Chapter Text
UNNATURAL HABITS
“Until our next murder investigation then.”
“I look forward to it.
The investigation. Not the murder.”
“Of course.
Jack.”
“Miss Fisher.”
Phryne shut the door and contemplated this new development. The thought of kissing Jack and finally getting acquainted with the body behind the three piece suit made her smile. Perhaps Jack was coming around to the idea that sex was enjoyable and should therefore be enjoyed by all. Perhaps not. That didn’t really sound like Jack, not without a committed relationship anyway. That idea did not make her smile. She sighed. There had to be another way. Frustrated she moved upstairs as a thought hit her… Jack had essentially declared intentions. She just needed to find out exactly what those intentions were and if they could be manipulated into something that suited her. A visit was required then.
****
Jack was sitting at his desk in a bit of a haze. He understood WHY the newest Commissioner thought it fit to remove him from the Sanderson/Fletcher case, but it left him concerned that the job would not be completed rigorously. Who else was involved in Sanderson’s dodgy dealings? For the first time in a long time Jack felt that he was alone in his workplace. A fact that was not helped by the Commissioner also informing him that he was required to take a weeks leave “in order to assist with public opinion on the matter.” He was still reeling over that one when he heard the sounds of a picnic basket being dumped on his desk. He felt his cheeks blush as he looked into the eyes of the bearer.
“Ahh. Miss Fisher. What brings you here?”
“Couldn’t wait for another murder Jack, thought it best if we investigate this latest development more thoroughly now.”
“Well I am afraid that now may not be convenient, I am trying to resolve a current case.”
She looked at him with smouldering eyes as she perched herself on his desk.
“I would of thought I was to be your most pressing case Inspector, but perhaps I could help with a resolution? Help speed things up?”
Right. So that’s what bought her here. She wanted to get a move on in getting Jack into bed. Jack’s head started to hurt with the combination of lack of sleep, stress about work, close proximity to a dangerous woman and two very different types of hunger. He closed his eyes for a second to contemplate what he should do next. Ask her to leave? Ask her on a date? Ask her to spread her legs so he could act out one of the many fantasies he had had involving her and that desk? No, that was the wrong sort of thoughts to be having… He snapped open his eyes to catch her reading his notes from his meeting with the Commissioner. Anger bubbled within him.
“A week’s forced leave, Jack?” Her eyes were widened with shock.
Jack grabbed the paperwork off her.
“None of your concern Miss Fisher. Thank you for the food, as always it’s appreciated. Now if there is nothing else I can help you with, perhaps you will allow me to get back to my work.”
He stared her down. The eyes pleaded – drop it Phryne.
“This could be ideal timing Jack. I myself am headed on a short holiday. Perhaps you could join me? Seeing as you will be on leave anyway. Ski lodge – lots of exploring that could take place in such a cold environment… I may need your expert assistance with regards of how to stay warm. We leave Wednesday”
God god, Phryne, stop talking! She thought. Why did you do that? You just invited Jack away for a raunchy weekend – with AUNT PRUDENCE!! How lustfully compromised are you? But judging by Jack’s shocked expression perhaps it might have been worth it…
“I, I don’t… I’m not an expert...” Get it together Jack. Deep breath. “Perhaps another time. I’m afraid I wouldn’t be great company.”
Phryne inwardly sighed in relief, she did not really want to have a conversation with Aunt P about why Jack would need to accompany her. Quickly recovering she looked at Jack with desire that could not be misinterpreted.
“Well, I would not say no to your company Inspector.” She slid from his desk and made to leave. “Feel free to drop by anytime.” She hoped he would get the point. Her eyes conveyed my bed is waiting for you Inspector. “Don’t leave it too long between visits.”
Jack watched her sashay from his office, trying to work out what he should do. She leaves Wednesday. Today being Monday. His forced leave was to start Thursday. She wanted to bed him. He wanted to have a relationship with her. She was incredibly alluring… perhaps if he did go to her it would ease the inappropriate thoughts that he had about her. Perhaps it would spark a whole new range of fantasies. He hung his head in his hands. One thing was certain. He should only visit her once he had a battle plan and knew what he wanted to fight for. Or surrender to. Damn that infuriating woman.
****
Late Tuesday evening Jack decided he would pursue a relationship. Whilst he acknowledged that he wanted to know Phryne in a biblical sense, but it would not do to just jump into bed with her. He would drop by tomorrow to arrange a date upon her return from the mountains. In the meantime he could work out exactly what sort of date he could take her on that would be sufficiently memorable that she would want to return for a second date.
Phryne was lying in bed. She was leaving tomorrow. She felt she had made it quite clear to Jack that she wanted him. But he had not come. She was new to rejection. She did not like how it made her feel. Tomorrow she would need to move on. Someone else would warm her bed. There were always more men.
Jack refixed his tie yet again as he approached Miss Fisher’s house. Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the front door, reminding himself of what he planned to say.
“Good Morning Inspector”
“Good Morning Mister Butler.”
“I assume you are calling for Miss Fisher? I regret to inform you she left for a short vacation this morning. She should return in a few days time.”
Jacks heart paused for a second. He was too late. Mr Butler could obviously read his emotions;
“Perhaps you would like to stay for a cup of tea Inspector?”
Jack shook his head, hoping to knock some sense back into it.
“Oh, no, thank you, Mr Butler. I must be on my way.”
“Of course Inspector. Shall I let the Lady know you had called?”
“That won’t be necessary, thank you.”
Jack walked in a haze back towards the tram stop, kicking himself for not taking the opportunity to ask her earlier. Now he was too late. She was on a holiday and would find another body to spend her time with. His window of opportunity was lost.