‘Dad!’ she went to him and gave him a hug. She needed it and it was comforting to be in his arms. He held her tight and then stood back, giving her that look that he took on when he was concerned about her. He couldn’t help himself. He was seventy, but still vital. His broad shoulders and tall stature showed no signs of diminishing, and his eyes sparkled. His grey hair was almost gone, but his smile never wavered.

‘How are you? It must have been rough up there,’ he asked.

Millie came through with Lizzie and she kicked and hankered for her grandfather.

‘Darling!’ he cried, holding out his hands for the baby. Millie handed her over.

‘You’ll have a packed week, Dad. Have you seen the casualty figures?’ Kelly asked.

He nodded. ‘Yes, I know. I’ve got plenty of students to help me. That’s why I popped in to see you. I’m on my way to the Penrith and Lakes now. I’ll keep you updated. Of course, the priority will be ruling out sabotage and human error, so bloods will be a priority; pretty standard stuff, really.’

‘Have you got time for coffee?’ she asked, walking to the kitchen. She needed another one before she set off for work.

‘Always,’ he said, following her, still carrying Lizzie.

‘I might have more of a role in this than I first thought,’ she said. ‘Looks like, due to the VIP on board, I might be involved in the investigation. Also, it’s being reported – unverified at the moment – that it might not have been an accident.’

Ted raised his eyebrows. He was experienced enough to appreciate a cool head when theories were thrown around in the press. ‘Well, they’ll be lucky to have you on board,’ he said.

She made him coffee and he sat down, resting Lizzie on his knee.

‘How’s Johnny?’ he asked. He always did.

She had her back to him and paused before answering.

‘He was a great help up there yesterday.’

‘I thought I saw him on the news. You two are a great partnership.’

He did this. And he did it well. She could never argue with his summary wisdom. She also couldn’t dictate his relationship with the father of his only grandchild.

‘It’s true, Dad, we work very well together,’ she agreed.

‘Just work?’ he asked.

She turned around and smiled at him. His eyes twinkled. ‘Dad, if there’s a reunion on the cards, you’ll be the first to know, but right now, I’ve got a helicopter crash taking all my time.’ It was a tad melodramatic but it sent a clear message for him to change the subject.

Chapter 21