Author's Note: So I'm not sure if this update is any good. I had a lot of thoughts on what I wanted to happen but the number of characters in this scene really ate it up and made it a bit clunky. I hope it's okay! (It's just a filler for you all until I can get the next chapter up!) Please let me know what you think! Is it great? Is it horrendous? Is it the most confusing thing you've ever read? Please let me know! I am trying to improve my writing so reviews always help! XOXO - E

I knocked on the wooden door. Room 317. Jane once again resided in my arms, clinging to my neck, half asleep but desperately clinging to the world of the conscious, determined to stay awake for some unknown reason.

"Jack?" She mumbled to me.

"What is it?"

"Thank you." I grinned. My parents would be thoroughly confused by my bringing a girl home with me at the end of the day and I still had to find some way to explain my involvement and friendships with those in the Fisher residence – certainly this would only complicate things. But it was worth it. My father opened the door and stopped, staring at the young girl in my arms with as much confusion as I had expected before stepping aside and letting me in.

"It's Jack." He called out to the room behind him. "And another guest." My family descended upon us like vultures to a carcass but stopped short as they saw just who the guest is. I set Jane down and she rubbed her eyes, trying to wake herself up to great these new faces. She had grown quiet, and not just because she was tired. Jane was shy in front of new people. Her past had taught her that strangers had to earn her trust tenfold before she could relax around them and I didn't blame her for a minute.

"Jane this is my mother," I began the introductions, giving my family a significant look and begging them in my head to just follow along and not ask too many questions in front of this child. My mother at least got the hint and crouched down to be at eye level with Jane.

"Hello Jane. I'm Martha." Jane reached out her hand and shook my mother's proffered one.

"And my father, Henry." I continued. Another handshake proceeded and my family seemed to line up to meet the child.

"My sister in law, Sarah."

"Hello, Jane. I would introduce my children but they're all in bed. My oldest is about your age." Jane nodded and acknowledged Sarah's words kindly but said nothing, shyness still overtaking her. Sarah, being a mother with at least two painfully shy children wasn't phased in the least. "Jane, this is my husband, John's brother, Luke." Luke winked at the girl as he bent to shake her hand.

"I have a sister, too. But like your mother she likes to traipse off and explore the world so she is not present at the moment." I murmured to her with a wink. She returned a half-hearted smile and wrapped her fingers back around my arm.

"Perhaps we can find a place for Jane to sleep?" I asked quietly.

"We were going to have you sleep on a bed in our suite." My mother returned, gesturing to a closed door behind me. Jane was about to protest but I raised my brow at her.

"You said if you could come back with me you'd go to sleep." I reminded her. "It's late. Let's get you to bed."

"Jack-" She began, her voice almost begging.

"I'll wake you up before I head back to the station tomorrow morning." I assured her. She smiled and nodded, allowing Sarah to take her hand and lead her away. Halfway to the door she stopped short and turned around.

"Phryne always-"

"I'll be in to tuck you in as soon as you've gotten in bed." She nodded and continued her migration. There was silence in the room and I found my entire family staring at me.

"Her foster mother was kidnapped today."

"And the police couldn't find any family to place her with so they sent her home with you?" Luke asked with his signature head tilt.

"No she has staff at home who would have certainly cared for her, it's just…" I trailed off, unable to explain just what had happened.

"Johnny, is she your daughter?" my mother asked quietly. Luke and father began to sputter and protest but I couldn't help a small smile from appearing. "I only ask because you seem to care for her a great deal. Not to mention how you seem to know what she's thinking before she says it nor how she clings to you. Twice today I've seen that child in your arms, John."

"I didn't father a child, if that is what you're asking."

"But," my mother prodded me to continue, but I ignored her request for information.

"Her foster mother is a close friend of mine. As you may have surmised from the conversation at the station earlier she is very important to all of us at City South."

"How so?"

"Phryne Fisher is a lady detective."

"A what?"

"She consults on a lot of my cases."

"Your cases?" Luke couldn't seem to stop interjecting but I continued to ignore him.

"Her companion is engaged to Senior Constable Collins." Mother had a soft smile on her face that worried me somewhat but I pressed on.

"Her disappearance is of utmost importance to the Commissioner and so I will be working through the night on this. The longer we wait the less likely our recovery becomes and so I am afraid I will not be highly entertaining for you all."

"Of course. Do what you must!" My mother assured me. "And if you need anything from us be sure to tell us at once."

"John?" Sarah called out. "I've dressed Jane in one of Maggie's nightgowns. She's in bed." I nodded.

"Excuse me. I have to tuck someone in."

A/N: Don't forget to review!