The Artful Dodger

1.04 Father 'Always' Knows

Father's face throughout the entire procedure showed concern and worry. And when it was over, he seemed so relieved. He must really care for her. But now I am worried that he will appoint Rainsford just because he saved this woman's life. However, with how Rainsford was acting, I fear that something bad happened. That the procedure didn't go to plan. I looked up at Jack. He seems worried. Wouldn't he be relieved that Rainsford has finished? That there is nothing to worry about. But... his face shows that worry is still there. "Something's wrong, isn't it" I asked quietly. "The string snapped, which means that there is a chance that the ligation will not stay tied" he answered.

I took a sharp inhale of breathe. "Jack, this woman can't die" I said. I turned, placing my hands on his chest. "She cannot die" I whispered. His hands came to my waist. "She won't. I'll make sure of it" he said, reassuringly. Jack leaned down and kissed my forehead. I trailed my right hand up, cupping the back of his neck -- playing with his hair.

Jack pulled away, staring into my eyes. I couldn't help but be reminded of this morning. Of all the things he made me feel. Of how my body craved him, and still does. Yet he left me there alone, so does that mean he regrets it? "I should probably go talk to him. My father, I mean. Before he leaves" I whispered. I leaned up and kissed his cheek before leaving. I can't let myself be distracted by all the thoughts I have surrounding this morning. Not when my father needs me. I can focus on it later. Besides, Jack seemed to not want to speak of it yet. So what's the harm in waiting.

"Father" I called. He was making his way out of the hospital. I was right, he most likely wants to get home before mother learns what he is doing and why. He stopped and turned to me. "Kimberley" he greeted with a smile. I walked up to him before looping my arm through his, letting me lead him out. "I know you wish for Doctor Jack Dawkins to take Prof's position as head doctor, but Rainsford does show immense skill" he said. "You are only saying that because you are bias and emotionally involved" I argued. I could feel as father looked at me. He must not be happy I talked about that out loud in such a public setting. He should be greatfull I said emotionally involved and not that he has been bedding the poor woman that people call a town whore.

"You did not see that operation as I did nor as the trained medical professionals did. He botched it and he is far too proud to admit that; especially to you and especially when head surgeon is on the line. There is a large chance that she will need to go back in there for another -- far more risky -- surgery. And Jack will be the only one able to successfully do that" I told him. Father laughed lightly. "Jack?" he questioned. "Hmm?" I hummed in question. "You called the young doctor Dawkins, Jack" he repeated. I looked at him with a smile. "Well yes, Jack would be his name. Is it not?" I defended.

We stopped as we made it to the carriage. "I suppose it is, yes. But I'm not as daft as your mother makes me out to be" he said making me laugh. "I know father. Which is why I tell you to trust me, when I speak of the doctors. Jack is the best, most suitable choice, not Rainsford. I spend enough time here to know that" I said. "Enough time here, or enough time with Jack Dawkins" he asked in a teasing manner. "Father" I complained, my eyes widening.

"Alright. Alright. But if you do manage to convince your mother of him, I will be happy to approve" he said making me smile. "Thank you father" I replied. I do not know how he knows. I do not know why he shows so much care to this. But, I am thankful that he is willing to support me on both aspects even though he does not know the man. I turned to see Belle and Jack standing in the front steps of the hospital talking.

I smiled to myself before kissing fathers cheek. "I must get back and make sure everything is alright" I told him before walking back to Jack and my sister. "He's making a tilt for Head Surgeon." my sister said. "Is he now? I hadn't noticed" I replied sarcastically, instantly knowing we are speaking of Rainsford.

Jack moved to lean against the building. "Christ. He'll be insufferable" he huffed. I let out a small laugh. "It should be you" my sister replied. "Belle" I warned. She and I both know she is right. However, perhaps now isn't the time to pry. "No, I'm a surgeon. I'm not a pen-pusher. They'd hardly take me." he said. I knew it. He loves his job, a change like that is likely something he will never want. But perhaps I can convince him eventually.

Belle's face took over the largest look of frustration and concern I have ever seen. "It's a paid position. You'd have a house and a salary" she argued. I sighed, she looks like she wants to say more. Thankfully, however, she stopped there. No doubt it was going to be something about mine and his... whatever this is.

I stepped in front of Jack, leaning in so I could whisper in his ear. "You could break from your life of thievery" I teased. His right hand -- the one that was more hidden from my sister and father -- came to hold my waist, him giving a light squeeze. "My thievery has been very occasional" he defended in a whisper making me laugh. "I'm sure it has been between all the pick pocketing, steeling people's pay and grave robbery" I murmured with an eye-roll.

Jack pulled me closer to him, my hips pressing into his. "You may want to be a bit more cautious when talking about..." he began but I cut him off. "Your extra curricular activities?" I asked. "Kim" he warned. I leaned back slightly, not moving at all just trying to look at him. I placed my hands on his chest.

"Perhaps I should say it in criminal terms" I said, in a teasing tone. "This position is being stolen from you" I informed. "Why in criminal terms, sister?" Belle asked. Jack's eyes widened slightly, panic taking over his face for a brief moment. "It was a joke, ma soeur. I have to keep this one on his toes, don't I?" I said making her giggle. "I see" she replied.

Jack shook his head at me, sending me a dirty look when I finally looked at him. "As if I were to let her know anything about that. I like you alive, thank you very much" I whispered to him. He rolled his eyes at me. "Besides, it is not based on cutting skill" Jack said as he turned his head to look at my sister. He truly wants that whole hushed conversation and criminal comment to be forgotten. I do not blame him, my sister tends to pry -- not that he knows that.

"I would have to hobnob in some grand house" Jack said. My head snapped to him, my eyes narrowing. Did he just try to insult us? "If you mean our house, it's an estate." Belle snapped back. Ok, so he did. I smacked his shoulder in a scolding manner. "Head Surgeon is a position given to men my father finds familiar." Belle told him. I looked over at the carriage to see dad was watching us. Or me and Jack? I do not know what in particular he is looking at, but it has something to do with us three. "And I think, just maybe, he has already a small favoritism to you" I added in. I sent a small finger wave to my father. He smiled back, waving.

"I think that is because of you, Kimberley" Belle teased. She eyed the fact that I am still somewhat between Jack's legs, my chest so close to his and his hand on my waist -- mine still on his chest. "That's me finished, then" Jack said, speaking to the fact that he will not be getting it. "By the distinction of having good manners." Belle said. Jack stayed quiet making me sigh a little. "And that dismal art happens to be something that I am an expert in" I said, giving him my full attention. I gently tapped his chest, finally stepping back from him. Jack's hand stayed on my waist until I was too far away.

Jack just looked at me silently, glancing at Belle every now and then. I took a small step towards him again, his eyes watching me closely. "Let me help you" I said softly. He took a few steps away from the wall, holding his arm out for me. I gave him a smile, lacing my arm through his. Belle walked off to go with our father; Jack leading me on a walk down the street.