A few days after our meeting with Just Jack, I woke up to find the candlestick on my dresser had been lit at some point while I was sleeping. I checked the time on my phone and grumbled when I saw it had just passed midnight on the 17th.

“You rang,” I said as soon as the candle in the mural was lit. “I assume this must be important if you’re waking me before the sun.”

You are now two. You must be rather proud of your protege. I know I am.

“I am proud of him, and we have made some new connections that could prove helpful in the long run. Doesn’t explain why you want me up so early. So, what’s going on? What do I need to know?”

Nothing you didn't already suspect. There is something afoot and your progress could very well cause ripples. The lack of Jacks involvement in the wider world is going to cause some to become bold. You may wish to check on our allies soon.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

“I’ve been thinking about that myself. Now that Maguire is a Jack, we can start making the rounds, check on the friends and family. Do you have any suggestions for places to start?”

There is only so much I can say, so much I can see. It’s best to be prepared for anything.

“Never a dull moment in the life of a Jack.”

Never dull indeed. And now you know a way to bring them back.

“That I do. Is there anything else, or can I go back to bed?”

Only that you have much work to do in the coming year. We are counting on you to fix this before things spin too far out of control.

“I know, I know. I’m working on it. I won’t let you down, Jack.”

The figure in the mural smiled, eyes twinkling with pride, and the candle went out. This time, I walked through the fire, not awake enough to bother jumping over it. I ended up spending the rest of the night on the couch, only to be woken the next morning by the sounds and smells of Maguire fixing breakfast.

Having another Jack around was very nice indeed.