Free Fatal Impact by Kathryn Fox

tried to eat my lunch but Dad chased them away. They’re cranky and I didn’t really like them much. They really need to learn manners.’
    Anya smiled. At times the eight-year-old sounded more like an old man. ‘Lots of animals get rude when food’s around. Some people, too. Did you see the giant crocodiles?’
    ‘They didn’t move. All you could see was their noses sticking out of the water. Are you with Poppy yet?’
    ‘No, but I’ll give him a big hug for you. We’re having dinner at Constitution Dock. It’s a big harbour and there are lots of fishing boats, yachts, cruisers.’
    ‘Can you take some pictures? We had schnitzel and chips tonight at a cafe.’
    Anya could hear Martin in the background say, ‘Don’t tell Mum all our secrets. Sorry, mate, we gotta go. Tell Mum I’ll call her later, visiting hours finish soon. You can talk to her tomorrow.’
    ‘Did you hear Dad?’
    ‘Yes, it’s okay. You need to go.’
    ‘Mum,’ his voice lowered. ‘We’re going back to see Nita. She’s got “ ammonia ”,’ he emphasised the pronunciation, ‘and is sick in hospital.’
    ‘I know, sweetie. Pneumonia is pretty serious.’
    ‘I have to put my shoes on. Say hi to Poppy for me. I love you.’
    ‘Love you all the way to the sky and back again.’
    ‘Love you all the way to the sky and never back again.’ He went one better every time.

10
    A nya glanced around at the boats and snapped some pictures to show Ben. He loved all things water and everything nautical.
    She turned and saw her father. Instantly recognisable in sunglasses, striped polo shirt and knee-length shorts, he was more tanned and leaner than when she’d last seen him, a couple of months ago. It made his silver hair more distinguished.
    He stood, removed his glasses and smiled, creating the long dimple creases she had adored as a child. As they hugged, he held her tightly and kissed her head. Bob Reynolds had always been the most affectionate in the family, and through his work he had been known to embrace victims and sometimes even violent offenders.
    ‘Hey, kiddo, you looked as if you had the weight of the world on those shoulders, just then.’ He stepped back. ‘Everything okay back home?’
    ‘Just tired. Long day. Ben sends his love and a big hug.’
    Bob grinned. ‘I’m sending a giant one back at him.’
    Anya was thinking about Ben’s life compared to Emily and Mia’s. How lucky he was to have two loving parents, even if they didn’t live together.
    Bob looked out towards the eclectic collection of boats in dock. Sloops, schooners and maxi yachts bobbed amongst fishing trawlers and traditional wooden boats.
    ‘Remember all the times we sat here watching the finish of the Sydney to Hobart?’
    The sounds of seagulls and metal clunking on masts always took her back to those times. The yacht race that began on Boxing Day was one of the world’s top ocean races and a highlight of childhood summers. It had been a welcome break from her grandmother’s farm.
    ‘Seeing them sail through the harbour was always special.’
    ‘And there I thought I had to bribe you to come, with the world’s best fish and chips.’
    Anya smiled. ‘There was that too.’ Her stomach gurgled at the mention of food.
    ‘I know just the place where we can sit, enjoy some unusual decor and indulge again.’
    It sounded perfect, although the decor had her intrigued. ‘Is Evelyn coming?’
    Her father usually stayed with his favourite cousin when he visited.
    ‘She’s sorry but she’s come down with some sort of virus. Hopefully it’s just a twenty-four-hour thing.’
    They walked in the breeze around to Hunter Street, to the old wharf. Anya savoured the salty air and turned to admire the view across to Mount Wellington.
    ‘Here we are,’ Bob announced, directing her attention to a wooden sign hanging above them, adorned with a skull and crossbones and reading The Drunken Admiral . ‘Sorry, they don’t have outside tables, but Evie says