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One of the downsides of being a detective inspector was testifying in court. It was normally quite mind-numbing and time-consuming but, needs must. That said, Jack had discovered that the process was much more interesting and enjoyable since he had partnered with the Honorable Miss Phryne Fisher. She had a way of pointing things out which made sitting in court both educational and humorous. Her discussions of the Melbourne defense attorneys’ personal tells gave him a whole new perspective of watching trials unfold and her color commentary had more than once caused him to have to stifle a laugh behind a coughing fit.
So, when Jack was informed that they would be testifying in Geelong for the Shearer case, well, the idea wasn’t wholly unpleasant.
A long drive with pleasant company, testify, watch Miss Fisher fillet the defense attorney like a chef fixing carpaccio, have a leisurely lunch, then the drive home and, if he was lucky, Phryne would “convince” him to stay for dinner and a nightcap. The more he considered it, the better it sounded.
And the basic plan would have worked too had Shearer not attempted to escape just before the judgment was read. As the judge started speaking, Phryne quietly tapped Jack’s thigh and signaled to observe the defendant’s table. No sooner than he did so, Shearer punched not only his own attorney and the bailiff then made what he must have thought was a clear shot for a side entrance. He had not counted on the Honorable Phryne Fisher.
Recognizing his trajectory and realizing his potential escape route, Phryne had vaulted the audience bar to launch herself at the fleeing subject. She wrapping her arms around his waist as she hit him, thus blindsiding him, and bringing him down. Before the both had fully hit the floor, Jack was there with his cuffs.
“I do believe you may have added another layer to the term ‘taking the bar’, Miss Fisher.” He joked as he raised the shaken murderer to his feet and handing him off to the bailiff. Phryne ducked her head at the compliment and while reaching one arm up asked, “Could you lend me a hand? I appear to have injured the long arm of the law when we landed.”
Jack grasped the outstretched arm and gently helped her to her feet. The local doctor was called who upon examining her, wrapped her arm, put it in a sling, and gave her medication for pain and a muscle relaxant. “You’ll very likely to sleep on the way home which is fine but I would suggest having your own doctor check it tomorrow.”
Judge Wemyss thanked them prior to their leaving as he was duly impressed chuckling, “I must say catching the killer not once but twice and executing such an impressive take-down, the Geelong Cats could have used you this season, Miss Fisher. If you ever get tired of Melbourne, we’d be glad to have you!”
After glancing quickly at her partner, she commented, “I appreciate the invitation but my loyalties are firmly secured. That, and I’m not sure the boys would react favorably not only to a woman on the team but a woman born in Collingwood.”
The doctor had been correct and only a couple of miles down the road with the sound of rain starting to fall. Phryne had fallen silent, her eyes drooped and she had fallen asleep, her head gradually coming to rest on Jack’s shoulder. He couldn’t help but smile at the situation. While most experiences with his partner were exciting, frenetic, dangerous, and, yes, erotic, this felt comforting, intimate, and vaguely domestic. He knew that he adored this amazing woman as his friend and partner and he recognized that he was also very much in love with her. He had dreamed of one day seeing her peacefully sleeping in his arms after a night of making love but appreciated equally the feeling of her nesting against him feeling safe and secure driving home from a long day.
The rain got gradually worse, leading Jack to make the decision to pull over to the side and wait for the rain to lessen. He reached in the back, getting the emergency blanket and placing it over them both. He then put his arms around her, kissed her gently on top of her head, and followed her into sleep.
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Phryne awoke to the strong sound of a hard rain pelting the top of the still car, the feel of her cheek of Jack’s chest, the warmth and scratchiness of a woolen blanket, and his arms embracing her. She moved her head just enough to see that he was turned slightly so that his back was resting in the corner so that his legs were stretched across the lower part of the compartment. She also noted that he had covered her with the woolen blanket that was kept with the first aid supplies.
Hoping to not wake him, she snuggled in and placed her hand over his heart. She found herself enjoying the intimacy of waking up in her partner’s arms, finding it both comforting and delicious. Since she didn’t know when it would occur again, she decided she was going to take full advantage of it and allowed herself to fall back asleep.
A half an hour later, she awoke again to Jack holding her a little closer as he was stirring awake. Rubbing into his chest like a contented cat, she murmured, “Wardlow already?”
“Soon. Just pulled over until the rain lets up. How’s your arm?”
“Whatever the doctor gave me works wonders. There’s still pain but it feels like I’m here while it’s still in Geelong. The pain… not the arm. That said, from where I’m sitting, all in all, I’d say it was rather a successful outing. Subject captured, subject tried, subject captured again, a sweet offer from Judge Wemyss, a lovely ride, and a snuggly nap with my partner. And when we get home, Mr. B will have a lovely shepherd’s pie ready for us. That said, I’m perfectly willing to wait on dinner as I am quite enjoying my current position far too much to move.”
Jack chuckled and the nodding of his head nuzzled hers though whether it was intentional or not was yet to be determined. “What’s that old saying, ‘Any landing you can walk away from…’”
“We caught him, didn’t we?”
“Technically, you brought him down. I, on the other hand, merely cuffed him.” She could hear the smile in his voice.
“As I said, we caught him.”
“Yes, but the kudos and the invitation to relocate to Geelong were only offered to you.” He bantered.
Raising her head while still keeping it resting on his chest, she looked him in the eye. “I also politely made it clear that this Collingwood girl’s loyalties were firmly secured.”
“I don’t remember you mentioning exactly how they were secured or to whom.” Jack couldn’t even believe the words he had just uttered nor the dark and raspy tone they were uttered in.
He watched as Phryne’s eyes widened and her pupils darkened.
“You’re the detective, Inspector,” She purred as she pulled his face to hers. “I’m quite sure that, if you put your mind to it, that you could come up with the right conclusion. Lord knows you have had all the facts on hand for quite some time.”