Retribution by Dave O'Connor Page A

here.”
    As soon as Mary Anne had left Kat turned to Chase looking worried.
    “You’re doing just fine” said Chase.
    Glen Hanlon came straight through after entering and hearing that they were already here. He was a well-built man who had started to put on a bit of weight. His hair was all grey now, even a little white near the temples. His dark eyes searched out for his son.
    “Chase my boy. How good it is to see you.”
    Chase stood up with Kat and Chase stepped forward to offer out his hand but Glen simply ignored it and gave Chase a very much unexpected hug. “It’s so good to see you son” he repeated himself.
    They parted and Chase said “It’s great to see you too dad. This is Kat Holbrook. She’s stolen my heart.”
    Kat was not ready for that declaration and her bottom jaw just dropped.
    Glen stared at her and said “I can see how that could happen” and he smiled at Kat. That just added to her embarrassment.
    “She’s a fighter pilot Glen” informed Mary Anne.
    “Oh really” said Glen. “Well that’s interesting.”
     
     
     

Chapter 20. Nova Vista 1800, 3 June
    Mary Chernside opened the door in her sister’s apartment and could not believe her eyes. She had not seen that face in over seven years. She just stood there amazed.
    “Hello Mary” said the man with the deep voice. It echoed off the solid walls in the hallway. “Aren’t you going to invite me in?” asked Frank Mosely.
    “Oh of course Frank” said Mary recovering from the shock. “What are you doing here?”
    “Your sister invited me – for dinner, right?” He held out his hand holding the bottle of wine. “I come bearing gifts” he said and smiled.
    “Did she indeed?” asked Mary loud enough for her sister, Julie, to hear in the living room.
    “It’s all right isn’t it?” asked Frank a little nervously.
    “Of course it’s all right” said Julie as she came to meet him. She gave him a peck on the cheek, took the bottle and ushered him forth into the living room. She gave Mary a ‘don’t you start’ look as she passed her.
    “Tim’s still away?” asked Frank.
    “Yes, the last I heard was somewhere in the Alliance systems” replied Julie. But you know how it is, he could be anywhere. Isn’t that right Mary?” Mary nodded. “I might as well be a war widow?” continued Julie. “Hmm this should be good” she said eyeing the label of the wine bottle.
    “Here, I’ll do the honours” said Frank and he opened the bottle.
    “You know Frank, Mary’s just back herself. One week is all they have given her. Bloody Fleet.”
    “Stop that Julie” said Mary.
    “Oh it’s all right for you and Tim” said Julie to her sister. “You’re part of the machine. But it’s us hangers-on who suffer.”
    “I don’t think Frank wants to hear you whinge.”
    “Oh I understand. It must be hard” said Frank. “So how have you been keeping Mary? You’ve seen a lot of action by all accounts.”
    “Yes a little too much of late. Still I don’t want to complain.”
    “That’s your problem Mary. You don’t complain enough” said her sister.
    “Do you want me to help with the dinner Julie?” asked Mary.
    “No, no! I’ve got everything in hand. I’ll just go and check on the oven. You entertain Frank.”
    Mary was grateful for the reprieve. “So Frank what are you up to these days? Still the drug runner?”
    “Yes I’m still selling drugs” said Frank. He was long past caring whether people referred to him as a drug runner. As a salesman for a pharmaceutical company, it came with the territory. “And still doing too much travelling. A bit like you in that regard.”
    Mary nodded. “Do you ever ask yourself if you should stop?”
    “Often, nowadays. I miss having someone to share my life with.”
    Mary nodded. “It can get like that Frank.”
    “Which is why I like to get together with old friends. We’re still friends, aren’t we Mary?”
    Mary smiled. “Sure Frank.”
    “Good” he said and