Wardlow.

Hugh paced back and forth, building in his rage. He finally turned and punched the wall causing Phryne to jump in fear. Clutching his fist, Hugh followed the nurse.

Phryne sprang off the bench and ran after Jack.

"JACK! Wait!"

She wasn't fast enough. Jack's motorcar drove past her as she exited the building.

Phryne ran over to her Hispano Suiza to give chase.

They arrived at Wardlow at the same time. Jack didn't even stop to say a word as he rushed up to the house.

Opening the front door, he called out, "Teddy?"

"Jack you're being ridiculous," Phryne finally caught him, "Rebecca is harmless!"

"Teddy!?" he glanced into the empty parlor. Then turned toward the dining room and kitchen, "Teddy?"

"Jack, what did you mean I've been drugged?" she was trying to catch his attention again.

"Teddy?!" he stalked into the kitchen, stopping short. Phryne ran into the back of him.

"Ah. Inspector, Miss Fisher. Will you be requiring breakfast? Or luncheon?" Mr. Butler was finishing with the mop. Teddy Collins was lazily pushing a small car around the table. His eyes lit up slightly at seeing Jack.
"Dack-dack!" he pushed away from the table, sliding off the chair, and toddled toward his favorite uncle, stumbling slightly.

Jack lifted the boy, hugging him close with a kiss to Teddy's temple.

"Thank goodness you're alright," he whispered into the boy's hair.

"Is everything alright, Inspector?" Mr. Butler stopped his chore, turning his full attention to the man holding the little boy.

"Where is Miss Isaacs?" Jack rumbled to the older man.

"She said she needed to finish something, and left," Mr. Butler reported, "Young master Collins was asleep. I told her I'd keep watching him."

"I need to ring Collins," Jack said putting the child back in his chair. And walked past Phryne without looking at her.

Phryne's heart was still racing. She was always ahead of the game. Why did she feel so lost?

"Did she say anything else, Mr. Butler?" Phryne was short of breath and fidgeting.

"Ah yes. I heard her say, 'Poor Emily'," he remembered, "But I believe she was speaking to herself.

Phryne's head was throbbing, but she needed to maintain control. "Thank you, Mr. Butler."

She wandered back toward the foyer. She could hear Jack on the telephone and decided to eavesdrop from the dining room.

"No, he's alright. Mr. Butler has him now. He's playing with his cars… of course… no… I—I don't know, Hugh… I haven't talked to her yet… I know… I'm sorry…" she could hear him draw a deep breath, "Any word on Mrs. Collins?... oh, thank goodness... yes, of course… as long as you need… I need to ring the station… yes… alright, you too. And congratulations."

Phryne let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding. She'd run off without regard to Dot. It sounded like things were under control.

She listened to him tap the bar a few times, "Hello, operator? City South police station, please."

She knew she should just go and talk to him, but she wasn't sure what to say anymore. The preposterous idea that Rebecca was poisoning her caused her to flush again in anger. He never trusted her and this was yet another example of his lack of trust. Her heartbeat was pounding in her ears.

"Blalock?" Phryne was startled out of her thoughts by his voice again, "Hugh's going to be out for… hold on, what did you say? Byron Street? Again? Yes… I'm closer… I'll meet you there, bring backup."

Phryne's eyes widened. Of course! Dr. Gilbert's house on Byron Street. Rebecca must have gone there to rescue Emily. She'd be overpowered! She had to help!

Phryne was out the door and on her way to Dr. Gilbert's house in Elwood before Jack had even replaced the receiver to the cradle.

He knew he shouldn't be so angry. None of this was her fault. Not if she'd been drugged. But this reckless behaviour… He ran his hand over his eyes and pinched his brow.

He stood after disconnecting the call with Blalock and walked back into the kitchen.

"Where's Miss Fisher?" he looked around in growing panic, realizing that the back door was still open and Mr. Butler and Teddy were still staring out of it. He heard the roar of the Hispano Suiza.

"Did she?" He didn't know how to finish that. Pleading with the prescient butler to understand the question.

"She was in the other room, and then came tearing through here mumbling about 'Emily'," Mr. Butler provided, "She seemed most interested that Miss Isaacs seemed concerned about an 'Emily."

Jack's eyes widened, "Oh no." He bolted out the door to jump in the police motorcar intending to race Phryne to Elwood.

Even in a desperate panic he was no match for her speed.

He pulled up to art deco home of Dr. Brian Gilbert, noting the familiar silver and red automobile haphazardly parked in front. The front door was wide open.

He really should wait for backup. That would be the smart play… but it might be too late. He rushed into the house, hoping to head off disaster. He heard the voices before he even crossed the threshold.

"He killed her! Shoot him!" he could hear the shrill, crazed voice of Rebecca Isaacs as he entered the house.

"Don't be absurd," Brian Gilbert's voice cut in, "I found her here, standing over Emily… what did you do, you crazy bitch?"

"SHOOT HIM! He'll kill us both!" Rebecca shrieked.

"Ki…Kill you?!" the man stammered, "Did you kill Emily?!"

Jack carefully peeked around the corner. On the ground in the center of the room, an unmoving form he knew as Emily Counts rested. On one side of Emily, stood Phryne. Her face was red, rivulets of sweat trailing down he forehead; hair matted to her skull.

Her gun was drawn. She was pointing it at Dr. Gilbert. Dr. Gilbert was pointing his gun at Phryne. Rebecca Isaacs was cowering behind Phryne, shrieking shrilly.

Jack carefully moved into the room. His hands in raised in supplication. "Phryne?" he said softly.

"Inspector Robinson," Gilbert said, "arrest these women!"

"SHOOT HIM!" Rebecca screamed again.

Phryne looked panicked. She looked out of control.

Jack moved his body between Phryne's gun and Gilbert. "Phryne, love, put the gun down," he was pleading with her to fight this chemical war. To be the strong woman he knew she was.

"Jack?" Phryne was brought slightly out of her daze, "Jack, move! Gilbert is dangerous. I have no choice!"

The pounding in Phryne's ears got harder and harder.

"SHOOT HIM! SHOOT THEM BOTH!" the screaming behind her made it hard to disconnect.

"Phryne, you don't want to do this. Hand me the gun," Jack begged, "Please."

"No. Jack! You don't understand!"

"Phryne, please," he said in his most soothing tone, "please."

She wanted to hand him her gun. She desperately wanted to. She physically couldn't. Everything in her body was telling her to shoot through Jack if she must. Her head hurt sharply at the thought. If she could only get Jack to mov…

"SHOOT HIM! THAT'S AN ORDER! DO IT NOW" the shrill yell of the nurse no longer sounded afraid. This was a battle cry of rage.

Phryne cocked the hammer, "Jack… move… I need to stop him."

"Phryne, the one you need to stop is behind you. Please believe me."

The pounding of her head had steadily gotten worse. Light started whiting-out the edges of her vision.

She could no longer keep her eyes open.

"Phryne, no!"

POOMB

Everything went white at the sound of a gun going off.