Chapter 2: A Cold Trail

As they stepped out onto the sidewalk, Phryne was enveloped by the crisp Melbourne air, which seemed to slap her in the face like a cold hand. She shivered, despite her luxurious fur coat, and Dot wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders. "Let's get you home, Miss Fisher," Dot said, her voice soft with concern. "You can rest and recover before we tackle the case again." Phryne nodded, feeling a bit limp and defeated. She allowed Dot to guide her to the car, where she collapsed into the back seat with a sigh. As they drove through the city streets, Phryne's mind began to wander back to the case. She couldn't shake the feeling that she had missed something important, something that would crack the entire mystery wide open. She tried to focus, but her throat was sore and her body ached all over. When they arrived at Phryne's mansion, Dot helped her into bed with a warm cup of tea and a packet of throat lozenges. Phryne gratefully accepted, feeling a bit like a invalid. As she sipped her tea and let the warmth spread through her body, Phryne's thoughts turned to Jack Robinson. She smiled to herself, remembering the way he had tried to boss her around, his rugged features softening into a gentle expression. Just as she was drifting off to sleep, Phryne's phone rang, shrill and insistent. She groaned, reaching for the receiver. "Hello?" she croaked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Phryne, it's Jack. I hope I'm not disturbing you," he said, his voice low and smooth. Phryne smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "Not at all, Jack. I was just...resting." "I see," Jack said, his tone skeptical. "Well, I have some news. I've been going over the security footage from the area, and I think I might have found something." Phryne's interest was piqued, and she sat up in bed, despite the protests of her tired body. "What is it?" she asked, her voice a bit stronger now. "I think I might have spotted our thief," Jack said, his voice full of excitement. "But I need your help to confirm. Can you meet me at the station tomorrow morning?" Phryne nodded, even though Jack couldn't see her. "I'll be there," she said, her voice firm. "But Jack?" "Yes?" "Don't expect me to be too...restful...tomorrow. I'm not out of the game yet." Jack chuckled, his voice warm and intimate. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Phryne." As Phryne hung up the phone, she felt a surge of energy and determination. She would be back on the case soon, and she would solve it, no matter what it took. The cold might have slowed her down, but it wouldn't stop her. Not Phryne Fisher.