Back when I was at uni I used to write all the time. I haven't been inspired to write for years but now I have been exploring the world of Miss Fisher and teaching it to my students and it has encouraged me to write. I am not at all happy with this story and it will probably change as it continues, but it is a start. Set a couple of months after the end of season 2.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

He stood helplessly looking on as Sidney raised his weapon, as if in slow motion. Time stood still. His target froze. She fumbled in her bag, trying to find her weapon, but she was too slow. Before he could say anything, Sidney's weapon discharged. Jack watched as the bullet crawled through the air. There was nothing he could do but watch as the bullet hit its target and she fell backwards into the water.

Jack sat bolt upright in bed, his body covered in a cold sweat. It was becoming a common occurrence. By day he stood by her side, cleaning up the streets of Melbourne. Every evening he joined her for supper and a stiff drink in her lavish parlour. When propriety called for him to leave and save (what was left of) her reputation, he began his journey back to his cold, uninviting home. It was here, night after night, that he saw her death in his dreams. He feared the few hours of sleep that he succumbed to each night, he feared the dreams her knew would come. When the sun rose each morning, he was quick to return to the station and wait for her French perfume to waft through the office. He was exhausted. He was determined to keep her by his side, to protect her from herself and the tough clients that she dealt with on a daily basis.

Phryne stared at her reflection in the mirror. Nothing looked right today. She doubted that he would even notice the effort she'd gone to, but she still felt that it was needed. Today was, after all, going to be a tough one for him. Months after the arrest of Sidney Fletcher and George Sanderson, the final verdict was due to seal their fates. She was sure that Fletcher would hang, but she hoped for Jack's sake, that George would be spared. That his hero, mentor and friend would be given the chance to make amends for his crimes.

He didn't even look up when his office door opened.

"Good morning Miss Fisher."

"Morning Jack!" Her cheery grin was clearly evident in her voice. She perched on the edge of his desk and glanced at the file he was reading. "Are you worried about today?"

"No. What happens, happens."

"Jack, Rosie was a part of your life for so long. George is your father-in-law..."

"Ex father-in-law," Jack cut in.

"Okay, ex father-in-law. He is still important to you."

"Is there a point to this Miss Fisher?"

Phryne sighed and placed a hand on his arm. "You don't have to go through this alone Jack."

Jack dropped the file on his desk and leant back in his chair. "I know. I just want to get through today and leave the past behind. I keep seeing Rosie's face the day it happened."

Phryne's hand lifted off his arm and she shifted away from him. His eyes searched hers. He slowly reached out and took her hand. "What are your plans for today, Phryne?"

"I... I'm not sure what..."

"Can you accompany me to the courthouse?"

"Rosie needs you today Jack. I will just make it more awkward for you both."

"Rosie might need me, but I need you. Please Phryne?" Slowly she nodded her head and caressed the back of his hand with her thumb.

Outside the Melbourne courthouse Jack pushed his way through the crowds of journalists. Hugh sandwiched Phryne and Dorothy between himself and Jack, protecting the ladies from the vultures of the press. Jack breathed a sigh of relief as they entered the foyer and sought out Phryne's hand. He turned to face her as a woman approached them.

"Jack." Rosie's tear stained face tore at Phryne's heartstrings. She had no idea how Jack would cope with this.

"Rosie. How are George and Sidney this morning?"

"Father believes that his colleagues will come through for him. Sidney is not so sure." Jack didn't know what to say to this. Rosie stared at her shoes. She was not getting the comfort that she needed from Jack.

"How are you coping Rosie? It must be a terrible time." Phryne's hand crept silently along Jack's spine, giving him the comfort he so desperately needed.

"I am hanging in there. I cannot imagine what will happen if the ruling does not as Father predicts."

"Whatever you need Rosie, whatever happens today, I hope you know that you can always lean on me. I will help you if you want it."

"Thank you Miss Fisher." At that moment the court clerk announced the case. Rosie was ushered in under the watchful gaze of the lawyers.

The ever stoic Jack stood. The gavel had sounded and the silence that followed shouted volumes. His fingers sought Phryne's as he clung to her like a lifeline. He was sure that if he let go, he would surely drown in his own sense of loss. Across the room, Rosie collapsed, tears falling silently down her face as her legs refused to hold her any longer. Dorothy pillowed her head on Hugh's shoulder as they sat in stunned silence. No one had anticipated this outcome. The fight may have ended in the courtroom, but the battle with the media had only just begun. The sergeant brought Rosie over to Jack and muttered something before Jack nodded. Jack and Phryne each supported one of Rosie's arms as they led her out the back entrance of the courthouse and into the waiting police car. Silently, Jack thanked whoever was listening that he hadn't allowed Phryne to drive today. The mundane act of driving gave him something else to focus on other than the battle that he would have to face over the coming weeks and months. It wasn't until they had pulled out onto the main road that the silence was broken.

"I can't go home Jack." Phryne looked across at the timid voice that spoke.

"That's okay. You can stay with me," Phryne smiled at the woman beside her. In the front seat, Jack smiled. He knew that it didn't matter how awkward the situation was for her, Phryne would always do the best by those around her.

"Dorothy, would you take Ms Sanderson up to the guest room and run a bath for her please. I think today warrants a good soak."

"Of course Miss. If you'd follow me please Ms Sanderson." As the two women left the room, Phryne moved to pour two glasses of scotch. Handing one to Jack, Phryne settled on the couch next to him.

"You've been very quiet. Are you okay?"

"I didn't expect that. We're never going to be able to live this down. What are we going to do?"

Phryne ran her hand over Jack's leg. "You are going to leave this to the Chief Commissioner and let him deal with the fall out. This has nothing to do with you."

"They're going to say that I went easy on him, that I didn't emphasise the severity of crime because he was my father-in-law."

"Jack, anyone who knows you knows that you would never do that." Jack gently picked up Phryne's hand and smiled sadly.

"Your blind faith in me is heart warming, but you are just one person. What will the rest of society think?"

"They'll have me to deal with if they question you."

For the first time in days, Jack laughed. Really laughed. "You and your dagger in your garter?"

"You were the one who said that just one outfit can be lethal!" Phryne grinned as Jack pulled her against him. She pillowed her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat. In that moment, nothing mattered except the two of them.