Floodtide

by Judy Nunn

  'As I said, Dr McAllister, I don't wish to be intrusive, but I wondered whether you might like to make some comment.'

  'About my father, you mean?'

  Sally nodded. 'And perhaps your own plans? Just a brief statement I can quote on air?'

  She was probably pushing the envelope now, she thought, and she waited to be told to leave.

  'Don't you have a notebook or something? Shouldn't you write it down?'

  Sally dived a speedy hand into her jacket pocket.

  'My father founded this Institute. This Institute is the measure of his life's work, and I intend to continue that work . . .'

  Allie waited calmly, allowing the journalist time to scribble down her words, neither of them noticing the motionless figure at the top of the stairs.

  Jo's breath caught in her throat as she watched her daughter. The look in Allie's eyes was exactly that which Muzza had captured in Mike's portrait, even down to the touch of steely hardness. She was watching Mike himself, she thought.

  Allie gazed out at the dichotomy of Cockburn Sound, at the beauty of its waters, the sweep of its bay, and the smoke belching from the heavy industry on its shores to the south.

  'I intend to devote my life to the McAllister Research Institute and everything it stands for, just as my father did.'

  As she turned back to the journalist, whose head was still buried in her notebook, Allie caught sight of her mother, and her face broke into a cheeky grin. She gave Jo a wink, but the tone of her voice retained its edge.

  'Did you get that word for word?' she asked.

  'I most certainly did, Dr McAllister.' Sally looked up, about to say thank you, but she wasn't allowed the chance.

  'Good,' Allie said briskly. 'I wouldn't like to be misquoted.'

  Realising she was being dismissed, Sally beat a hasty retreat.

  When she'd gone, Jo and Allie shared a smile.

  'Did you like the act?' Allie said.

  'Very impressive. The new Dr McAllister.'

  'Yep. That's me.'

  'Wouldn't he be proud.'

  'I hope so.'

  They hugged, holding each other close, words unnecessary.

  Allie didn't need her to stay in Perth, Jo thought. Allie's future was predestined. And Mike would be with them both. He'd be here at the Institute where his work would continue, and he'd be up in the Pilbara, where it had all started.