Both Dad and Little Eric were due to head off on the ferry this morning—Dad to go to Crawley Bay and work for the Americans, and Little Eric to go to Perth to see about joining the navy. With his experience on the ferry he hoped he might get into officer school. Commander Grant had said he’d put in a good word for him with the Australian naval authorities. Colonel Hurley had also given him a good reference. I would’ve too, if they’d asked me. It would be the best reference ever written in the history of references. It’s not every day someone jumps into a wild sea full of sharks to rescue you. ‘Is that you, Jack?’ called Mum from the bedroom. ‘Get the kettle on, will you. We won’t be a moment.’ Dad appeared first, wearing the only suit he owned—his wedding suit—and carrying an old suitcase. ‘Looks like it falls to you now, young man. No more skylarking, you hear,’ he said. ‘I’ll be back as soon as I can. I might be able to get away on some weekends, so I’ll hear everything there is to hear about you.
