Chapter 3.

AB Sarah Knowles, heading for her car, was the first to witness the accident. She watched in horror, frozen on the spot as a car, swerving erratically and at speed, hit Mike, throwing him into the air, then revved the engine and sped away. She heard the terrible bang, then she screamed loudly, turned and stumbled up the steps into NAVCOM, sobbing and wild-eyed. She yelled, "Captain Flynn, he's been hit by a car!" Steve Marshall, hearing the cries, came out of his office and caught Sarah by the shoulders. "Knowly! What's wrong?" He helped her into his office and sat her down.

"It's Captain Flynn, sir, there's been an accident, he's been hit by a car." Then she passed out.

Steve ran out of his office toward the door. He shouted to Lt. Darryl Smith – "Get an ambulance now! And for God's sake look after Knowly. Captain Flynn's been in an accident!"

Steve rushed down the stairs, and past the security gate. The security men, also witnessing the accident had already called police and ambulance, then tried to render what first aid they could. They knew not to move him. Steve only had eyes for the bloodied crumpled figure lying motionless on the ground.

Oh God don't be dead. You can't be dead. Steve pushed through the ring of onlookers and knelt beside his friend. He laid two fingers on Mike's neck. A pulse. Weak, but present. Mike opened his eyes.

"Kate…" he whispered, then his eyes closed.

"Mike. Stay with me, stay with me. We'll get you to hospital. Stay with me Mike. Stay with me mate." Steve saw the paramedics come toward him. He stood up and moved aside to let the paramedics treat their patient. He saw Mike's visor cap and briefcase broken open with papers scattered everywhere. Mechanically, Steve picked them up, stowing them as best he could. He turned toward NAVCOM and saw the police officer walking toward him. Seeing the cop take out his notebook, Steve took a deep breath and prepared himself for the inevitable questions.

He gave his name, rank, and address. He also gave Mike's name, address and next of kin. He said to the young constable, "Don't worry, I'll notify next of kin. His wife's at sea." In answer to the questions regarding the accident, Steve replied that he had neither seen nor heard it. The first he knew of it was when one of his sailors came yelling that there had been an accident.

"I'll need a statement from your sailor," said the constable. He looked in distaste at the media and news crews milling around, trying to outdo each other in getting a story; being the first to report it. Bloody vultures, he thought, then went with Steve to the guard house where the security officers who witnessed the accident were waiting to give their statements.

Steve looked back in time to see the ambulance depart the scene headed for the hospital. He turned back and saw the security officers, white-faced, talking to the police officers. Feeling that he could do no more there, he returned to NAVCOM. Lt Darryl Smith approached.

"I took Knowly over to the medical centre. She is being treated for shock. I'm waiting for them to call to tell me when I can take her home."

"Fine," Steve replied. He moved like an automaton toward his office, Darryl accompanying him. Around the building was a shocked silence; a collective holding of breath; as people tried to carry on, having heard the dreadful news. He turned to Darryl. "You're her Divisional officer. The police want her to give a statement. Go see the officers in the guardhouse and make a time for them to see her. Make sure you're with her, Darryl. And arrange some time off for her and any counselling she may need."

"Yes sir. Are you OK, sir?"

"No, I'm bloody not. Sorry, Lieutenant. Go see to Knowly, OK?" Steve sank into his chair. He buried his face in his hands, then picked up the phone.

"Get me Hammersley."