The adventure begins heating up.
Chapter 9: Falls Creek Raid Preparation
Neither Jack nor Phryne can sleep so they leave the other three sleeping and slip through the dark to observe the house. Jack and Phryne are able to discern that there are definitely people at the house. There is a light on in one of the upper windows, and there is a vehicle parked in the yard. "Do you think we've found our killer and kidnapper, Inspector?" Phryne ventures in a voice barely above a whisper. "If I were a betting man," he responds, "I would be tempted to place a bet. I do believe the murderer and the kidnapper are the same person or are in league with each other. Now, Miss Fisher, how do we approach the house without causing serious repercussions; any ideas?" Jack's deep bass voice is low, but intense and laced with concern, Phryne notes.
After thinking a few minutes she has an idea. "Well", she says thoughtfully still whispering, "Perhaps Dot and I can have car trouble just away from the house. We can walk up to the house looking for help." "No, Miss Fisher" Jack says firmly. "But Jack, do you have a better plan?" asks Phryne in exasperation. "Not yet, but I can't have you and Dot placing yourselves in danger," he replies. Phryne rolls her eyes, and she falls silent allowing Jack to think through the alternatives.
After several minutes of contemplation he sighs, "Alright Miss Fisher. There seem to be no other plans that make more sense. If Hugh and I go, it might spook them." Phryne smiles, making sure that Jack can't see and says, "I'll get Dot, while you, Hugh and David prepare to observe and come to our rescue if necessary. Give me a head start Jack." "As always Miss Fisher" he replies dryly. Phryne smiles winningly at Jack as she slips quietly through the mist. He can't help but give her a sardonic look and his signature half smile and thinking she is some kind of woman even though he is very concerned about the situation.
When she gets back to the car Phryne wakes Dot, Hugh and Mr. Johnson, sending the men to meet Jack after hastily explaining the plan. She also sends them with some sandwiches and fruit. She knows they are likely hungry. She and Dot eat quickly and then wait for the appropriate time to move the Hispano toward the house and put the plan into motion.
Phryne drives the car closer to the house while Dot takes in the lay of the land. Phryne pretends to have trouble with the car and they lurch to a stop not too far from the house. Both ladies get out of the Hispano and open the bonnet to look under the hood. Phryne pulls a wire loose, one that she can easily reattach, and then closes the bonnet. She and Dot begin their walk to the house. They are very observant along the way, noting outbuildings and other landscape markers. They see the curtains twitch in two different locations. Phryne knocks on the door, and it's finally opened by a man. Phryne makes introductions, "I'm Phryne Fisher and this is my companion Miss Williams. We're on our way to Falls Creek, and our vehicle is having mechanical issues."
"I am Geoffrey Warrington White," said the man, introducing himself. Phryne explains that they need to call for a mechanic. As Phryne talks she takes mental notes. There don't seem to be a large number of people in the house. Geoffrey Warrington White looks slightly wild. He is attractive, and suave in his manner, but there is something about his eyes that makes the hair on the back of Phryne's neck stand up. She senses the same reaction in Dot. This is definitely a dangerous person. Deciding that pretending to call a mechanic is not wise based on her reaction to Mr. White, Phryne calls for a mechanic all the while listening and checking surreptitiously for signs of Silvia or accomplices. Dot speaks to the man, "Do you mind if I use your bathroom or outhouse?" "You may, and we have indoor plumbing here Miss," Geoffrey says, "Let me show you the way." Geoffrey hovers while Dot is in the lavatory, causing her to feel distinctly uncomfortable. She thinks there is undoubtedly something wrong with the situation. Phryne wants out of the house so she can get Dot to safety and let Jack know what they observed. "Mr. White," she says cheerfully, "We are going to go wait for the mechanic at the car. We don't want to impose on your hospitality so early in the day. If we need something we'll come back down." Geoffrey nods, showing them out. They hear the lock click as he locks the door behind them.
Phryne strolls leisurely to where the car is parked, and she cautions Dottie to be calm and nonchalant as well. They know they are likely being watched. It is slightly unnerving and Dot is shaking by the time they get to the car. They converse quietly, both agreeing there is something wrong with the situation. The mechanic arrives an hour or so later. He attaches the wire and checks the car over. "Thank you for your help," Phryne says as she pays him. After the mechanic leaves them, they drive back to the clearing carefully making sure it appears they have resumed their journey to Falls Creek.
Phryne fills the men in on their observations and describes the man to David. "He says his name is Geoffrey Warrington White," intones Phryne finishing her report. David's face pales to ghost white and he grits his teeth and shuts his eyes before speaking, "He is Silvia's nephew. I have always thought the man has serious issues." "Like what?" Phryne asks curiously. David lowers his voice, signaling for Phryne and Jack to lean in close to hear, "I don't want to scare Miss Williams," he says lowering his voice so only they can hear. "Every time Geoffrey came to visit strange things happened. I would find mutilated animal remains. He always showed up in strange places in the house, and I would catch him watching people. It was just very odd and a bit unnerving. Silvia told me he was strange as a small child as well."
Jack lets out a very heavy sigh, "Do you have any ideas on what may have set him off?" David shook his head, "Not really, Inspector. Does someone that strange even need a reason? I am terrified for Silvia if she is with him. There are a lot of hiding places out here. I think we need to pray she is in the house," his voice constricted by his obvious fear for her safety. "I also don't understand why he didn't take more than the Faberge Egg, if he is the thief, and even if it is someone else. Why leave the jewels behind?" Jack shrugs his shoulders saying, "Perhaps someone spooked him and he just wanted to get away. The egg is very valuable or maybe it has special meaning to him."
They decide to wait until nightfall to attempt to get into the house. They rest, taking turns being on the lookout just in case their morning visit has spooked Geoffrey White. They eat again in the late afternoon. Phryne packs her stock tools into various locations on her body. He garter contains her dagger. She thinks she is less likely to be searched up high on her leg. She places her lock pick in her camisole and her gun in an inside pocket of her coat. She also takes a few of the medical supplies and puts them in various pockets. Jack loads his revolver and places extra ammunition in his pockets. He takes Phryne to sit under one of the trees where they discuss the plan.
"We'll split up when we get there. I'll go in the front and you take the back. I think we will leave Constable Collins here to make sure the GlenRowan constabulary gets here to help. I don't like the idea, but I think they will respond better to him than you, and I know you will find a way to come with me anyway," Jack says very seriously. Phryne just nods. She takes his hand in hers and squeezes it, "We are a good team Jack." He says heavily, "Yes, we are Miss Fisher, but I worry for your safety. It sounds like we are dealing with a psychopathic mind this time." "Someone like Nicholas Mortimer you mean," she says shuddering slightly. "You know I am not afraid." "Yes, I do know and that concerns me," he responds, with a small smile, "Phryne, Promise me you will be careful." She notes his use of her first name; something he doesn't do all that often, so she knows he is concerned.
"Don't worry Jack," she quips, "I'll use all of my considerable charms on him, and you know I'm irresistible." Jack looks deeply into her navy eyes, his concern and love obvious, "You are that Miss Fisher," he says kissing her fingers. Then releasing her he puts his hat over his eyes and dozes off, his policemen's stakeout training helping him to clear his mind and rest, knowing Constable Collins is watching over them. Phryne isn't as adept at resting, but she does try. She takes deep slow breaths and works to slow down her racing thoughts. Finally she dozes off as well. When Dot comes to wake them, she notices that their hands are clasped together, Phryne's small hand resting in Jack's larger one, and she smiles thinking it's about time. "What was that Dot?" Phryne mumbles. Dot didn't realize she had said the words aloud, so in order to cover her initial words she says brightly, "It's time to wake up and put the plan into action, Miss; You too Inspector." Both Jack and Phryne are alert and ready in minutes.