Page 51 of Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt
‘Righto.’ Jack took a seat on the leather chair next to the dresser. ‘I just wanted to come and check on you. Are you doing all right?’
‘Yes, thank you, Jack.’ Ally gave him a weak smile.
‘Have you eaten? Or at least managed some water, or a cup of tea?’
Ally thought for a moment. ‘You know, actually, I haven’t.’
‘That might explain why you’re white as a sheet.’ She didn’t have the energy to explain the full implications of what she had learnt from the diary that afternoon. ‘Here, let me get the kettle on. You can make a start on this in the meantime.’ He tried to hand her an unopened bottle of Evian from the room’s fridge.
‘Thanks. Would you mind...?’ Ally nodded at the bottle.
‘Oh, sorry, of course.’ Jack unscrewed the top and Ally held the water in her spare hand. She took a deep glug.
‘That’s better. What’s everyone doing up there, by the way?’ she asked, looking to the ceiling.
‘To be honest, it’s a total ghost town. Everyone’s hunkered down reading. I haven’t even seen Mum this afternoon. She must be as engrossed as you are. All of us “spare parts” are just sort of milling around making awkward chit-chat, too embarrassed to ask any of the staff for anything!’
‘Jack, don’t be silly. You’re not spare parts at all. In fact, based on what I’ve just read, you’re all going to have very important roles to play in supporting my sisters.’
‘And you, of course.’ Jack smiled at her as he prepared the tea, and Ally’s heart fluttered like a teenage girl’s.
‘That’s very sweet of you, Jack, thank you. But honestly, I’m fine. I have this one.’ She glanced down at Bear.
‘Now, I’m no expert, but from what I remember about babies, they’re not traditionally the best conversationalists.’ Ally laughed. ‘You see, I reckon that you’re some sort of leader up there. The other girls look to you for guidance. But they’ve all got partners who they can moan and whine to when they close their cabin doors. You don’t have that luxury, just this little tyke to give you the runaround. So, basically, I wanted to say that...’ – he opened his arms out – ‘I’m here for ya.’
‘That’s really very sweet of you, Jack, thank you,’ Ally replied sincerely. He placed the tea on the dresser and returned the milk to the fridge. ‘Jack...’
‘Yes, Ally?’
‘I just wanted to say that...’ Bear spluttered and looked up at Ally. ‘Sorry, just give me one moment.’
‘Oh, sure, take your time.’ Ally removed Bear from her breast. She noted that Jack averted his eyes, which she thoughtwas sweet. She placed her son on the bed, and he gurgled contentedly. ‘You were saying?’
Ally blushed. ‘Oh, nothing.’ Jack nodded and looked down at the floor. Ally chastised herself, and attempted to quickly change the subject. ‘I haven’t even told you the biggest revelation from the diary.’ She went to pick up the pages from the dresser. ‘What was the name of the house in Ireland? The one in West Cork, where your mum’s coordinates led...’
‘Argideen House?’ Jack replied.
‘Yes. You remember that you traced it back to the name of Eszu?’
‘I do.’
‘Well, my father knew him. Quite well it seems.’
‘Interesting. What are the implications of that?’
‘I don’t have all the answers yet, but I’m getting there. Come to think of it, I really should go to Maia. That information will have affected her the most.’
‘May I ask why?’
‘Sorry, Jack. It’s not my story to tell.’
‘Of course. Tell you what, shall I look after the little nipper while you go and see your sister?’
‘Would you do that for me?’
‘Sure, no problem.’
‘Thank you, Jack. Feel free to take him somewhere else if you don’t want to stay in here. And if you get bored, then Ma should be about too.’ She grabbed her tea and made for the door.
