Jessica acknowledges his comment with a sly smile.

"I suspect that I will soon be saying the same about you, Jim Craig."

Eyes narrowing guilefully, she tents her fingers again and rests her chin on them. Now it's up to Jim. She has faith in him. She can almost see her father's reaction already, stunned and choking in disbelief. And to rub salt in the wound, she fully intends to play truant when she is able, so she can observe Jim in action and help where necessary.

The whole experience should be very gratifying...