Chapter 1: A Snotty Start

Phryne Fisher blew her nose for what felt like the hundredth time that morning, the congested sound echoing through her office as she rummaged through her desk drawer for yet another handkerchief. She had been looking forward to this case all week, but her head cold had other plans. Sneezing, she covered her mouth with a crumpled tissue, only to realize it had already reached its absorption limit. The snotty mess she created was nothing short of impressive. As she dabbed at her nose with a fresh handkerchief, her trusty sidekick, Dart, walked into the room, a look of concern etched on his face. "Phryne, are you okay? You sound...different." Phryne sniffled, wincing as she tried to speak. "Different? What's that supposed to mean?" Dart hesitated, clearly unsure how to phrase his concern. "Well, you're...sniffling a lot. And sneezing. And...blowing your nose. Quite a bit." Phryne rolled her eyes, though a tiny part of her was grateful for Dart's concern. "I have a cold, Dart. It's nothing to worry about. Just a minor head cold." Just then, the phone on Phryne's desk jolted her out of her misery. She picked it up, trying to sound more composed than she felt. "Phryne Fisher Investigations." The voice on the other end was frantic. "Phryne, it's Lucy Harcourt. I need your help. My grandmother's priceless diamond necklace has been stolen." Phryne's interest piqued, she quickly grabbed a pen and notepad. "Tell me more, Lucy. When did this happen?" As Lucy explained the situation, Phryne found herself struggling to focus. Her nose was running again, and she could feel another sneeze building. She covered her mouth with her hand, trying to stifle it, but it was too late. The sneeze exploded out of her, causing Dart to jump in surprise. "I'm so sorry, Lucy," Phryne said, mortified. "I'm just...not feeling my best today." Lucy laughed on the other end of the line. "It's okay, Phryne. I understand. Just please, can you help me? The necklace has been in our family for generations. I couldn't bear it if it was lost forever." Phryne's determination kicked in, cold and all. "Of course, Lucy. I'll be right there. Dart, grab the car. We have a case to solve." As Phryne hung up the phone, she let out a mighty blow, soaking yet another handkerchief. She looked up at Dart and smiled weakly. "Shall we?" Dart nodded, concern still etched on his face. "I'll drive. You can...try to rest your nose." Phryne chuckled, feeling a tiny bit better. Maybe, just maybe, this cold wouldn't get in the way of solving the case after all.