Free Fatal Impact by Kathryn Fox Page B

don’t.’
    ‘Something happened on that cruise between you and Martin. Ben thought you were a family again. How confusing do you think this is for him?’
    It was confusing enough for the adults involved. Nita had been about to leave for England, and Martin wanted to separate. Then she’d received the news about having metastatic melanoma, with a very poor prognosis. Everything had changed.
    The waitress reappeared. Anya decided on hot rock salmon with wasabi for a main.
    ‘I’ll have the Yachties Seafood mixed grill,’ Bob said, ‘with a giant bowl of chips. We can share starters, bloody mary oysters and the chorizo entrees would be great. And some bread, too, thanks.’ The waitress cheerily retrieved the menus.
    ‘It’s a long way from the newspaper-wrapped fish and chips we used to have.’ Keen to change the subject, Anya glanced around and noticed a replica musket on the wall, complete with barnacles along the barrel and handle.
    Bob lowered his gaze to meet Anya’s. ‘What are you doing about Martin?’
    Reluctantly, she admitted, ‘Nita needs him now. More than–’
    ‘I get it. More than you do, because you’re healthy. But when are your needs going to be considered? It’s sad about Nita. Tragic, in fact, but do you think she wants to be in a pity relationship right now?’
    A waiter delivered a piping hot loaf of bread, on a tray with balsamic vinegar, sea salt and olive oil.
    Anya grasped the hot loaf. As she sliced through the crust, steam escaped from the soft centre. ‘It isn’t like that.’
    She cut a second piece for herself.
    ‘Let’s consider the options.’ Bob was used to negotiating and confronting violent offenders with the consequences of their crimes, with the hope of them taking responsibility for their actions. He dipped his bread in the oil, then vinegar, and sprinkled sea salt on top.
    ‘Even if he’s trying to be honourable, if Martin is waiting until she gets better before he leaves, then he’s living a lie. If he’s waiting until she dies, then he’s depriving her of the chance to find real love. If he doesn’t have the courage to leave her and never really wanted to, then he’s lying to you.’ He took a large bite.
    Anya felt a slight draught on her legs. ‘You never liked Martin. No matter how much he grows up, changes or how responsible he’s become, he’ll never be good enough in your and Mum’s eyes.’
    Bob finished chewing and swallowed. ‘I’ll concede that in the beginning, and through the divorce, I had my concerns about Martin. He was emotionally immature and when he threatened to take Ben away and deny you any access . . . Let’s just say that was unforgivable, even if it was cooked up by his lawyer.’
    Anya had to admit that was the lowest point in the relationship and the most hurtful thing Martin had done or said. But things had changed. Neither of them was the same person.
    ‘People do thoughtless things when they’re hurt. Remember you and Mum?’
    ‘I do, and it’s something I’ll always regret. Sometimes people are broken and you just can’t fix them. I tried with your mother. God knows I did.’ He paused and looked at a couple being seated across the room. ‘This isn’t about us, it’s about you. Anyone can see Martin is a great father to Ben. Realistically, when has he ever put your needs first?’
    The divorce occurred when Martin decided to leave his job nursing. They were living in England at the time, and Anya had to work full-time to pay the bills. When they separated, Martin was the stay-at-home parent, and the judge awarded him custody on that basis, to minimise disruption to Ben.
    ‘He wanted full custody to hurt you, and he got it.’
    ‘Dad, I’m always on call, my job doesn’t exactly lend itself to a stable home life.’ Between her locum pathology work with the department of forensic services, and part-time work at the sexual assault unit, her work hours were unpredictable enough. Rapes and murders didn’t